Conservation

One of the highest goals of Whitworth University's Verbrugge Environmental Center is to steward carefully the natural resources and ecosystems of the site through conservation. Efforts at the VEC aim to preserve and enhance native-species diversity and abundance on the property, and to increase habitat connectivity within the property and across adjacent habitats. Restoration and preservation efforts focus on the riparian, forest and meadow habitats throughout the property. Careful attention is paid to minimizing the environmental impact of activities, including the development of research sites, trails, and buildings. Restrictions regarding property use will be adopted that specify approved and prohibited activities for key conservation, research or educational areas. As development of the site moves forward, the highest possible standards of sustainable building will be pursued, including material sourcing, construction techniques, and water and energy efficiency.