Bates College

Francis Eanes is a faculty member in the Environmental Studies Program. He teaches classes on urban environmental studies, urban and regional food systems, and community-engaged research.

His research interests broadly encompass understanding the ways in which individuals and communities use and perceive urban and rural natural resources, particularly in postindustrial and working landscapes. Using qualitative, quantitative, and geospatial approaches, his past work has explored the possibility of re-purposing urban vacant land for community gardening, and understanding how people’s sense of place motivates pro-environmental behavior in degraded urban landscapes. He is particularly committed to participatory research that balances the practical needs of local/regional community partners with contributions to broader academic audiences.