In 1970, the first Earth Day was recognized when millions of Americans gathered at universities and cities, starting the modern environmental movement. Since then, it has been used worldwide to safeguard our planet and fight for a brighter future.
This year, UTD is celebrating its 13th annual Earth Week, hosted by the Office of Sustainability and the Office of Student Volunteerism, to continue the legacy of Earth Day. This year’s theme is “Green UTD,” highlighting sustainability efforts on campus and how you can get involved! Below you can find a list of our in-person events to participate in this year’s celebration:
* Registration Required
What: Join us on Earth Day as we conduct a bioblitz, a biological census, of the Monarch Waystation, learn about pollinators, and help maintain the native ecosystem. This is an outdoor volunteer project. Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. No experience necessary!
When: Monday, April 22, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Gazebo near the Disk Golf Course (on the southeast side of campus)
What: From April 24 to 26, all UTD students will have the opportunity to vote in favor of establishing a “Green Fee”, led by Student Government. This fee would be $5/semester and fund environmental projects at the University. Before the referendum, Student Government is hosting town halls, where students can learn more and ask questions.
When: Tuesday, April 23, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Student Union Galaxy Room C
What: Celebrate Earth Week by attending a garden orientation to learn about the Community Garden’s history, policies, and the garden program’s expectations, and take a tour of the Garden! Garden Orientation is required to become a Garden Helper and attend Workday events.
When: Tuesday, April 23, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: UTD Community Garden
What: Join the Office of Student Volunteerism to create sustainable crafts to use in gardens of all sizes: Strawberry Rocks! We will paint rocks that pose as decoy strawberries, deterring birds and other uninvited guests from stealing out of your garden.
When: Wednesday, April 24, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: SSA 14.510
What: Join the Office of Sustainability and Office of Student Volunteerism for our annual Earth Fair! We are bringing campus and community sustainability partners to give out more information about UTD and other local sustainability initiatives. Come out to the Visitors Center from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.!
When: Thursday, April 25, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Visitor Center
What: Join the Office of Sustainability and the Meteor Theater for a screening of the Bee Movie.
When: Thursday, April 25, 8:00 p.m.
Location: Sciences Building (SCI) Atrium Courtyard
Celebrate Earth Week by helping to pick up litter along the stretch of the adopted highway maintained by the UTD Office of Student Volunteerism! Please dress for the weather and wear close-toed shoes. We will be meeting on campus at the SSA Gaming Wall to travel together to the highway stretch.
When: Friday, April 26, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Meet at SSA Gaming Wall (SSA 12.120)
What: Join us for this special workday and be the first to hear the new name of the microfarm at the Eco Hub! The UT Dallas Eco Hub is a half-acre microform that grows food for food insecure Comets. We rely on volunteers like you to assist with the day-to-day maintenance of the farm. Volunteers can be expected to perform basic gardening tasks such as weeding, watering, harvesting, planting, and laying mulch.
When: Saturday, April 27, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: UTD Eco Hub
Bee Hive Installations * [Registration Required]
What: Join the Office of Sustainability and Dr. Scott Rippel to install new hives around UTD campus. These hives are maintained primarily by students, and the honey produced by the hives is sold 1-2 times a year. Limited spots available, registration will be sent to the Honey Helpers Mailing list.
When: TBD [To Be Determined] . Sign up for the Honey-Helpers Program by emailing sustainability@utdallas.edu.