A Day of Inspiration and Collaboration: Reflections on the WAHESC Annual Meetup at UW
On Wednesday, August 28th, I made the drive from Olympia to Seattle, eagerly anticipating the annual Washington Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WAHESC) meetup. A part of WOHESC‘s Washington side. As someone deeply involved in sustainability efforts at Evergreen State College, this gathering was more than just a networking opportunity—it was a chance to reconnect, share ideas, and find inspiration among a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to climate action and sustainability.
A Walk Through UW: Integrating Nature, Humanity, and Urban Spaces
After gathering, our day began with a walk-and-talk tour around the University of Washington campus, where we explored how this urban institution works to integrate nature and human development. One of the most memorable spots was a secluded area that Daimon, UW Sustainability’s Communications Coordinator, referred to as a “secret garden.” Tucked away from the bustling urban environment of Seattle, this quiet space felt like stepping into another world—a peaceful retreat where nature reclaims its place among the cityscape. Walking through hidden branches, we entered this serene spot, and it was easy to see why it’s a favorite among those who seek a moment of calm in their busy lives.
As we continued our tour, Daimon shared a touching anecdote about the campus’s iconic fountain. Every spring, mama ducks lead their ducklings to the fountain, but the little ones often struggle to climb out on their own. In response, the university installs a ramp each year to help the ducklings safely exit the water. This simple yet thoughtful solution perfectly encapsulates UW’s approach to sustainability: using human ingenuity and technology to address caused issues and strive to coexist harmoniously with the natural world.
Another highlight of the tour was our visit to a building designed with biophilic principles—a concept I was newly introduced to. Biophilic design focuses on enhancing the natural aspects of a space rather than hiding them. The building’s wooden interior, with its visible textures and natural elements, stood as a testament to this philosophy. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of bringing nature into our built environments, not just as an aesthetic choice, but as a way to foster well-being and connection to the natural world.
Inspiring Conversations and Collaborative Exchanges
The tour wasn’t just about exploring the campus; it was about the conversations that took place along the way. I had the opportunity to speak with Danny, the director of UW’s Campus Sustainability Fund (similar to our own Clean Energy Committee), about the challenges and successes we’ve both encountered in our roles. As two individuals that recently entered into leadership positions in sustainability, it was incredibly validating to hear about the similar hurdles we’ve faced and the strategies we’ve used to overcome them.
These conversations highlighted the collaborative spirit of WAHESC. One particularly exciting moment was when I shared an idea for the Greener Project database that we’ve been developing at Evergreen. To my surprise, this concept sparked interest among other attendees, leading to discussions about creating a shared online tools library for WAHESC members. This collective resource could serve as a repository for sustainability projects, educational tools, and engagement activities, accessible to all participating institutions.
The idea of student engagement was another recurring theme throughout the day. We exchanged strategies on how to better involve students in sustainability efforts, with one standout example coming from Bellevue College, where students participated in a mountain biking tour of a wind turbine farm. This kind of hands-on, experiential learning is something we’re excited to explore further at Evergreen, inspired by the innovative approaches shared at this meetup. And now CCAS hops to lead a similar trip with Evergreen’s SWS and TOP program.
A Legacy of Sustainability: The Medicinal Garden and Indigenous Stewardship
Our tour also took us to a historic medicinal garden, a living relic from the UW medical school’s early days. While modern medicine has evolved, this garden remains a powerful symbol of the university’s roots and its ongoing commitment to sustainability. The garden not only preserves the history of medicinal plants but also ties into the broader theme of indigenous stewardship, highlighting the deep connections between traditional knowledge, ecological restoration, and contemporary sustainability efforts.
This area of campus is also a spot of student activity, with numerous projects focused on ecological restoration. It was inspiring to see how students are actively contributing to sustainability efforts, working on projects that honor both the past and the future. One particularly charming detail was learning that herons nest in this area, fishing in nearby waters and adding to the sense of a campus that truly lives in harmony with its natural surroundings.
Reflections and Looking Forward
As I drove back to Olympia, I couldn’t help but feel invigorated by the day’s events. Summer can be a quiet and sometimes isolating time at Evergreen, but this meetup was a reminder of the vibrant, supportive larger community in higher education we’re part of. It was also a powerful affirmation that no one institution has all the answers when it comes to sustainability—we’re all learning and growing together, finding new ways to integrate nature, technology, and human ingenuity in our efforts to build a better future.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue working on the online tools library and exploring new student engagement strategies inspired by our WAHESC peers. This meetup has renewed my commitment to sustainability and reminded me of the incredible potential that exists when we come together, share ideas, and support one another in our collective journey toward a more sustainable world.
Call to Action
I encourage everyone reading this to get involved in sustainability efforts at your own institutions or in your communities. Whether it’s through small everyday actions or larger initiatives, each contribution helps build a better future for all. Follow along with our work at the Climate Center, and consider joining us this upcoming WOHESC conference March 5-7th—you never know what inspiration you might find!