The Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS) has awarded Forest Calls 2.0 a grant for $2,625 to support the travel of Sabra Kauka, a respected native Hawaiian cultural leader and knowledge keeper from the island of Kauaʻi.
Kauka has a passion for teaching youth and adults about Native Hawaiian traditions and advocates for preserving natural and cultural resources through public engagement. She is especially knowledgeable of sea birds and conservation related to them.
This fall, Dr. Nancy Jennings, Dr. Laura Dell, and Dr. Sarah Schroeder will be teaching Social Justice Spaces for Children (CI 3036/COMM 3036) as an honors class in conjunction with “Forest Calls”.
Public spaces including children’s media have the power for transformation.
In this class, students will explore the ways meaning is socially constructed in public spaces and through storytelling for youth and how arts and sciences can come together to activate social connection with each other and with nature.
We are delighted to announce that Dr. Laura Zanotti and Dr. Teri Jacobs are teaching Creative Conservation (EVST 4001) this fall in conjunction with “Forest Calls”.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for biodiversity, conservation, and community action, and Forest Calls is the perfect platform to put this to practice!
The “Discovery in Action Showcase” is an event designed to bring the UC College of Arts and Sciences community together. It provides a platform for each academic unit and center to demonstrate how they embody the spirit of “Discovery in Action.”
As such, I was invited to present “Forest Calls” on March 31st and let everyone know how our transmedia project involves science, arts, and traditional wisdom and knowledge.
We have been busy lately, promoting “Forest Calls” and gathering momentum, as we continue to secure partnerships with scientists, artists and cultural practitioners – both in the Greater Cincinnati area and in Kauaʻi / Hawaiʻi.
On January 30th, as part of the ‘2026 UC Sustainability Week’ events, “When Silence Becomes The Song” was projected at the Niehoff Family Auditorium. It was followed by a Q&A session with students, faculty and members of the general public.
