Environment News

JMU Faculty Debut Seasonal Radio Program

Shenandoah Valley Ever Green is a seasonal radio program that seeks to illuminate the natural systems at work in the world around us, and to tell about the people who support these systems. During each episode, listeners will hear ideas about getting outside and connecting to Nature. Episodes will also describe actions that individuals can take to help sustain the health of the local environment.

Shenandoah Valley Ever Green Executive Producers/Editors are JMU faculty Ryan Alessi and Dr. Tim Thomas.

Meet the alumnus behind JMU’s newest ASB program

In this episode of the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement's Democracy Matters, recorded live as part of Global Climate Change Week, James Madison University professors Dr. Carole Nash (Integrated Science and Technology), Dr. Tobias Gerken (Integrated Science and Technology) and Dr. Greg Wrenn (English) talk about the urgent changes that need to happen at the systemic level and impactful ways individuals can contribute to addressing climate change.

Above left: James Short, class of 2019, Integrated Science and Technology Major, describes a class project working with Virginia Clean Cities, a nonprofit that advocates for clean transportation.

Above right: Mallory Burrell, M.F.A. candidate in the School of Art, Design and Art History, uses her art to shed light on the impact of human activities on the environment.

Latest Headlines

Professor, students to garden on Earth Day with local elementary school

Geography professor Amy Goodall and her students will celebrate 10 years of gardening at Keister Elementary School on Earth Day.
Duke Hall Gallery awarded prestigious international grant

The Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art has recently been awarded a grant to support the exhibition Both Sides of the River (January 31 - March 18, 2023).
JMU researcher finds common motivation for saving endangered species

On Endangered Species Day, research by James Madison University professor Jennifer Byrne is shedding light on the reasons why people volunteer to help animals.
Project GO Annual Meeting at JMU

The JMU program emphasizes Swahili language learning and cross-cultural communication skills while building expertise regarding human-environment interactions (HEI) in East Africa.
JMU's edible food forest offers unique and innovative learning opportunities

JMU Edible Food Forest Garden (EFG) is a step toward improving biodiversity and thinking about local food production.
Democracy Matters - Climate Action Now

What are the most impactful solutions to climate change?
JMU Climate Change Experts

As the UN Climte Conference meets Oct. 31-Nov. 12 in Glasgow, Scotland, these JMU experts can speak to various topics around climate change.
Tree Planting at JMU Edible Forest Garden

On Friday, Oct. 15, students and volunteers from James Madison University will dig in to plant fruit trees and shrubs as part of the JMU Edible Forest Garden.
Rethinking Environmental Legislation

Independent Scholars student Erin Quinn (’22) pursues major that combines interests in environment, politics, economics, and law
Chesapeake Bay, sea turtles could benefit from engineering projects

Second-year engineering students have designed a buoy this year to provide some low-cost solutions for protecting the environment.
JMU researchers zero in on solution for managing invasive tegu lizards

The research shows for the first time that female tegus follow male scent trails during mating season.
Bees, butterflies and things that sprout can teach valuable lessons at home

Among the lessons gardens teach, Goodall said, are plant life cycles and the benefits of pollinators like bees and butterflies.
JMU places first at national collegiate wind energy competition

A virtual format for a national wind energy competition didn’t stop James Madison University students from excelling once again.
Pandemic punctuates importance of environment on 50th Earth Day

On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, several JMU faculty members say the world’s experience with COVID-19 emphasizes the importance of environmental awareness.
Planting the Seeds

MLS star CJ Sapong's ('10) foundation empowers underserved communities through nutrition, education and community building.
The future of wind and solar

Remy Pangle (’99) leads initiative to advance K-12 sustainable energy education across Virginia
JMU program gets $1.84 million to address air pollution

Virginia Clean Cities at James Madison University has received a $1.84 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Professor develops course for sustainable peace

Ed Brantmeier, professor of education, developed an undergraduate introductory course aimed at sustainable peace.
JMU professor, proponent of Waynesboro museum, gets Governor's appointment

Carole Nash, a professor of ISATand a proponent of locating a branch of the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Waynesboro, has been appointed.
JMU named a bicycle friendly university

The League of American Bicyclists gave JMU a bronze award in recognition of promoting safe and accessible bicycling on campus.
JMU students dig into 2.6 million years of Earth's climate history

Sediment cores drilled from ocean floors tell stories just like pages in a book, stories that include a geologic accounting of Earth’s climate
Expanding the Role of Sustainability Leadership

Expanding the Role of Sustainability Leadership
Honey Bees Found in Harrisonburg Hall Prove JMU is "Bee Friendly"

JMU supports honey bees, even when they come to class.
Unearthing the Past: Carole Nash and CISE students

Students, alumni and a professor of integrated science and engineering perform mitigation on land soon to be a parking lot.
Research suggests oysters have a thing about personal space

Madison Trust has enabled a graduate student and her professor to research the optimum living conditions for oysters.
Water quality research brings educational opportunities to a community

Dr. Benzing’s research focuses on water quality and habitat restoration, most notably in the City of Waynesboro’s South River, which became contaminated with mercury ...
How does your garden grow?

The idea for establishing a grade school garden began with Dr. Amy Goodall's desire to complete an island biogeography study of butterflies in an urban setting.
Environmental literature closes gap between science and liberal arts

As far back as I can remember my favorite writers have been those writing about outside and the natural world.
One Book, One Harrisonburg

In collaboration with the MC and others, the OESS hosted multiple events centered on the theme of sustainability and ethical reasoning via the inaugural Book for the 'Burg program.