UB gone 'wild'

The great outdoors will be brought to your front yard as UB hosts its third annual Outdoor Pursuits "Wildweek," a weeklong program intended to inform students of the outdoor programming available through UB.

Outdoor Pursuits is a part of Recreation and Intramural Services and is basically the outdoor facet of intramurals, according to Russ Crispell, the assistant recreation director for Outdoor Pursuits.

"Wildweek is an opportunity to kick-start the school year in terms of letting students know that we have programming for outdoor education and outdoor activities," Crispell said. "It's just trying to get people outdoors, realizing that they can utilize some of the things we have at UB."

Crispell also said he expects a good turnout from students and faculty alike.

"I expect a good turnout, for sure. It's giving students an alternative to the typical recreational programs that many people are familiar with," he said. "It's not like basketball, not like softball. It's a recreational program for students who like to be involved outdoors."

"Wildweek" isn't all about fun, though. While enjoying the outdoors, students learn about the environment and the importance of protecting it through programs such as Wednesday's lunchtime eco-discussion, "Arctic Wildlife Refuge - should we permit drilling for oil?" In a time when oil has become a particular concern to many people, this round-table discussion, which runs from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Baird Point, will give students the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of seeking alternative oil sources.

Along with more academically minded education, the program offers canoe lessons tomorrow from 12 to 2 p.m. at Baird Point. The two-hour seminar teaches canoe basics and is free to all students.

Programs like this are essential in environmental education because they make people appreciate the world around them, Crispell said.

"Education isn't just about being behind the four walls. It's about doing and saying things involving the outdoors, hands-on, experiential learning," he said. "If you use the lakes for canoeing, you're less likely to want to toss your garbage as you go by the lake. It goes hand in hand and works as advocacy for keeping the place looking good."

And that's the most important aspect of these events: teaching conservation and fostering an appreciation for the outdoors.

"Hopefully what this will do is create a little bit more respect for the environment, a little more respect for the campus, and keep the place looking great," Crispell said. "I think it's important. The university needs to be educating students, faculty and staff to that end, about the outdoors and the environment."

Even more important, though, is just getting involved, period.

"We can use this as a jump-start to get people more involved in these activities on campus, and that's what it's all about," he said. "The more active they are, the more they enjoy their stay at UB."