MISSION

Statment of Purpose:

The Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC) exists to support the educational goals of Kenyon College by providing opportunities for study of organisms and habitats, and by conserving the natural diversity and cultural heritage of the Kokosing River valley. The BFEC also aims to benefit the general public of Knox County through environmental education and recreation consistent with its collegiate educational goals.

Core Values

• Education

The BFEC should provide a diverse array of habitats, physical facilities and programs to promote teaching and self-guided learning for students of all ages and for the community.

• Conservation

Nature has intrinsic value and enriches human culture, so we should enhance and protect ecological diversity in terms of individual species, communities, and ecosystems. We recognize that nature and culture are interrelated, and that conservation policy should include both natural habitats and landscapes reflecting human influence.

• Service

  The BFEC should extend its benefits to both Kenyon College and the wider community in which we live. Service includes being responsive to the needs of the community as well as providing education and recreational opportunities consistent with our values. Supporting the ecological and aesthetic needs of the community is part of our service.

• Research

Contributing to existing knowledge is critical for education, conservation and service. We should promote the extension of understanding through providing opportunities for research, especially when that new knowledge will support the local community.

• Professionalism

We will make decisions on the basis of the best knowledge available, using the best human resources available. We will respect and respond to our constituencies. We will maintain the highest standards possible.

• Long-term and large-scale vision

Our commitment should be for future generations as well as our own. Further, we recognize that local issues exist in a larger context, and we will acknowledge that context in our programs.