March 2024
"We believe in human-powered recreation and the sustainable benefits it provides."
WHY A CREATE A VISION? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Campus Outdoor Recreation Tour
Photo credit: "O.A.C." Kimberly Reynolds
Contributed by Kimberly Reynolds - Program Director, UVU Outdoor Adventure Center
Come and learn more about the Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) March 21st, 12:00-1:00 pm, the next stop on the Campus Sustainability Tour. The OAC (located in SL 216) strives to bring the outdoors to the UVU community by offering equipment rentals, adventures, and an indoor climbing wall.
On the tour we will educate participants on our outdoor equipment offerings, prices, and how to make a reservation. We believe in human-powered recreation and the sustainable benefits it provides. We rent quality equipment depending on the season. Currently our top rental items include skis (alpine, backcountry, Nordic), snowboards, and snowshoes. In the summer we rent rafts, kayaks, canoes, Stand Up Paddle boards, tents, sleeping bags, bikes, and more. Participants will be able to view our rentals and ask any questions.
We will talk about the various trips available this semester and those planned for the summer. Adventures are for all levels and allow participants the opportunity to experience nature through hiking, biking, climbing, canyoneering, rafting, and car camping. We welcome beginners and love sharing knowledge on how to engage in the outdoors while leaving a minimal impact. Leave No Trace is practiced on our adventures, and we will introduce the seven principles while you are visiting the shop.
The last stop will be a visit to The Project, our indoor climbing wall. The Project Climbing Wall is open to UVU students, staff, and faculty who have a membership to the Student Life and Wellness Center, as well as community members with a guest day pass. Climbs range from 5.5 – 5.12. Access to the climbing wall is FREE for students taking 10 or more credit hours and those with a paid gym membership.
We are excited to share more information about one of the best departments on campus! For more information visit our website at uvu.edu/oac
Academic and Career Opportunities
Photo credit: Utah Valley University
With the global increase in conversations - across all industries - about environmental sustainability, climate change, Corporate Social Responsibility, ESG, etc., UVU Sustainability works to foster sustainability literacy among students, preparing them for the workforce. Whether you are studying public health, accounting, earth science, or engineering, sustainability is not only relevant to your field, but understanding its significance may improve your job candidacy.
On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Utah Valley University will host the 3rd Annual Sustainability Summit in the Clarke Building (CB) 510/511. This annual event includes conversations about metropolitan planning, coalition-building, politics, natural resource management, scientific research, data and policy, community engagement, viewpoint diversity and diplomacy, global and local perspectives, education, business, markets, adaptation, innovation, resilience, values, and social connection. The Summit also includes a Campus Sustainability Tour where attendees will learn how UVU itself engages in sustainability efforts in campus energy efficiency, water conservation, air quality, and more. There will be plenty of opportunities throughout the day to network with others - so bring your friends or make some new connections.
The event is free to attend, and includes lunch. Please register at the link below so that we may plan food and better communicate about event logistics.
Hope to see you there!
Community - Orem Station Area Plan
Photo credit: Sarah Rasmussen Bateman
Text source: imagineorem.org/front-runner-station-area
Imagine Orem Station is a landmark initiative focusing on the future of our FrontRunner station area. Together, we have developed a vision and plan by listening for what residents, landowners, business leaders, and other stakeholders imagine and hope for, and an implementation strategy that charts a course toward realizing that vision at this key gateway in and out of our city.
The big question is this: What legacy do we want to create for future generations in this area? That answer becomes our vision.
A vision answers the question: “What do we want to become?” It’s important because it captures the long-term hopes of residents regarding the future Orem Station. It also becomes a guide for plans that follow, plans that respond to the vision by answering the follow-up question: “How do we get there?” An implementation strategy will be the next step in the process.
The State through UTA has invested heavily in the Frontrunner and the stations. Orem City has the opportunity to capitalize on that investment. It is a huge asset within the community, especially when thought of in conjunction with Utah Valley University.
PLAN OBJECTIVES:
Transportation
- Safe & convenient multimodal transportation; walkable station area village
- Connect to regional trails/amenities, including to Utah Lake
- Bike lanes & sidewalks
- Safe routes for buses and personal vehicles
- Meet parking needs with interior garages and on-street parking
Land Use
- Mixed-use village in Station Area with variety of housing options and walkable neighborhoods and destinations
- Beyond Station Area, preserve existing neighborhoods and light industrial
Public & Open Spaces
- Pedestrian plazas at both ends of the pedestrian bridge
- Train Station amenities for commuters
- Create an urban forest with street trees and green space between tracks and I-15
Spring Semester Calendar of Events
March
1 - Utah Legislature ends
5 - GRIT Garden Spring Seeding Event - 5:00-7:00 pm, Science Building (SB) 275
19 - Symposium on Environmental Humanities, with Terry Tempest Williams - 8:30 am-3:45 pm, Clarke Building (CB) 511
20 - Really Really Free Market - 10:00-3:00, Science Building Atrium (Office for Global Engagement)
21 - Campus Tour Series: OUTDOOR RECREATION - 12:00-12:50 p.m.
21-22 - Intermountain Sustainability Summit, Weber State University
April
9 - 3rd Annual UVU Sustainability Summit - 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Clarke Building (CB) 510-511
17 - Really Really Free Market - 10:00-3:00, Science Building Atrium (Office for Global Engagement)
Ongoing events at UVU:
National and Global
Mar 3 - World Wildlife Day | Mar 8 - Solar Appreciation Day (2nd Friday annually) | Mar 13 - Earth Overshoot Day for the USA | 14 - International Day of Action for Rivers | Mar 15 - World Consumer Rights Day | Mar 18 - Global Recycling Day | Mar 19 - Spring Equinox | Mar 20 - International Day of Happiness | Mar 21 - World Planting Day | Mar 21 - International Day of Forests | Mar 22 - World Water Day | Mar 23 - World Meteorological Day | Mar 30 - Earth Hour (last Saturday in March) - 8:30-9:30 p.m., local time | Apr 8 - Total Solar Eclipse (learn more at this link) | Apr 22 - Earth Day | Apr 27 - Arbor Day
In the News/Dashboard
Pedestrian Bridge : Average daily* crossings in February: ~1,554 (*school days only) {Source: udottraffic.utah.gov}