We put Bard’s dedication to the environment, science, and social change into practice to support the fair management of our shared natural resources. We solve problems using tools that span academic disciplines. We conduct quantitative research in the natural and social sciences, create art, craft communication, participate in policy making, and bridge academic inquiry with community need. In doing our work, we strive to shift the understanding of “environment” to include humans and the urban ecosystem. And we recognize that real solutions to environmental issues must acknowledge the barriers that race, class, and gender inequities present to the cultural shifts required to make real change.
South Twin Lake Biodiversity Assessment
Bard College and Hudsonia recently concluded a water quality and biodiversity assessment of South Twin Lake in New York’s Columbia County. Lakes and ponds are important as scenery and for their recreational amenities; they also make important contributions to biological diversity. Understanding the water quality and the kinds of organisms living in these water bodies allows an assessment of their condition as well as potential management actions.
Research Spotlight
Antibiotic Pollution in the Environment
The ability to fight bacterial infections with antibiotics has been a longstanding cornerstone of modern medicine. However, widespread overuse and misuse of antibiotics has led to unintended consequences, which in turn require large-scale changes of policy for mitigation.
Community Science
Watersheds connect people in multiple communities through a shared interest in water. Water doesn’t respect municipal boundaries, so watershed protection encourages water users to form partnerships—not only among towns and villages but also with colleges and universities.
