Ever hug a tree? Earth Day, a worldwide event founded in April 1970 that launched the modern environmental movement, is celebrated annually on UNC Charlotte’s main campus with plenty of opportunities for students, faculty and staff — and the entire Charlotte community — to show their love for Mother Earth.
In support of Earth Day’s 48th annual observance, on Wednesday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., UNC Charlotte will host its annual Earth Day Festival at the College of Health and Human Services plaza. The entire community is invited to campus to participate in this event, which features student organizations, campus entities and Charlotte-based nonprofit organizations committed to making the environment and community better and healthier.
"Throughout the year, students and staff are incredibly active in giving back to our community,” said Tyler Sytsma, University sustainability coordinator. “The people of UNC Charlotte are always eager to make a positive impact. Earth Month provides opportunities for everyone in Charlotte to get their hands dirty – and discover new ways to get involved.”
Individuals and groups from the community are invited to take part in these related activities — and encouraged to take the environmentally friendly LYNX Blue Line Extension to campus and download the Next Ride app to connect to a free NinerTransit campus bus upon arrival.
Campus Clean Up - Wednesday, April 11 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Sustainability Office and Recycling Department will host a Spring Campus Cleanup at South Village, McMillan Greenhouse and the Motorsports Lab. Bags, collection sticks and refreshments will be provided to volunteers. Register here.
Spring Plant Sale - Friday and Saturday, April 13 and 14 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Plant lovers and gardeners will be able to choose from a wide selection of native plants and exotic botanicals at the 2018 UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale at McMillan Greenhouse. Wildflowers, trees and shrubs, perennials, carnivorous plants and tropical and indoor plants are among the options at the largest sale of the year.
The Botanical Gardens continues its Earth Day celebration with these special events:
In the Company of Trees - Tuesday, April 17,
1 p.m., and Sunday, April 22, 2 p.m.
Botanical Garden Tour, “In the Company of Trees” - Meet environmental educator Carla Vite at McMillan Greenhouse for a unique tour in the Van Landingham Glen on campus. Learn about eight of our most majestic native species through the words of naturalist Donald Peattie, as Vite’s interpretation blends botany, history and the human connection to these forest icons. The program is free, but registration is required.
Email choove10@uncc.edu to attend.
Butterflies, Songbirds and Bees - Thursday, April 19, 10 a.m. to noon
Gardening for Earth Day: Butterflies, Songbirds and Bees - Don Boekelheide will discuss the many ways to make a difference in the ecological well-being of our planet, one garden at a time: from small mindful changes in gardening habits to creating native habitats in homescapes. Explore native pollinators and growing food, and learn how gardeners are working together to combine efforts for greater impact. Register here.
Garens and Verses - Thursday, April 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Gardens and Verses: An Earth Day Celebration,” - co-sponsored by the Department of English and the Botanical Gardens, offers the opportunity to learn to write in specific poetry genres and contemplate the natural settings of the gardens. A literary scavenger hunt familiarizes participants with the gardens wide range of plants; literary readings and an “open mic” is available for those wishing to share their work.