Center For
Human and Environmental 
sustainability
Together, Sweet Briar College and our local community are working toward a more sustainable and resilient future for our campus and surrounding region.
Letter from the center director ❯
areas of focus

The Center for Human and Environmental Sustainability facilitates curriculum, research and community engagement activities that support improved environmental outcomes, economic development, equity and quality of life. As part of this, the Center facilitates integration between academic activities and the 2,840 acres of campus landscape and agricultural operations. Explore our primary areas of focus:

feature Resources

Since 2018, Sweet Briar has installed a 20-hive apiary, two vineyards, a 20-acre wildflower meadow for pollinator habitat and, most recently, a 26,000-square-foot greenhouse. See what's growing and thriving on campus:

meet the director

Lisa Powell

Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
Director of the Center for Human and Environmental Sustainability E | lpowell@sbc.edu    O | Guion Science Center | A102

letter from the director

Learn more about the Center director

center for sustainability news

The Sweet Briar Train Station

When Indiana Fletcher Williams was born in 1828, the golden age of steam locomotion hadn’t yet begun. Indiana was about a year old when the first steam engine was built in the United States, and, of course, it would be several years before trains really became the way to travel. Indiana and Daisy Williams regularly […]

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Virginia Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources holds fall retreat at Sweet Briar

Over the past few days, the Elston Inn and Conference Center has been the hub of important discussions around topics that relate to one aspect of Sweet Briar College’s vision. The Virginia Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources selected the College at the host for their annual fall retreat. The comfort of the […]

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Willits Food Systems Summer Fellows gain a bounty of experience

In 2018, Sweet Briar embarked on an ambitious plan to make agriculture and sustainability a cornerstone of the campus and student experience. By leveraging the unique resources of the College’s expansive campus, we have brought our agricultural lands back to life. These operations include a 20-hive apiary, two vineyards, a wildflower pollinator meadow and a […]

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Bringing Earth Day to life across campus

Update: See photos from the week’s events! Honoring and caring for our home — both Earth and our special 2,840 acres of it — has always held a prominent place in the collective heart of the Sweet Briar family. We know firsthand the power and peace that one gains from being immersed in a healthy, […]

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Get involved

Whether you are a student, community member, industry colleague or potential partner, we invite you become involved in our Center for Human and Environmental Sustainability. Your next step is simple! Enter your email address below and Lisa Powell will reach out to you personally.

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