Nestled along the banks of the Ashley River is a learning laboratory without whiteboards or microscopes—a place where professors and students explore plants and animals, habitats and natural cycles. The South Carolina Lowcountry is an untamed classroom where budding young scientists go to see nature in action. Take a tour with us through these pages Park, study the remarkable Carolina bays deep in Francis Marion National Forest and observe estuary ecosystems in the marsh—all in The Citadel’s backyard.
The Near Center for Climate Studies
The Near Center for Climate Studies is dedicated to continuing the work of the late retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James B. Near Jr., ’77, a nationally recognized leader in interdisciplinary climate science. Established through a $4 million endowment, the center supports education, research and outreach on climate issues that directly affect the Lowcountry.
In Charleston and the surrounding coastal region, where rising seas, king tides and warming waters are visible indicators of a changing climate, the center funds faculty and student research on local topics such as fish migration patterns and the resilience of coastal ecosystems.
“One of the areas the Near Center focuses on is sustainability of the coastal environment,” said Scott Curtis, Ph.D., who serves as the director. “The center is developing The Citadel Climate Monitoring and Assessment Program, which will help track changes on and around campus.”
Through research support, public lectures and community partnerships, the Near Center is preparing the next generation to better understand and address the effects of climate change.
