On May 6, Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum was recognized for Outstanding Partnership in Community-Based Learning from the Alan E. Guskin Center for Community & Business Engagement at UW-Parkside.
The award specifically recognizes Hawthorn Hollow’s contributions to students in Physics, Geosciences and Health programs.
Community-Based Learning programs allow college students to gain experience in real world settings with outside organizations while they work towards graduation. Recently, UW-Parkside students have worked on restoration efforts around the South Branch of the Pike River, assisted with the Growing Healthy Program at Hawthorn Hollow’s Heritage Farmstead, and helped develop and deliver programming at the Heide Schoolyard Observatory.
Amy Garrigan, Community Engagement Manager at UW-Parkside, said the award recognizes “the varied and ongoing partnerships between Hawthorn Hollow and UW-Parkside faculty and staff over the years.
“We are very grateful that Hawthorn Hollow is a place where current students can extend their learning outside the classroom walls and we appreciate the time and expertise staff share with UW-Parkside faculty and students.”
Hawthorn Hollow Director TJ Leveque, a graduate of Parkside’s Geography program added: “Community-Based Learning really benefits everyone involved; giving us the opportunity to achieve more while helping students get hands-on, real world experience.”
Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is a 50+ acre nature preserve that is free to the public. Since it opened in 1967, Hawthorn Hollow has focused on education, offering field trip opportunities to local schools as well as adult and family classes and workshops in a wide variety of disciplines, from crafting to cooking. Hawthorn Hollow’s sister property, the Ozanne Outpost, has also become a popular event venue and conference center. Visit Hawthornhollow.org for more information about upcoming events and experiences