The Environmental Cooperative works to strengthen place-based awareness of nature in the Hudson Valley. We work with the College, the Preserve, the City of Poughkeepsie, and local community-based organizations to connect people with the outdoors. By supporting conservation efforts and facilitating youth programs, we strive to inspire deeper engagement in the natural world while fostering a mindset of environmental stewardship.
What is it? A blue daisy…or a blue dandelion? Actually, it is a perennial herbaceous plant called chicory. Photo: Ellie Opdahl You can help! Students collect seeds from wildflowers growing at the preserve, keeping our seed source local and sustainable. Interested in getting involved? Visit the Volunteers page. Photo: Ellie OpdahlWhat do you see? Notice how this American toad uses its coloration to camouflage itself among some leaves? Photo: Taylor CrowlWhat is it? Common milkweed, found in abundance on the Vassar Farm, supports many pollinator species and is an important food source for the monarch butterfly caterpillar. Photo: Taylor CrowlJoin the fun! The photo booth at our Urban Wilderness Festival featured animal masks and fun props to pose with. Photo: Tim BoycottYou can help! The Environmental Cooperative and the Vassar Sustainability Office joined forces to plant a native wildflower patch. Photo: Ellie OpdahlWhat is it? Solidago, commonly called goldenrod, flowers on the preserve in the late fall. Photo: Ellie OpdahlLearn something new! At a nature illustration workshop, participants learn how to draw natural objects. Photo: Ellie OpdahlGet your feet wet! As part of our Healthy Waters Initiative, the cooperative aims to connect people to the water around them.What do you see? Winterberry, a native shrub species found on the preserve, provides food for birds in the winter.
Our Work with the Preserve at Vassar
In 1976, Vassar adopted a mixed-use plan prioritizing education and research on over 500 acres of what is now the Preserve at Vassar. This land functions as a field station for research and an open space for recreation and experiential learning. The Environmental Cooperative is an outreach initiative of Vassar College located on the Preserve. We work to bring more people to the Preserve for structured education programs while facilitating Vassar student engagement in conservation efforts off-campus.
