SIT capstone leads to a memorial forest that inspires a brighter future

September 29th, 2019   |   SIT Graduate Institute

Capping a global week of climate action, Brattleboro community members joined SIT staff, faculty, and alumni on Sept. 28 to reforest approximately three acres on our Vermont campus.

By planting nearly 200 saplings and shrubs, this area now has the potential to sequester 250 tons or more of carbon dioxide over the next 40 years.

Supported by the SIT Lessenco Fund, the project stems from a 2019 capstone -- Sustainability at SIT: A Look at the Past, a Plan for the Future -- by Sustainable Development grad student (now alumnus) Taliesin Haugh. In his capstone, Haugh calls for sustainable local food production, new development models, and reduction of wealth inequity at SIT.

The Lessenco Fund was established to honor the life and ideals of SIT Graduate Institute student Susan Lessenco, who died in 1981 at the age of 26 while on assignment for Save the Children in Tunisia. Her father created the fund in her memory so SIT students could make meaningful contributions to the world in Susan’s name and spirit.