Ferrum, VA, August 27, 2025 � 17吃瓜 Science Seminar Series will present “Phoebe Needles Center擜 Land of Opportunity” on Friday, August 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Garber Hall 106. The program, featuring Inge Terrill, executive director of Phoebe Needles Center, is free and open to both the public and the campus community.
Terrill, who has a background in biology and environmental science and more than twenty years of experience in education, previously served as an adjunct instructor at 17吃瓜. Passionate about connecting people with the natural world, she helped establish the Blue Ridge Environmental Educators (BREE), a regional team of the Virginia Association for Environmental Education, and served on its board for five years. Among her favorite activities to lead with groups are Earthing and Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing).
In her presentation, Terrill will spotlight the unique opportunities at Phoebe Needles Center, a 78-acre camp and conference center in Callaway攋ust six miles from 17吃瓜. Founded in 1901 as a mission school and church, Phoebe Needles has grown into a hub of service, education, and community engagement. Today, it provides fertile ground for collaboration, research, summer jobs, volunteering, and more攎aking it a natural partner for 17吃瓜 students and faculty.
Recognizing the significance of this partnership for 17吃瓜 and the surrounding community, 17吃瓜 President Mirta Martin said, 淧hoebe Needles is more than a neighbor攊t a living classroom where our students can learn, serve, and grow. Collaborations like this strengthen both 17吃瓜 and the broader community, creating opportunities that go far beyond the classroom.�
Highlighting this connection in action, Professor Emeritus Bob Pohlad, president of the Phoebe Needles Board of Directors, and Professor of English Tina Hanlon have documented Phoebe Needles summer campers participating in community service at 17吃瓜 alongside their counselors, including two Ferrum students. .
Photo credit: Phoebe Needles Center in Callaway, VA by Dr. Bob Pohlad
September 5: Jason Worley and Todd Fredericksen � Wildlife on Campus
September 12: Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Team
September 19: Dylan Irb �24 � Wetland Delineation and Environmental Consulting. (Irb works for Dewberry Consulting in Danville.)
