HOOT: “Helping Out Our Town”
Incoming freshman at Westfield State give their time to help their community. The event brings the University into the community to help by volunteering wherever they’re needed. It is a great way for new students to connect and meet with city merchants, businesses and residents. In the past, students have grabbed paint and brushes to spruce up a Westfield pre-school playground, which was a money-saver for the city, and a great way for the community and the University to continue our partnerships.
Trees and Shrubs Workshop
In a collaborative effort between Stanley Park, Westfield State University, and the Greater Westfield Community, Nature Workshops are conducted in the 200-acre Wildlife Sanctuary at Stanley Park. Led by local professionals in their field, Westfield State biology professor David Lovejoy hosted a free nature workshop on "Trees and Shrubs" for the community.
“Trailwork Thursday”
Environmental Science students volunteer for "Trailwork Thursday," and worked on the University's Wildland Trail by cutting and hacking unwanted vegetation. The students learn about civic engagement and responsibility. The trail maintenance results in a well-kept trail.
The Internship Incentive Program
The Internship Incentive Program is funded by a state grant and matched dollar for dollar by Westfield State. As a result of the grant, students are provided with funds to pursue educational experiences that they may not have otherwise been able to afford.
Run Stanley 5K
The annual Run Stanley 5K run and walk to benefit the Frank Stanley Beveridge Wildlife Sanctuary at Stanley Park is co-organized by Westfield State professor Vanessa Diana. The event raises funds for rebuilding and replacing trail bridges damaged and washed away in recent storms. Participants are a community of runners, walkers, hikers, dog owners, nature lovers and mountain bikers who love Stanley Park and want to improve the safety and accessibility of its wildlife trails. The University is a benefactor of the beautiful 272 acre park, and it is directly across the street.
Measuring the Effects of Removing a Dam
Professor Dave Christensen takes his conservation biology class out on field work every couple of weeks to get students working in a real environment: the Kinne Brook, a tributary of the Westfield River. The students collect data that will be used to determine the health of the stream and its fish and the effects of dam removal on the environment. The project is an education component of a Massachusetts Fish and Game study, which is partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Trout Unlimited and the Nature Conservancy to study the stream.
Westfield State Community Gardens
Members of the campus community maintain a community garden on campus. The garden, located on the grounds of the Horace Mann building, allows Westfield State students to apply the concepts they are learning in the classroom and benefits folks on campus and in the community. The garden was started by professor Henry Wefing, and his legacy continues today. Produce is donated to the Westfield Food Pantry.
Connecticut River Source to Sea Cleanup
Westfield State students show up in force to volunteer for the Westfield River Watershed Association’s annual Westfield River Cleanup. The student volunteers spend more than three hours of their Saturday helping clean up the Westfield River Watershed.
Annual Haunted House
Haunted House and Halloween Fun Stop
Student at Westfield State stage an amazing ‘haunted house’ for children from the community. Hard work and imagination create a Halloween experience for the ‘trick or treaters.’ All the proceeds go to Paws with a Cause, which is a program to enhance the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities through custom-trained Assistance Dogs.
Campus Sustainability Day
Campus Sustainability Day
Campus Sustainability Day, which originated in 2002, is a time to recognize the successes, challenges, and innovations of sustainability in higher education. This event brings awareness to ecological footprints and how they can be reduced.
Alzheimer’s Walk
Members of the Westfield State community along with people from surrounding communities participated in the annual Alzheimer’s Walk in support of eradiating this disease and in support of a Westfield State colleague battling Early Onset Alzheimer's.