The Cooper Center for Environmental Learning (Cooper Center), an outreach program of the College of Education, provides memorable experiences in the Sonoran Desert to learners of all ages. It focuses on key ecological understandings through immersive programs that build strong positive emotional connections between participants and the natural world, with a goal of inspiring each person to live more lightly and sustainably on our planet. More than 140,000 people have participated in its programs since 1964, and more than 5,000 people visit Cooper each year.
In order for Cooper Center to become a more widely used resource at UArizona, they propose to host an Open House. This event will be promoted widely across campus, knowing that sustainability is an interdisciplinary topic that can be found in courses and programs in almost every college and department on campus. In addition to providing the opportunity for guests to experience Cooper Center, the other main attraction of the event would be well-renowned guest speakers, live music, and food.
The primary impact of this project is to increase access to educational opportunities that are connected to the outdoors and our Sonoran Desert, create a sense of community around the shared goal of a more sustainable campus, and new usage of Cooper Center by University students, faculty, and staff, extending its benefits beyond the event itself.
Over 200 people attended the Open House and enjoyed a vegan dinner catered by Mid-Town Vegan Deli on Earth Day, 2023. 11 local organizations tabled and provided educational resources and networking opportunities for attendees. Guest speaker, Earyn McGee (The Afroherper), spoke about local herpetology and her experience at the University of Arizona.
