The University Libraries presents the third installment of its Carlson Conversations Lecture Series, “Native Plants in Urban Environments,” a lecture by Dr. Todd Crail, a University Distinguished Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Sciences, on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
The event is scheduled at 3 p.m. in the Carlson Library Main Event Space.
Crail is an ecologist and naturalist covering broad topics from non-game fish and mussels to landscape management. His focus is fostering undergraduate student engagement through field experiences — on campus and in the local community — to solve local environmental issues. He works to employ inquiry and project-based learning through informal classroom environments to maximize the student’s experience.
Greening UToledo Through Service (GUTS) is a student-led project that works to increase native plantings on UToledo Main Campus. Student employees convert turf to prairie, implement formal garden projects and support these efforts through greenhouse cultivation of plant material. Much of the work is facilitated through service-learning opportunities where students experience real-life applications of what they have covered in class.
In 2022-2023, GUTS facilitated 1000 student volunteer hours (600 for credit, 400 completely voluntary) to grow and plant approximately 12,000 native plant plugs.
