The OACS 2011 Eco-Rolling Seminar

Fall Break: October 6-8th, 2011

Application deadline: Friday, September 30 at 5pm

Cost of the seminar for all Vanderbilt students is $75.00

(includes meals, accommodations and transportation)

Faculty cost: $240

• Subsidy available to American Studies Majors/Minors
• Contact Derrick Spires for more information derrick.r.spires@Vanderbilt.Edu

The Eco Rolling Seminar takes an in-depth look at the critical issue of the environment and energy through the lens of mountain top removal (mtr). Students will travel to Hindman, Kentucky in 3 vans. Accommodations are at the historic Hindman Settlement School, nestled in the Appalachian hills. The trip includes panel discussions, a tour of an active mountain top removal site by a coal company plus a bee hive reclamation site. You will wear beekeeper gear!

In addition there will be a visit to Robinson Forest. Robinson Forest is a research, education, and extension forest operated by the Department of Forestry at the University of Kentucky. The forest is surrounded by mtr sites which can be observed from a fire tower. Expect to do some hiking!!

Discussions will be devoted to community activism, bio diversity, “Ecological philosophy” and the current state of energy and energy alternatives.

The program also includes an evening of Appalachian music and dance by the band, Rich and the Poor Folks.

Featured seminar participants include:

Erik Reece. Reece is writer-in-residence at the University of Kentucky (Lexington) where he teaches environmental journalism, writing, and literature. Reece’s 2006 book Lost Mountain: A Year in the Vanishing Wilderness chronicles mountain top removal upon a mountain aptly called “Lost Mountain”. The book won the John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism

James Krupa, UK biology professor, is currently at work on a book with Erik Reece on Robinson Forest.

Tom Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald directs the Kentucky Resource Council (KRC). The KRC provides free legal assistance on environmental matters and pursuing environmental advocacy. His name is synonymous with environmental protection in Kentucky. Mr Fitzgerald is the recent recipient of the Heinz Award in the Environment for being the courageous advocate of those whose health is most at risk.

Tammy Horn. Horn is a professor of English and the NEH Chair of Appalachian Studies at Berea College. She is also the author of “Bees in America: How the Honey Bee Shaped a Nation,” published by University Press of Kentucky. Professor Horn is engaged in reforesting mined areas and installing beehives to provide a new vocation for inhabitants in the region.

International Coal Group (ICG). ICG is a leading producer of coal in Northern and Central Appalachia and the Illinois Basin.

Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KFTC). KFTC is a statewide grassroots organization working for
 a new balance of power and a just society.  KFTC uses direct action to challenge—and change—unfair political, economic and social systems.

Daymon Morgan. Morgan is a property owner and former president of KFTC. His mountain property is surrounded by extensive mountain top removal activity.

Vanderbilt participants:

Beth Conklin – Anthropology Department

Leslie Kirby – Psychology Department

David Wood – Philosophy Department

SPEAR

The Eco Rolling Seminar is sponsored by The Office of Active Citizenship and Service and the Office of the Dean of Students. Co-sponsored by American Studies and SPEAR.

For further information about the Eco Rolling Seminar contact Shaiya Baer: shaiya.baer@vanderbilt.edu or 615 429.5804