Opportunities for Involvement

Throughout the Urban Environmental Studies program Web site you can find opportunities for majors and non-majors to get involved and help promote environmental sustainability. Below we outline some of these on- and off-campus opportunities.

Opportunities at BSC

Courses – there is a diverse range of courses offered that are related to the environment. Follow the "major" and "minor" links at right for more about the required courses and other related courses that are offered.
Work with Faculty – Many faculty and students actively explore the natural world and our relationship to it through research, scholarly publication, and the creative arts. Browse through the faculty’s research interests and contact faculty members you may want to work with. You may be able to get course credit by contracting a course through our office of Interim and Contract Learning. Some professors offer paid research internships during the summers.
ACS Environmental Internships: Each year the Associated Colleges of the South provides funding for internships for our students. Interns help with the environmental studies program in various capacities. If you would like to apply for an internship, contact Jeanne Jackson (jjackson@bsc.edu, 226-4679).
Student Organizations: Several student organizations provide environmentally-related opportunities. Most notable are EnACT and the BSC Hunting Club.

Opportunities in the Birmingham Region

Stretching the nets

There are several locally-based institutions and organizations that take an active role in promoting ecological sustainability in the region and state. Many BSC students have worked with these organizations, and their doors are open to anyone wishing to volunteer their time. Paid internships are occasionally a possibility–if interested, contact Jeanne Jackson: jjackson@bsc.edu, 226-4679.

The Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is owned by Alabama’s Forever Wild Program and co-managed by Forever Wild, the Freshwater Land Trust, and a local community group named START (Society to Advance the Resources at Turkey Creek). The tract is managed as a nature preserve and thus hosts a number of passive recreational opportunities, including hiking and nature photography.
Alabama Environmental Council - The Alabama Environmental Council (AEC), is an educational and grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of Alabama’s natural environment and health. AEC works to build environmental awareness, promote the wise management of our natural resources, and ensure the protection of Alabama’s diverse natural heritage.
Alabama Rivers Alliance - The mission of the Alabama Rivers Alliance is to unite the citizens of Alabama to protect clean, healthy waters.
Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center - Located in Oak Mountain State Park, the AWRC is Alabama's oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center. More than 3,000 injured and orphaned wild creatures are cared for each year, including almost 2,000 birds representing more than 100 species. Volunteers are always welcomed.
Birmingham Audubon Society - BAS is dedicated to the conservation and greater knowledge of birds and other wildlife.
Camp McDowell Environmental Center - CMEC is the camp and conference center for the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Alabama. With a strong emphasis on environmental education since 1948, people of all faiths and backgrounds have used these facilities to rest, learn, grow, worship, and play. The Camp McDowell Environmental Center and Feathers in Focus (Raptor Program) provide outstanding environmental education for thousands of students every year. Each year CMEC recruits volunteers and counselors for their summer camp programs.
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center - Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is a 1,000-acre nature preserve in the heart of Birmingham dedicated to preservation, education, and recreation for everyone.
The Nature Conservancy - Alabama Chapter - The mission of TNC is to preserve the plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Since 1951, TNC has been working with communities, businesses, and citizens to protect nearly 117 million acres around the world.
Southern Environmental Center - Located on the BSC campus, the Southern Environmental Center (SEC) is the largest environmental educational facility in Alabama, handling up to 200 visitors at a time. In addition to its award-winning Interactive Museum and EcoScape Gardens, the SEC is also active in the community, often partnering with BSC students.
EnACT - EnACT is a student organization dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and stewardship. The group helps run the campus recycling program, sponsors guest speakers, and organizes outdoor outings and service activities.
Cahaba River Society - The Cahaba River Society (CRS) is Alabama’s largest watershed conservation organization and is recognized nationally for river stewardship. CRS’s success is due to its balanced, science-based, and inclusive approach. Their mission is to restore and protect the Cahaba River watershed, its rich diversity of life, and the quality of the drinking water that the river supplies to 25% of Alabama’s population. BSC students and alumni work with CRS to help it achieve its goals.
Associated Colleges of the South - BSC is a member of the Associated Colleges of the South, and is an active participant and leader in its Environmental Program. Faculty, students, and student organizations have received several grants from ACS’s Environmental Program. If you have an idea that needs funding, or want to know more about ACS’s program, please visit their webpage.
The Freshwater Land Trust - The Freshwater Land Trust's mission is the acquisition and stewardship of lands that enhance water quality and preserve open space in Jefferson County, AL, as part of the Jefferson County Greenways Program. FLT works to ensure that everyone wins: landowners, businesses, and communities alike. BSC students have worked with FLT on a variety of projects and internships.