Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 66.71
Liaison Christie-Joy Hartman
Submission Date Sept. 13, 2024

STARS v2.2

James Madison University
IN-49: Innovation C

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.50 / 0.50 Amanda Bodle
Program Manager
ISNW
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A Book for the 'Burg

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:

A Book for the 'Burg is a community-wide reading program launched in 2013 to engage our community in conversations around a thought-provoking theme related to sustainability. Community members are encouraged to explore the selected reading and attend a number of related events and activities.

 

A Book for the 'Burg is organized by the Institute for Stewardship of the Natural World at JMU, and community partners include JMU Libraries, Eastern Mennonite University, Massanutten Regional Library and the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. Additionally, a JMU graduate student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts with a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and matching funds from the ISNW presented programs as part of A Book for the ‘Burg in 2023. Together, the partners organized eleven events, with a total estimated attendance of over 420, and book displays at each partner library.

 

The program was based on the 1962 book Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, and explored birdsong, environmental awareness and action for a sustainable future. Programs included book discussions, a public presentation featuring research on sound ecology, (How Soundscapes Impact the Gray Catbird and their Avian Communities), an author talk by the President of the Rachel Carson Council, a documentary screening, an exhibit borrowed from the MSU Museum (Echoes of Silent Spring), a community event with a local apiary, and a musical performance.


Optional Fields

A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

Information provided and entered by Amanda Bodle, Program Manager, ISNW, January 25, 2024.


The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.