What makes the landscape of the Domain such a unique educational asset for the study of the environment is the continuum that exists via ‌the human-built environment extending into the natural environment.

History

The Sewanee Domain is located at the southern end of the Cumberland Plateau which extends down through Kentucky into Tennessee and Alabama. It is the westernmost portion of the Southern Appalachian region. The biologically rich hardwood forests of the Cumberland Plateau are considered to be among the highest conservation-value forests remaining in North America today. This is partly due to the fact that this region contains some of the largest remaining tracts of privately owned, contiguous temperate deciduous forest left on the continent.

Ecosystem Management

The land base is a defining feature of Sewanee and represents an integral and strategic part of the educational mission of the University. We seek to promote sustainable land stewardship through strategies of adaptive management that promote and protect ecological values, including biodiversity and ecosystem services and the protection of cultural heritage, all within the context of a working educational landscape.

Research

Education and research are two of the primary intended uses of the Domain. The Office of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability (OESS) provides oversight to the research and education conducted by faculty, staff, partner agencies, and NGOs.

Recreation

Sewanee's Domain offers student recreational experiences unparalleled on any other campus in the country. Whether you are interested in hiking, biking, camping, climbing, fishing, or all of the above, the Domain has an experience for you. Guided trips, training, and gear rentals are available for current students through the Sewanee Outing Program.

Resources

You can find maps, historic weather data, gate key requests, and recreational access cards here.

Citizen Science

Citizen Science programs are an increasingly popular method of data collection that engage members of the public in scientific discourse. Beyond connecting people with the natural world, these programs allow participants to make direct contributions in areas of personal interest - prioritizing issues of social concern and providing communities tools for assessing policy. The Domain provides ample opportunity for members of the Sewanee community to play a role in the process managers and researchers use to inform decisions and drive policy. Getting involved is easy!