Office of Sustainability

The graduate certificate in Restoration Ecology within the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment prepares graduate students to understand and evaluate ecosystem restoration. The certificate entails 15 credit hours of online coursework ranging from human-wildlife conflicts to forest wetlands management. Students examine the critical realities of ecosystem damage and degradation while enhancing practical critical thinking and communication skills. Completion of the Restoration Ecology program leaves graduates prepared to work in natural resource management, forest and wildlife management, environmental sciences and consulting, or environmental education. Auburn University also offers one of the only online versions of the Restoration Ecology Graduate Certificate in the country.

The Watershed Science and Management minor, administered by the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, involves managing the availability, quantity, and quality of water. Many metropolitan areas and smaller cities rely on forested watersheds to yield high-quality drinking water supplies for their population. This minor supports well-trained and dedicated professionals that are knowledgeable in hydrology, climate, and water sciences. These professionals are needed to sustain our water supplies and ensure that this commodity is available to the United States and the world’s growing populations. The minor requires students to take courses that emphasize various aspects of watershed and landscape management and their effects on sustainable water quality and supply.

The Auburn University Water Resources Center (AUWRC) fosters collaboration and innovation among educators, students, and professionals to develop innovative research in water resources and water systems. The mission of the AUWRC is to “facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among AU faculty and staff on water-related research, outreach, and instruction; conduct innovative research to find practical solutions for current and future water issues and empower private citizens to become active stewards of water resources.” The EPA has given the AUWRC the distinction as a Center of Excellence for Watershed Management for its efforts to implement equitable water policy throughout Alabama.

Students for Clean Water exists to raise awareness and funds to eradicate the global water crisis through education, awareness, and fundraising. The funds raised by Students for Clean Water benefit Neverthirst, an international ministry bringing clean water to those who need it, in addition to Auburn-area and nationwide charities related to clean water. Students for Clean Water’s fundraising events include the Carry the Jerry 5k, the H2Bowl bowling tournament, benefit nights and concerts, and annual Water Week. Each of these events is open to all Auburn students and surrounding community members.

Dr. Eve Brantley, a Professor in the College of Agriculture, studies the intersections of watersheds and water quality with ethical stewardship and sustainability through a local and regional lens. Particularly, Dr. Brantley researches riparian buffer systems, stream enhancement assessments, and innovative stormwater management in the Southeast region. As an extension specialist in partnership with the ACES Water Program, she also works to facilitate watershed restoration and improvement and leads management workshops throughout the state for natural resource professionals and stakeholders, local developers and contractors, and elected officials.

Dr. Kelly D. Alley, an anthropologist in the College of Liberal Arts, explores successful wastewater reuse in India in her article “Parameters of Successful Wastewater Reuse in Urban India.” Water is essential for agriculture, industry, and human consumption in urban India. However, over the next half century, water availability during the dry season will continue to decline. Alley’s research examines the key parameters that enable successful wastewater reuse through four case studies. Alley’s research aims to increase the availability of water during the dry season in order to preserve northern India’s people, agriculture, and industry.