Thomas Klak's environmental studies class returns from trip to Dominica

Students in Dr. Thomas Klak’s environmental studies class ENV 376 β€œCaribbean Sustainable Development” recently returned from a two-week trip to Dominica, where they experienced first-hand the challenges of – and progress toward β€” sustainable development in the self-proclaimed "Nature Island."

The class, which also fulfills ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ’s Citizenship core requirements, included classroom studies during the fall semester.  During their time in Dominica, students explored tropical island ecosystems, engaged with Dominican partners who are working to achieve sustainable development, and participated in hands-on development projects.

Some of their experiences included working on a fair trade banana farm and learning about Dominica’s economic mainstay crop; visiting a beach where sea turtles lay their eggs; hiking to the world’s only Boiling Lake; and bird-watching for the beautiful Imperial Parrot, Dominica’s national bird and an endangered species.  Students also taught about environmental protection at a local schools and connected with pen pals, with whom they had corresponded during the fall. 

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The ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.