The WVU Office of Sustainability will kick off Earth Week with a “Make It, Take It” seed planting kit giveaway at the Mountainlair on Monday (April 21).
The annual celebration offers ways to learn about sustainability and get involved through activities on campus and includes events hosted by other organizations across the University.
“This is the 55th celebration of Earth Day since its creation in 1970, but we like to expand events for a whole week,” said Traci Knabenshue, sustainability director. “As it is spring, many of our events this week focus on protecting our land and water. Our campus community can help us clean up pollinator gardens for the growing season or recycle old electronics to do their part.”
The following events will be held throughout the week:
Sunday (April 20)
WVU Department of Biology Spring Wildflower Walks — Free wildflower walks are scheduled for each Sunday in April beginning at noon, 12:30, 3 and 3:30 p.m. Register to attend.
Monday (April 21)
Earth Day Menu — To celebrate Earth Day, WVU Dining Services has curated a unique, plant-based menu that will be served during lunchtime at each dining hall.
“Make It, Take It” Seed Planting Kit — Stop by the Mountainlair Commons to make a free seed planting kit to take home and grow. The themed kits include grow pizza (basil, chive, oregano and tomato seeds), grow salsa (cilantro, chive, jalapeno and tomato seeds) and grow a salad (carrot, cucumber, kale and lettuce seeds).
Tuesday (April 22)
Earth Day Menu — Enjoy a unique, plant-based menu that will be served during lunchtime at each dining hall.
Come Talk to Us — Visit the Office of Sustainability in the Mountainlair Commons to learn about the University’s sustainability efforts and grab some free swag.
Thursday (April 24)
Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony — Join the WVU Tree Campus committee as a new tree is planted near the Life Sciences Building on the Downtown area of campus, and learn more about what this group is doing to protect and care for current trees and increase tree diversity on campus.
Pollinator Garden Maintenance — Work alongside members of the WVU Sustainable Landscapes Committee to tidy up a pollinator garden for spring. Volunteers are needed to help pull weeds and clear debris from gardens. Sign up to volunteer.
Friday (April 25)
Earth Day on the Green — Join the Sierra Student Coalition on the Mountainlair Green for Earth Day activities, art vendors, live music, food and more.
Saturday (April 26)
Monongalia County Solid Waste Authority Electronics Recycling Event — Monongalia County residents are invited to recycle a wide variety of personal electronics for free at the University Town Centre Sam’s Club.
Sunday (April 27)
Litter Cleanup — The WVU Student Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers will host the event near the Downtown area of campus. Supplies will be provided.
For questions, contact sustainability@mail.wvu.edu.
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