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About Denison

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Latest University News
Professor Margot Singer

Professor Margot Singer explores layered identities in new book

May 27, 2025
The Men's Tennis team with their trophy in front of the final scoreboard.

A dream fulfilled: Denison wins its first NCAA men’s tennis title

May 23, 2025
Photo of Matt Tanney, new associate vice president and director of athletics

Denison names Matt Tanney new associate vice president and director of athletics

May 20, 2025
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  1. Campus
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  4. Biological Reserve

Biological Reserve

An overview and history of the Denison University Bio Reserve.

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Sustainability



  • Our Commitment
    Our Commitment

    A history of Denison University's commitment to sustainability

    • History of Sustainability
    • Denison’s Climate Goals
    • Recognition & Accolades
  • Commitment in Action
    Commitment in Action

    A list of frequently asked questions about sustainability efforts at Denison University.

    • Green Revolving Fund
    • Zero Waste
    • Local & Responsibly Sourced Foods
    • Renewable Energy
    • Green Buildings
  • Get Engaged
    Get Engaged

    A list of student organizations that work to promote different facets of responsible living both on campus and in the local community.

    • Green Campus Organizations
    • Homestead
    • Community Sustainability Projects
    • Community Garden
    • Choose Local
  • Education & Research
    Education & Research

    Education and research related to sustainability is a core value for Denisonians.

    • Biological Reserve
    • Denison Arboretum
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  • Forms, Policies, Publications

The Bio Reserve Enhances the Education of All Students

The Board of Trustees established Denison’s Bio Reserve in 1966 through the efforts of Professor Robert Alrutz, who served as director until his retirement in 1990. The Bio Reserve encompasses 350 acres in three contiguous sections within walking distance of campus. Approximately 75 percent of the acreage is beech-maple/mixed mesophytic forest interspersed with old orchards and former plantations of pine, spruce, sugar maple, and yellow poplar.

The Bio Reserve enhances the education of all students, especially those in biology and environmental studies, through their courses, independent research, and casual visitation to the Bio Reserve. Students complete field studies of native Ohio flora and fauna as well as of biological communities, which are as intact as possible given the land use history.

The Polly Anderson Field Station, erected in 1995, houses a large laboratory for class meetings and research space for students and faculty. Astronomy students use the telescope mount at the station for night viewing. Special public programs and field workshops for high school students also meet at the station. The building was designed as a model of energy efficiency and utilizes a passive solar design and a geothermal HVAC system. The station is located in the Alrutz Section at the west entrance to the Bio Reserve on Rt. 661, a quarter mile north of campus.

The Bio Reserve also provides a haven for members of the Denison and Granville communities who enjoy walking in natural surroundings. The Bio Reserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk every day. A well-marked trail system has been established that allows the visitor to explore a variety of habitats and terrain. Hunting, firearms, campfires, camping, horseback riding, and disturbance of natural features are prohibited. Trail bikes are permitted on certain trails during the summer and fall. Dogs are permitted while on a leash.

Species found at the Bio Reserve:

  • Birds
  • Amphibians
  • Butterfly and skippers
  • Woody plants
  • Trail Map
  • Trail Regulations

Spotlights

Colin Ravin ’24, left, and Chase King ’24 stand in front of Denison’s new Chevy Bolt.
Denison Magazine

Charging toward a more sustainable Denison

Colin Ravin ’24 and Chase King ’24 team up with Chris Wolfington ’90 to make the case that the future of the college’s vehicle fleet is electric.
A group of people sitting outside at the homestead

The Homestead’s ‘ever-evolving experiment in community’

Established in 1977, the Homestead is a living reminder of Denison’s sustainability roots.
Suni Harford
Denison Magazine

Invested In Change

Suni Harford ’84 one of the most powerful women in finance, on how a rising environmental and social consciousness has transformed investing—and forced
Sarah Davis ’94, Chief Ranger at Yellowstone National Park
Denison Magazine

The View From Here

How Sarah Davis ’94 works to protect the park from the people and the people from the park as Chief Ranger at Yellowstone.
Henshaw family and students playing board game

Home sweet home?

When international Denison students couldn't go home during the coronavirus pandemic, the college partnered with local families.
Girl at soda machine
How We Live

Building a better soda dispenser

Bringing local, natural sodas to the campus took a lot of research and quite a bit of know-how.
Ongoing-sustainability
How We Learn

Ongoing sustainability

As seniors graduate, they take their values into the world with them.
student in garden
How We Live

Food for Thought

DU raises awareness about local and global impacts of one of our favorite things: food.
Students Helping Local Farmers
How We Live

Students Helping Local Farmers

Seniors Jennifer Curry and Emily Marguerite bring local produce to the Denison community through a partnership with area farmers.
Musings from the Coordinator
How We Live

Musings from the Coordinator

Is Denison on the right track towards sustainability?
Going green
How We Live

Going Green On the Hill

Denison is continuing its active campaign to go green and to be more sustainable.

What's Happening

Announcements & Updates

Denison sponsors invasive pear tree bounty program

Denison partners with Pollinator Pathway to remove invasive Bradford pear trees from Licking County.

Read more
What's Happening

Denison professor contributes to new climate change report

Environmental studies assistant professor Lucy McAllister’s research is part of the 2023 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change.

Read more
University News

Ohio EPA grant advances sustainability at Denison

Nearly $90,000 from the Ohio EPA will go toward equipment to convert food waste into fertilizer.

Read more
See All
More From Denison
Academic Majors
Academic Majors
Living at Denison
Living at Denison
Study Abroad
Study Abroad
Career Exploration
Career Exploration

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Granville, Ohio 43023
1-740-587-0810

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