When you see a construction site while driving down the road do you ever think to yourself, “What if I got to decide what goes there?” This is the exact conversation that took place at the Design Jam for NMU’s Sustainability Hub for Innovation and Environment (SHINE).
On Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 6-8 p.m. in the Northern Center, SHINE hosted an event where students and local community members could come together to converse about fresh, new ways to add to NMU’s campus.
Due to recent events that happened over the last year, NMU now has an opportunity to add on to its already beautiful campus. With the plan to keep things as green and clean as possible, students and community members were able to brainstorm ideas for what should go into the space.
Some of the ideas include fairy gardens, a butterfly garden, clean trails that will be ADA friendly, a pavilion to host events, a sauna, and wildlife exhibits.
One idea that was discussed for a while was using the space for outdoor classrooms, giving environmental majors more to work with outside.
“This space gives me such hope for doing good work that could be inspiring, considering we live in such crazy times politically, environmentally, socially and economically,” said Assistant Vice President for Sustainability Jess Thompson.
Along with brainstorming ideas, participants shared their ideas within their groups and then presented them to the rest of the room with the hope that this would create new ideas and spark creativity among those present.
“The most important thing we can do right now is lean into community and collaborate working together to grow things together,” Thompson said.
Students and community members have been reaching out asking to be a part of this evolving process. With all of the students and locals participating, many new ideas are brewing.
“I really enjoyed this event, it showed how much Northern cares about their environment as well as their students being involved with what goes on around campus,” said student Emily Goodacre. “They made sure to get everyone’s opinion there and made sure everyone was included.”
One of Northern’s most advertised traits is being eco-friendly and as green as possible. With the space it has, NMU is going to do the best it can to keep that reputation going with new ideas from students and community members.
If you are looking to get involved in projects like this one, keep an eye out on the Hub for information and stay active in groups like SHINE and the Hoop House.
