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EREC brings together researchers, educators, students and citizens to advance ecological research and to promote science education.

We aim to actively connect with a wide range of stakeholders to host and develop science-based educational activities that best serve the community. Community engagement at EREC is achieved through our "BIOTIC" program. BIOTIC stands for "Biology: Teams in the Community" and embodies the interactive nature of our education activities, involving researchers, educators, students and citizens. Below is a list of our current activities.

In addition to the activities listed below, numerous other EREC initiatives are an overlap between Community Engagement and Teaching or between Community Engagement, Teaching, and Research .

If you are interested in starting new community initiatives, we welcome your proposals. Please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator.

Community Garden:  Neighbors are invited to participate for free in the community garden at EREC adjacent to the parking lot. The garden will open for planting in early to mid April 2016. Plowed plots, water, fencing, and hand tools will be provided. More information here >>

Explorations in Biology and Art: Neighbors are invited to enjoy the Hitnes mural adjacent to the patio at the UK/Lexmark Building and to join us for exhibitions of art inspired by biological structures and phenomena. Exhibitions will be announced on the Events list on the home page. More information here >>

Workshops and Classes: We offer classes for the general public on topics of broad interest that involve applications of science. Beekeeping classes taught by apiarist Phil Craft have been popular and successful; a new class on Birding will be offered in Spring 2016 by Transylvania University professor Rebecca Fox. More information here >>

Volunteering:  Adults are invited to volunteer for a variety of activities including beautification, habitat restoration and management, and other work on the site. Volunteer days will be monthly from April through October and will be announced on the Recent and Coming Events list on the home page. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator

Citizen Science:  Citizen science actively involves the public in scientific research. When funding is available, we help initiate, provide support and assist in the coordination of citizen science projects. Click here for more information on current projects and how to get involved.

Community Events: We host a range of community meetings, workshops, and conferences at the UK/Lexmark Building. See our upcoming activities on the Events list on the home page. Non-denominational community groups that would like to hold a meeting for a civic or educational purpose should contact the EREC office for date and space availability.

Group Visits:  Groups that would like to visit and tour the EREC facilities and grounds should enquire at the EREC office.

We look forward to hearing from potential participants, volunteers, and anyone with ideas for additional BIOTIC activities.