The Cannon River Region
and "A Sense of Place"
Environmental Studies 399 - Spring Semester 2004

This senior capstone seminar examines the local region surrounding the Cannon River valley, specifically focusing on the ways in which the region's human inhabitants have developed—or failed to develop—a sense of place.

What do we and other environmental thinkers mean by "a sense of place," and why does it matter? What is distinctive about the Cannon River region (water flow and quality, soil types, climate, woodlands, agricultural practices and other ecological factors) that gives this particular "place" a singular identity? In what ways has local knowledge contributed to a sense of this place, and in what ways have current and historical economic, social and political pressures undermined our understandings?

Front (left to right): Amanda Hakala, Britt Carlson, Elise Braaten, Jorie Schwarten, Heather Wayne and Megan Gregory. Middle (left to right): Heidi Schmitt, Allison Lambert, April Shewmake, Annie Olson, AmberBeth VanNingen, and Martha Steenberg. Back (left to right): Ryan Ludlow, Phil Marlow, Jeff Jasperson, Katie Greller, Case Martin, Joe Pavelko and Craig Nelson.

Course instructor: Sheri Breen, Department of Political Science.

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