A person becomes more wise when they integrate knowledge with experience to produce deep understanding. Ecoregional wisdom pairs one’s ecological knowledge with their direct experience of a place. It recognizes that regional ecosystems strongly influence communities by shaping local cultures, economies, and shared identities. By establishing this goal, the University Sustainability Council aims to cultivate opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to relate to, connect with, and care for Maryland’s ecosystems and heritage.
Central to this work is learning from historical environmental stewardship across our region. This includes honoring the history, culture, and legacy of the Piscataway people, on whose ancestral lands our campus rests, while centering the ecological knowledge, foodways, and stories of Native American and African American communities throughout Maryland. Through curated reflection spaces, art, and hands-on learning, Terps are invited to explore these connections and deepen their sense of place.
Measuring our Progress
A new dashboard is being built to track our progress toward this goal and will be available in fall 2027. In the meantime, explore our past metrics below to see how our current work builds on previous progress.
Books for Further Exploring
Not sure where to start? These recommended books aim to supplement on-campus learning by broadening perspectives about this goal area, sparking creative thinking, and inspiring conversations about how we can work together to apply these lessons to our campus.
