NREM Reads

NREM Reads initaitive

NREM Reads is a community-wide common read program within the Natural Resource Ecology and Management Department that seeks to build communtiy within the department. The initiative is conducted during the Fall Semester of even-years. 

Fall 2024 - World of Wonders

During Fall 2024, the NREM Reads is exploring the writings of Aimee Nezhukumatathil in her best-selling collection of essays titled World of Wonders. Activities planned for the fall semester include,

  • NREM 5050: NREM Reads - World of Wonder by Aimee Nezhukumatathil (Section 4) - This graduate-level course will discuss the book and create additional learning opportunities within the department and natural resources discipline related to the initiative. 
  • A faculty and staff discussion group
  • Creative engagement projects and resulting student-led art installations in Science Hall II
  • Student-led discussion groups about the book.
  • Distribution of 100 copies of the book to NREM students

You can access the e-book version of the book at this link from the ISU library (you may need to be on-campus or logged in to access it).

Past NREM Reads Activities

Fall 2022 - Braiding Sweetgrass

During Fall 2022, NREM Reads fostered dialog on the beautiful writing of Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer in her book titled Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants. Activities included:

  • NREM 505: Braiding Sweetgrass Discussion Group - This graduate-level course discussed the book and created learning opportunities within the department and natural resources discipline related to the initiative. 
  • A faculty and staff discussion group.
  • Distribution of 50 copies of the book to NREM students
  • Access to the e-book from Parks Library at this link.

Fall 2020 - The Home Place

The initiative started in 2020 with the book The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man's Love Affair With Nature by Dr. Drew Lanham.

On Thursday October 22nd, 2020 The Home Place author, Dr. Drew Lanham gave a presentation titled "Coloring the Conservation Conversation" in the NREM-sponsored Errington Lectureship. Dr. Lanham is a Clemson University professor, wildlife ecologist, poet, and author. You can view a recording of the lecture by visiting this page.

100 free copies of The Home Place were distributed to NREM students interested in participating in the common read program and associated events. Purchase of the books was funded by faculty in NREM.

A graduate level discussion course explored the book and the topics covered therein. Students and faculty involved with the course led department functions promoting the book and lecture.

Reading and lecture discussion groups and community conversations were held among students and faculty surrounding the book.

Products from the 2020 initiative