by Brad Hirsh

Gunston’s idyllic location on the Corsica River has always ensured that the Chesapeake Bay, the environment, and sustainability are part of the school’s educational DNA, but there have been significant inflection points in the school’s history when our curriculum has become even more entwined with the environment. In the 1990s, Gunston committed to the Bay Studies program. In the 2010s, the school began to push to become an even more prominent leader in the sustainability field as we developed our Environmental Strategic Plan. As part of that plan, we applied for, and received, a grant from the EE Ford Foundation. This grant provided the resources to establish the Chesapeake Watershed Semester. Last year, we applied for, and once again received, a $100,000 matching grant from the EE Ford Foundation. This past fall, Gunston’s Bull & Oyster Roast was dedicated to this endeavor, and we successfully raised the matching funds, bringing the total investment to $200,000. Like with the first grant, this moment is where the real work and fun begin: planning and executing the next steps in making Gunston a leader in the educational sustainability world. With these funds, we are looking to act on an even broader vision: to establish the Environmental Scholars Fund and create a dynamic outdoor learning environment that benefits our current and future students.

The initial EE Ford grant allowed us to invest in classroom spaces, curriculum development, and modern scientific equipment that enabled students to conduct hands-on research and engage in experiential learning. Through the Chesapeake Watershed Semester (CWS), we saw a remarkable increase in student interest in environmental science and the cultural history of the Chesapeake Bay, with many CWS graduates pursuing advanced studies and careers in related fields, such as marine biology and environmental law. Witnessing this profound impact, we recognized the need to expand our efforts and nourish and expand a sustainable, long-term program. One of the goals of the  recent EE Ford grant was establishing the Environmental Scholars Fund, a fund that will ensure the continued growth and accessibility of our environmental education initiatives, such as CWS and Bay Studies. The Fund will serve as the cornerstone of our programs, providing scholarships and resources for students passionate about environmental stewardship.

Gunston’s environmental programs are unique and transformative, but they do cost money. This Fund will empower students of all financial backgrounds to become active participants in addressing environmental challenges. The application process will be transparent and need-based, ensuring that students with the greatest potential and dedication have access to these opportunities. Beyond the scholarship fund, the EE Ford grant will enable us to make significant physical enhancements to our campus and programs. The purchase of a new van, kayaks, and a kayak trailer will expand our capacity for field trips and outdoor activities, allowing students to explore diverse ecosystems and engage in hands-on learning experiences more than they already do. These resources will facilitate immersive studies of local waterways, forests, and other natural habitats, fostering a deeper understanding of ecological principles.

Our last area of focus will be constructing outdoor classrooms in strategic locations on our campus, specifically on the new 40-acre land purchase. This land, in conjunction with the EE Ford grant, will allow Gunston to dream big. Our new outdoor classrooms will offer flexible learning spaces that encourage collaboration, exploration, and a connection to nature. We are targeting areas with diverse ecological features, such as woodlands, meadows, and waterfront, to create unique learning environments that cater to various disciplines. These spaces will be designed to accommodate a range of activities, from scientific observation and data collection to artistic expression and contemplative reflection to historical inquiry and cultural connections. The recent EE Ford grant is a recognition of the great work that Gunston has done in environmental education over the past century, the school’s current strength as a leader in the field, and the promise and potential of Gunston as a national leader in educational sustainability as we look toward the middle of the 21st century when environmental leadership will be central to our progress as a nation.