Earlham College has earned a trio of new certifications that strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability and reflect its dedication to hands-on learning and ecological stewardship.
By demonstrating leadership in fostering biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices on campus, the college has become Bee Campus USA certified by Bee City USA as well as earned Growing Home Certification through the Red-Tail Land Conservancy. Miller Farm has also been certified organic by the USDA.
“These are all things that further the environmental goals of Earlham,” said Jaime Coon, assistant professor of biology and environmental sustainability. “Certifications can do different things. They recognize the good work we’re already doing and hold us accountable to continue doing that work in the future. It’s also a great opportunity to market the College and showcase our values.”
Bee certification underscores Earlham’s efforts to create pollinator-friendly habitats. Initiatives such as the showcase pollinator garden, pollinator parks and native prairie restorations have contributed to this recognition.
The Growing Home Certification celebrates Earlham’s transformation of multiple outdoor spaces into wildlife-friendly habitats. From tallgrass prairies to rain gardens, students and faculty have collaborated to restore biodiversity.
“Having a native forest and adjacent prairies on campus is a rare resource,” said Melanie Kazenel, visiting assistant professor of quantitative plant ecology. “These certifications spread the word about the unique and precious wildlife habitats we’re cultivating.”
Miller Farm’s USDA Organic Certification, awarded through the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, marks a significant milestone. The farm, managed by Lucy Enge, also received the Real Organic Project’s add-on certification, ensuring the integrity of soil-grown and pasture-raised products under USDA organic.
“This certification is about accountability and outward-facing ideals,” Enge said.
“Today’s generation understands what certified organic means, and it’s an exciting opportunity for prospective and current students to see a certified organic farm in action. It’s a lot of paperwork and inspections, but it connects us to a larger network of certified farms.”
Students play a critical role in achieving and maintaining these certifications. From growing native plants to conducting ecological restoration projects, their involvement is essential.
“Students appreciate seeing their efforts come to life,” Jamey Pavey, director of Earlham’s Center for Environmental Leadership, said. “Planting seeds for the prairies early in the semester and watching their ‘plant babies’ thrive is a rewarding experience.”
Earlham’s commitment to sustainability aligns with its Quaker values. “Being certified organic feels like a reflection of who we are,” Enge said. “We’re not just Quaker on paper; we’re Quaker in practice.”
These certifications represent more than achievements — they symbolize Earlham’s dedication to environmental leadership, providing students with opportunities to gain practical skills and engage with the land.
As Coon noted, “this is all about getting students out to learn practical skills and have fun. It’s career discernment, ecological restoration and hands-on learning all in one.” ■