John Brzorad, director of the Reese Institute, and Mitzi Gellman look over the site of a future housing development on Blue Sky Court.  Alan Rogers (Record Photographer)

HICKORY - In November 2004, Thomas W. Reese gave Lenoir-Rhyne University a sizeable donation to start a program focused solely on conservation and the environment.

Eleven months ago, the Reese Institute for the Conservation of Natural Resources got fully under way. It not only has a conservation of natural resources (CNR) major for Lenoir-Rhyne students, it also has several projects under way to better the environment in Catawba County.

Director John Brzorad began in February 2006. His first priority was to fully implement the CNR major at the college. Although students in this major could have technically begun in spring 2005, Brzorad said the major became fully developed once the Reese Institute was created, with two tracts students could major in - science or policy. The first students should graduate this summer.

After beginning the major at the college, Brzorad directed his attention elsewhere. He wanted to ensure Lenoir-Rhyne is utilizing resources to the best of its abilities.

“We’re working on promoting campus sustainability. We’re recycling, reducing solid waste and promoting green building. I’m encouraging all new construction to be green. We’re also keeping track of utilities, such as electricity, natural gas and water, that the college uses,” he said. “We’re haven’t cut back yet, but we’re auditing our usage and discussing ways to reduce what we use. We’re also examining our heating, cooling and lighting systems. These are all preliminary measures right now.”

To engage the community, the Reese Institute has brought several speakers onto the campus, inviting the community to attend as well as to talk about conservation, Brzorad said. Topics have included green business practices, sustainable agriculture, global warming, conservation-based subdivisions and environmental issues in Africa and China.

One of the most notable impacts of the Reese Institute, though, is being done in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity. The Reese Institute helped create the Upper Catawba Valley Conservation Forum, comprised of real estate developers, planners, government officials and environmental officials, among other people. One project the group is working on is conservation-based subdivision design.

“It highlights the natural features of the land. The method protects the stream, forest or pond that’s already on the property, and highlights them. The property lots are smaller, but it means less lawn care, less grading and minimal infrastructure. The developer spends less and the value of the property goes up, because it’s a more pleasant place to live, with more trees and the environment highlighted. It’s a win-win,” Brzorad said.

Habitat for Humanity is currently building one of these communities off Robinson Road in Hickory. The Conservation Forum was formed in April 2006, Brzorad said, and is comprised of members mostly from the Unifour area. The organization designed the plans for 23 lots for Habitat for Humanity. The subdivision features a road with houses only on one side, and an open space for children to play, as well as a bike trail, said Mitzi Gellman, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley.

The Reese Institute is also working to improve Catawba County’s air quality rating. Currently, Catawba County is in violation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for particulate air pollution.

“We’re looking at ways to address the issue. We had students who conducted a study, going door-to-door, in a neighborhood by U.S. 321. The main focus was to quantify the number of wood-burning stoves. We also looked at how far residents drive to work, how much they spend on gas, are they concerned about it?” Brzorad said. “We also asked about if they fertilized their lawn and other water issues. Once we were out there, we wanted to get as much information as possible.”

Brzorad said the Reese Institute will be getting the results back from all of the information later this month.

In addition to reaching out to Lenoir-Rhyne students and adults, the Reese Institute is also trying to reach the next generation. In the summer, Brzorad said a group of high school students from across the state will participate in a summer program that involves the streams and creeks.

“It’s designed to encourage their interest in science and in natural resources. They’ll be monitoring fish and aquatic insects,” he said. “It’s a two-week program, and the kids will come here.”

Brzorad has big plans for the Reese Institute, and will be aided by his new assistant director, Erin Seiling. He said his top priorities are focusing on land and air and water quality in the community, in addition to being the department head for the conservation of natural resources program at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

“I want there to be a pro-active component of not just the college, but the community,” Brzorad said. “The environment is a place for creativity, and for opportunity.”

For more information about the Reese Institute, go to www.lrc.edu/reese.

snewell@hickoryrecord.com   | 828-322-4510 x5408 or 828-304-6915