In spring of 2024, nine scholars from Graduate Student Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Partners (GradCAMP) – a climate equity focused graduate program – convened at Rutgers University for their first in-person meeting.
Previously, the scholars met virtually over the year-long program, where they collectively explored climate equity issues in relation to their own graduate work. During the two-day meeting, scholars connected over their shared interests in climate equity and climate adaptation and mitigation on working lands and waters in the Northeast. Representatives from the Northeast Climate Hub and West Virginia University facilitated activities for the scholars to learn from each other, as well as professionals in the field and local climate equity efforts. Through GradCAMP, scholars receive training in environmental stewardship and climate equity.
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The scholars’ research represents diverse interests in the Northeast – from sustainable farming and soil carbon to water policy and climate-smart forestry.
While presenting their graduate projects, the scholars drew connections across their work. Together, they developed factsheets which organized research and resources related to working lands in the Northeast. Students also had the opportunity to learn from professionals working in climate equity. Olivia Glenn, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor for Equity for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Nathan Kleinman, Founder of the Experimental Farm Network, and Elizabeth Moss, Extension Associate at West Virginia State University, joined the students for a career panel. The panelists shared their journeys to their current position, advice for navigating climate policy and engaging with diverse groups, and their words of wisdom.
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Finally, scholars explored local community gardens and a farm.
Close to campus, the Rutgers Student Farm functions as an outdoor classroom for students and local food source for the community. Alex Sawatzky, farm manager, described their methods of weed management, crop rotations, and food distribution system. The following day, the scholars departed campus for Newark, NJ. Starting at Rabbit Hole Farm a medicinal garden and sanctuary crafted out of an abandoned lot. Owner and gardener, Keven Porter invites local school groups to the space to craft, rest, and work. The drying hut nestled within the garden preserves the plants for multiple uses, including distribution to the Garden of Hope – the scholars final visit. Established by the nonprofit, Newark Science and Sustainability, the Garden of Hope is a community gathering space. Founder and Managing Director, Tobias Fox, and his team of volunteers constructed a hydroponic greenhouse to support year-round food production. The garden will also be the future site for a café and farmstand for community meetings and programming.
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For many of these scholars, this was their first experience exploring urban gardens and an urban farm, and seeing climate adaptation and mitigation efforts simultaneous with advancing climate equity and justice.
Through GradCAMP, students are provided the opportunity to connect across the region, build their network, learn from diverse perspectives, and grow their careers in climate adaptation and mitigation. A new student cohort will join the GradCAMP program in 2025. If you know any graduate students interested in taking part in this year-long program, please contact Jorge Vera at jvera@wvstateu.edu.