Category Archives: Urban ecology

Environmental Sociology class completes spring tasks

IPFW’s Dr. Sherrie Steiner and her Environmental Sociology students completed their initial investigation into industrial sites and environmental hazards in Blackford County, 50 miles south of Fort Wayne. They generated maps and made videos documenting their efforts.  Here is the link to one of their videos.

The ERC worked with the class to help them collect and depict spatial information using GIS. Here is an example of one of thier products!

Computer generated map of cumulative industrial legacy (1880 - 2015) with various colored markers dotting it and a legend on the bottom

“The mapping expertise that the university brings to this project are a tremendous benefit for the community,” said Dr. Indra Frank, the Hoosier Environmental Council’s environmental health project director.  “This will help us have a clearer picture of possible environmental hazards.” As professor Steiner noted, “This project has been collaboratively designed and implemented with our community partners,” said Sherrie Steiner, Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology at IPFW.  “I am hoping that this experience will strengthen a sense of civic responsibility and personal efficacy within students and among members of the community as pertains to environmental engagement.”

Earth Day at Eagle Marsh April 26 1-5

Our city’s largest Earth Day event. Celebrate Earth Day and Little river Wetland Project’s 25th anniversary. Booths showcasing the conservation work of local businesses and environmental groups, birds of prey from Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehab, presentations on nature topics, interactive nature education stations, children’s activities, and more. Come by the ERC display and say “Hi” or listen to my talk on the reptiles and amphibians of the area at 1:15. Lots of talks and activities all afternoon.

More info can be found at their website.

LRWP Earth Day 2013

River Summit II – April 8, 9 and 11

RiverSummit_2015River Summit II will be “part conference, part celebration” of the rivers and surrounding watershed of the Maumee
River and its principle tributaries, the St. Mary’s and St. Joseph Rivers.  The conference will bring professionals, politicians and the public together to explore water quality issues,  riverfront revitalization efforts, and recreational opportunities on our rivers.

April 8th

Kick-Off Social | Grand Wayne Center
 The evening of April 8th will be an opportunity for leaders in the region to hear about successes and new issues for water resources in our communities.

April 9th
River Summit Conference | Grand Wayne Center

A full day of information and education for residents and professionals alike. The focus for this day will be to better understand the current state of our river systems and the opportunities rivers offer for economic growth and community building.

April 11th
Family Day | Various Locations in Downtown Fort Wayne
The last day of the 2015 River Summit will be a family-focused day on and along the rivers. Families can gain first-hand experiences associated with numerous features our rivers have to offer.

The principal organizer of the event is Tri-State Watershed Alliance. Get more details and get registered!