The natural resources program at Oregon State University - Cascades Campus invites community members to participate in a course that addresses the interrelationships between social, political, economic, and ecological systems, and the balance of those systems within a community.

Faculty from multiple academic disciplines, including business, liberal arts, natural resources, tourism and outdoor leadership, and human development and family sciences, will teach the course alongside experts from the community including Bruce Sullivan of Earth Advantage, Tucker Roberti of PV Powered, and Kate Fitzpatrick of the Deschutes River Conservancy.  Multiple perspectives will broaden participants’ understanding of concepts of sustainability and sustainable communities.

The course will be led by Matt Shinderman of OSU-Cascades’ natural resources program.  Shinderman received a Ph.D. from Colorado State University and serves on the board of directors of Bend 2030 and is a committee member for the Deschutes County Deschutes River Mitigation and Enhancement Program.  He teaches courses at OSU-Cascades ranging from endangered species ecology to environmental politics and policy.  

The sustainable communities course will meet Tuesday and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:20 pm. beginning January 4.

The cost for community members is $260, with no grade or academic credit given at the conclusion of the course.  For registration information, e-mail info@osucascades.edu or call 541-322-3100.