Principle 6

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Principle 6: Integrate Cultural Heritage And Natural Resources

Although the one-room schoolhouse is not original to the EWU campus, landmark sites such as these could be enhanced with native plants, grasses, and forbs that would have originally been found on the Palouse and augment the historic sense of place. EWU should strengthen and expand partnerships with local and regional organizations engaged in inclusive sustainability efforts and ensure sustainability programming is culturally appropriate by partnering with students, staff, and faculty from various backgrounds.

Objectives and Strategies

  • “Eastern Washington University resides within the traditional homelands of the Spokane People and other tribes who area connected through their shared history of this region. This land holds their cultural DNA and it is their Ancestors who are here and bring forth the knowledge of this place – the knowledge that comes from the land. “ – EWU Landscape Acknowledgement
  • The Spokane tribe of Indians is a primary stakeholder, and will be consulted regarding significant changes to the land.
  • EWU will identify critical cultural heritage landscape sites for improved stewardship and understanding.
  • Historically significant areas associated with important events, individuals, and student groups will be enhanced for learning opportunities.

  • The Prairie Restoration project will continue to be a priority showcasing EWU’s commitment to stewardship, research, and outdoor recreation.
  • Invasive species will be removed from campus.

Cultural Heritage Stewardship

EWU’s campus has several historical features, buildings, and landscapes that create a sense of place and reinforce the campus identity. Examples include Showalter Hall, One Room School House, and the Arevalo Student Mall. Each is unique, and changes to the landscape require careful consideration.

Identify social factors including but not limited to the cultural significance of existing historic buildings and structures, objects and cultural landscapes, views to and from significant sites, site landmarks, and historically significant or unique trees.

New campus buildings that support specific cultural initiatives should incorporate landscape plantings that support and enhance the cultural industries and goals of the building.

For example, a building that promotes Native American cultural initiatives and programs could incorporate plantings that educate about Tribal Food Sovereignty.

Natural Resources

EWU boasts unique natural areas to the west of campus that create memorable settings and an invaluable educational, recreational, and environmental resource for the University. Where appropriate, integrate native plants that harmonize with natural and historic character and bring prairie elements into campus, enhancing plantings’ practical, educational, and aesthetic uses.

Remove invasive species, improve habitat, and maintain or enhance Palouse Prairie access. Trail systems through the prairie provide an opportunity to educate users (both the EWU campus and the greater community) about the importance of the natural areas and EWU’s stewardship. Ongoing research on the Palouse Prairie should inform the stewardship of this critical resource. Environmental Stewardship on campus could include curriculum development for in-class education, living laboratories on campus, and Office of Sustainability summer internship(s) focusing on core urban environmental issues. Limit construction in the prairie.

EWU Office of Sustainability
117 Showalter Hall,
Cheney, WA 99004
Contact
Erik Budsberg, Director of Sustainability
ebudsberg@ewu.edu
509.359.6476

The Office of Sustainability seeks to serve as a source of sustainability-focused initiatives, a central hub of information for sustainable practices at EWU, and to engage with community members to promote sustainability in the Inland Northwest.

Eastern Washington University resides within the traditional homelands of the Spokane People and other tribes who are connected through their shared history of this region.

This land holds their cultural DNA and it is their Ancestors who are here and bring forth the knowledge of this place—the knowledge that comes from the land.