The Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability (CUES) strives to connect students, faculty, and community in a common effort to research, educate, and empower change to inform and inspire a more sustainable future on Butler University’s campus, in Indianapolis, and globally. We strive to accomplish this by coordinating and reporting on campus sustainability efforts and managing the campus farm. We engage Butler students in every aspect of our work through internships, courses, volunteer opportunities, and events.
Help us continue our work by donating today! Your generous donations help support the following initiatives:
Internships
All CUES projects and programs rely on the initiative and efforts of our students. Your gifts to the Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability help us to financially support our student interns and supplies needed for their projects.
We engage students through real-world internships on campus and in the Indianapolis community. Student interns complete projects that enhance campus sustainability, provide support to local community partners, or further urban ecology research in Indianapolis.
The Farm at Butler
Your gifts to the Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability help support the expansion of plantings and infrastructure for The Farm at Butler so that it can continue to serve as an education resource for the campus and Indianapolis community.
The Farm at Butler grows nearly 10,000 pounds of produce each year that is then sold to campus dining services, serving as an example of hyperlocal, sustainably grown food. The Farm also serves as a campus greenspace that hosts student interns, classes, and community groups.
Student Projects to Improve Campus Sustainability
We work closely with the Student Government Association and EcoReps student club to design and implement projects that improve campus sustainability. These projects are student-led, and Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability staff provide content expertise and mentorship to ensure the projects are successful and align with University goals. Past projects have included: virtual tour of campus sustainability, Green Living Guide for students, PLARN crochet mats for the homeless, and more!