File F-268-09 - Serpentine Fen - 1972

Established in 1970 by Dr. Barry Leach, the Institute of Environmental Studies sought to encourage greater public engagement with environmental issues, particularly those impacting ecosystems in the “College Region.” One of its stated objectives was to disseminate the results of studies and projects to public and private groups so they might further “their own work towards a better use of the environment.” The Institute offered non-credit courses, published a series of Information Booklets and other monographs on a range of topics, hosted workshops and lecture series, and collaborated on conservation projects with civil society organizations like Ducks Unlimited, with which it operated an Environmental Study Centre in a conservation area called the Serpentine Fen. The Institute of Environmental Studies was based at the College’s Surrey campus. In 1981, when the College divided, the Institute became part of the newly formed Kwantlen College.