FARMINGTON – Five University of Maine Farmington students, who represent the university’s Green Campus Consortium, recently attended the third annual Maine State Summit on Climate Action at Bowdoin College.

Rachel Thompson, Megan Kerivan, Laura Lalemand, Zack Lopez and Aline Potvin participated in the Summit, which featured presentations by Maine energy experts, Beth Nagusky, adviser to the governor for energy independence, Ron Dyer, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and Matt Davis, representing Environment Maine.

Thompson and UMF Assistant Professor of Science and Science Education Grace Eason were featured speakers on a workshop panel that focused on campus sustainability actions.

Eason discussed the role of her environmental science as a tool for student involvement, while Thompson highlighted several university Green Campus Consortium initiatives, which began in the fall of 2005.

The university’s green campus projects include improvement of recycling/salvaging in residence halls, establishment of an organic garden, the renovation of the campus arboretum, promotion of a food waste composting program in the dining halls, creation of a Web site to coordinate carpooling among the UMF community and the completion of the university’s first-ever greenhouse gas audit.

“It was an extremely valuable conference where we all came away with so many great ideas for our Green Campus Consortium. One of the highlights for me was being able to speak on a panel with one of my professors. It was such a wonderful learning opportunity,” said Thompson.

The UMF Green Campus Consortium officially began in fall 2001 with a gathering of concerned faculty, staff, students, administrators and community members. In collaboration with other campus groups and UMF facilities management, the consortium promotes a range of activities that increase the environmental sustainability of the campus and community.

For more information, contact Eason at 778-7478 or geason@maine.edu.