Regional Education Program in Sustainable Land Reclamation Management in Central Appalachia

_{Left figure shows WVU students on coal mine field trip. Middle figure shows energy crop – Miscanthus. Right figure shows WVU students on Reclaimed land field trip. All three photos are provided by Dr. Jeff Skousen.}

This sustainable land reclamation education program is supported by the USDA NIFA Higher Education Challenge Grants Program (Competitive Grant No. 2018-70003-27650). It is an educational certificate/minor-bearing initiative focusing on sustainable land reclamation management in Appalachia. The goal is to educate a new generation of workforce, so they are prepared to lead sustainable land reclamation management efforts in central Appalachia. The specific objectives are to (1) advance a 2+2 program certificate/minor to integrate students’ learning in a multidisciplinary issue that is land reclamation, by combining environmental sciences, social sciences, recreation, as well as sustainable forest resources management; (2) enhance undergraduates’ learning skills through online courses, hands-on research and field trip activities; and (3) develop partnerships with two-year colleges, industries, government agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs). The team aims to impact the Appalachian region by enhancing the number and diversity of undergraduate students pursuing a university degree, and by increasing employment opportunities for students through industry partnerships.

While West Virginia University ( Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, Division of Plant and Soil Sciences) leads the effort, two partner academic institutions also participate: Hocking College in Ohio, and Allegany College of Maryland. Additionally, an advisory board offers advice, assistance, and dynamic perspectives.