It would be hard to find a better example of a college working closely with its local community than Washington College’s Center for Environment & Society (CES). The CES, unlike many other remote, somewhat ivy-towered university environmental programs, has fully engaged in almost every impact study, river protection strategy, zoning debate, smart growth plan, and sustainable agriculture program since its creation in 1999. Using the sophisticated tools such as geographic information systems (GIS) that provide unique mapping of the region’s natural resources, the CES has become an invaluable resource for Kent County as it battles the negative impact of growth on both its land and water.
A significant amount of credit for CES’s impressive outreach effort must go to its soft-spoken director, Professor John Seidel. Dr. Seidel has not only actively encouraged his CES team to play an active role in the community, he has motivated them through his own non-stop volunteer activities, including his membership on the Chestertown Historic District Commission, providing technical assistance to the Town of Chestertown’s recent plastic bag debate, or, more recently, help create the Chester River Field Research Center at Chino Farms.
Dr. Seidel, one of the College’s primary leaders in defining future waterfront programs, highlights some of the current thinking of Washington College as it begins the long process of increasing its presence on the Chester River and in the town itself.
Chestertown Futures is a two-year project of the Chestertown Spy to provide a sustained community conversation on Chestertown’s future and aspirations through the unique voices of twenty-four members of the community representing all aspects of greater Chestertown. By design, these interviews are longer than most broadcast interviews to allow each participant ample time to express their views. It is therefore advisable to allow time for the YouTube video to load the interview fully before viewing, which may take up to three to five minutes.
Gren Whitman says
As president of Friends of Eastern Neck (NWR), I have worked closely for three years with several CES staff members.
They are uniformly helpful and creative in planning and carrying out such projects as oyster cultivation, beach clean-ups, plantings,living shorelines, various field trips, classes for children and adults, and planning. They are serious in their work, but mix fun and joy into everything.
Washington College’s Center for Environment and Society is a giant benefit to Chestertown and Kent County, and Dr. Seidel is the first to credit his superlative staff for its programs and successes, I am sure.
Keith Thompson says
I think John Seidel shows some forward thinking, big picture perspectives here. There are some good ideas on some things the riverfront project, enabled by tthe purchase of the marina, would entail (especially for those who can’t see beyond the marina). What strikes me as most important here is how the town’s proposed riverfront development plan ties in the two biggest economic resources for the town which are the river and the college.
John Seidel says
Gren, thank you for your kind words about the CES staff. Any organization is only as good as the people behind it, and we’re blessed with an incredibly talented team at the Center for Environment & Society.
Just to clarify, the Chester River Field Research Center (CFRC) was started by Harry Sears, Doug Gill, Jim Gruber and Evan Miles. They’re all still heavily involved, and with the College taking on CFRC, we’re just trying to add another dimension and provide longevity to the visionary work they started.
Chestertownie says
John Seidel for Mayor!
Carla Massoni says
Oh, the big picture! What a relief to hear a cogent thoughtful presentation of the long-range plans currently percolating in our community. By emphasizing the very things we have going for us: the history, the river, the academic community – and drawing on those strengths – we can build a future that preserves the best and welcomes the new. Thank you Spy for this ongoing series – and thank you John for your contributions to the college and the community.
eliott forman says
John should be in charge of oversite of whole waterfront which would inculde marina and armory. some ONE person has to be in charge we are very lucky to have some one like john and his team.