Engaging “Service” in the Region: Environmental Justice and Conservation

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Anna Stewart, Kat Peters

College

Other

Discipline(s)

Environmental Studies, Service

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-30-2026

Abstract

In March 2026, ten Valparaiso University students participated in the Northwest Indiana and Chicago Spring Break Service Trip, exploring issues of racial and environmental justice.   Students learned about the economics and the environment in our region–from industry and company towns and air quality; to national parks and indigenous communities and conservation; to local food systems and food deserts. One theme that emerged was that even though society's structures might create precarious conditions for communities and the environment, groups can come together to help protect vulnerable people and the natural world. In other words, our service matters, as does our attention to the systems and structures that make such service necessary. This oral presentation will describe environmental justice and conservation activities on this spring break service trip, including installing air quality monitors, removing invasive species, and strengthening food systems in our region. Presenters will discuss the service performed, as well as the impacts on their own thinking and future plans.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

  • Ethan Mason is a second year Meteorology and Math major from LaGrange, Illinois.

  • Hailey Morse is a third year Meterology major and Geography minor, and Christ College student, from Corning, New York.

  • Eleanor Sun is a second year Psychology major from Willowbrook, Illinois. 

  • Jack Hull is a second year Geography major from Western Spring, Illinois.

  • Megan Goff is a second year Environmental Engineering major from Griffith, Indiana.

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