Earth Month @ U-M
Celebrating a legacy of campus sustainability and spurring urgent future action
The University of Michigan is commemorating Earth Month with a series of exciting events across campus. U-M is proud to continue the tradition of sustainability and climate action that took root at U-M in 1970 and has grown into the global phenomenon we call Earth Day.
This year's Earth Month features engaging activities designed to inspire and educate the U-M community about the path to a more sustainable and equitable future. Whether you're passionate about reducing your carbon footprint, spurring the university to carbon neutrality, conserving resources, or simply learning more, there's something for everyone.
April 2 | Bite-Sized Food-Themed Variety Show
Bite-Sized: A Food Themed Variety Show | April 2 | 5-8pm | Blue Llama Jazz Club
"Bite-Sized: A Food Themed Variety Show" is part of UM Sustainable Food Program's Rooting For Change event series, which highlights student work, experience, cultural traditions, and creative expression surrounding local, regional, and global approaches to food justice. This year's lineup includes a meditation on a family recipe, a senior thesis set to a musical beat, an artist talk, a eulogy, a stand-up act, and so much more.
UM Sustainable Food Program
April 3 | Stream Table Workshop: Modeling Watersheds in a Simulation
Explore how various human activities affect water quality both in a stream and as groundwater, in Michigan and beyond. Participants will interact with the museum’s 10-foot stream simulation table to learn about watersheds, rivers, and more!
Free and open to the public; registration required. Contact: pba-information@umich.edu.
April 4 | 2025 Water@Michigan Symposium: The Water-Climate Nexus
Water@Michigan 2025 will highlight the urgency of coordinated efforts and community-based research. Attendees will gain new skills in storytelling, communicating impact, and understanding Indigenous perspectives. They will also gain a better understanding of climate impacts on transboundary waters and policymaking in Michigan for future water priorities. Ft. Stacie Sheldon Chitwaadewegekwe, Debbie Dingell, Phil Roos, Shalanda Baker, and more!
Free and open to the public; registration required. Contact: Sarah Miller, milsar@umich.edu.
Organizers: Water@Michigan; Co-sponsored by Graham Sustainability Institute, U-M Water Center, SEAS, Taubman College, LSA Sustainability, Oakland County
April 4 | Farm Stand Spring Plant Sale
Farm Stand Spring Plant Sale | April 4 | 10am-1pm | S Ingalls Mall
For three weeks in April, students and community members can purchase seedlings for their favorite kitchen vegetables to grow at home at the Farm Stand spring pop-up. These seedlings were grown for and by students at the Campus Farm at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
Free and open to the public, but the plants are not. Contact: farmstand@umich.edu.
Organizers: UM Sustainable Food Program and the Campus Farm
April 4 | Awe in the Arb After Dark: The Art of Mothing
Awe in the Arb After Dark: The Art of Mothing | April 4 | 8:00pm-12:00am | Nichols Arboretum
Moths are important pollinators and part of our local ecosystem's food web. Moths are most active at night, when other pollinators are at rest. Mothing or moth-watching is a form of wildlife observation where moths are observed, both for recreation and for citizen science activities. Join the Entomology Club for an educational event to explore the Nichols Arboretum after dark, admire moths, and learn about this important bug.
Free and open to university students. Registration required. Contact: Magnus Knudsen, cmagnusk@umich.edu.
Organizers: Entomology Club; Co-sponsor: Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.
April 8 | Swag Swap
Swag Swap | April 8, 2024 | 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Haven Hall Posting Walls
Did you end up gathering a bunch of t-shirts, stress balls, tote bags, water bottles, keychains, etc from various events this school year? Attend the Earth Month Swag Swap to trade in any swag you no longer want, or “shop” for new-to-you swag items!
Free and open to the public; Contact: pba-information@umich.edu.
Organizers: Planet Blue Ambassador program and LSA Sustainability
April 9 | PBSL FreeStore
PBSL FreeStore | April 9th |1 p.m.-4p.m. | Michigan Union-Pond Room
Join the Planet Blue Student Leaders at our Free Store featuring clothing, items, and more! Stay sustainable and bring home something new to you! Join us on the first floor of the Michigan Union in the Pond Room.
Free and open to the public; Contact: planetbluestudentleader@umich.edu
Organizers: Planet Blue Student Leaders
April 11 | Farm Stand Spring Plant Sale
Farm Stand Spring Plant Sale | April 11 | 10am-1pm | S Ingalls Mall
For three weeks in April, students and community members can purchase seedlings for their favorite kitchen vegetables to grow at home at the Farm Stand spring pop-up. These seedlings were grown for and by students at the Campus Farm at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
Free and open to the public, but the plants are not. Contact: farmstand@umich.edu.
Organizers: UM Sustainable Food Program and the Campus Farm
April 12 | Sustainable Living Experience Scavenger Hunt
Sustainable Living Experience Scavenger Hunt | April 12 | 10 a.m.-11 a.m. | Nichols Arboretum (Geddes Entrance)
The Sustainable Living Experience invites you to a nature scavenger hunt! Come get to know the students of SLE and practice your species identification skills.
Free and open to all U-M students. Contact: hdaisy@umich.edu
Organizers: Sustainable Living Experience
April 12 | Eco Work Day at Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Eco Work Day at Matthaei Botanical Gardens | April 12 | 9:00am-12:00pm | Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Join us for an Eco Workday! This event focuses on invasive plant removal and strengthening ecosystems at the Gardens. This event will take place in natural areas at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Your participation aids our mission to foster a greener, healthier world.
Free and open to the public. Perfect for groups, individuals, and pairs. Registration required Contact: Christine Chessler-Stull, Volunteer & Membership Engagement Manager (cmchess@umich.edu).
Organizer: Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
April 14 | Student Sustainability Coalition Coffee Chat
Student Sustainability Coalition Coffee Chat | April 14 | 11 a.m. - 12p.m. | Palmer Commons Kitchen
Join students from the Student Sustainability Coalition for coffee and good conversation. Coffee chats are an opportunity to connect with others while chatting about your favorite sustainability topic and learning about the sustainability work happening on campus.
Free and open to the public; Contact: sustainability.coalition.core@umich.edu.
Organizers: Student Sustainability Coalition
April 15 | Climate Anxiety: Equity & Action in Labs and Clinical Spaces
Learn about the impacts of labs and clinical spaces, particularly surrounding environmental justice concerns with procurement and usage. We will transition into discussing climate anxiety and action, and explore the CVC atrium as we learn how to take care of ourselves and our communities with nature.
Free and open to the public. Registration Required. Contact: sustainable-labs@umich.edu
Organizers: Office of Campus Sustainability and Planet Blue Ambassador Program; Co-sponsors: NatureRx
April 18 | Farm Stand Spring Plant Sale
Farm Stand Spring Plant Sale | April 4 | 10am-1pm | S Ingalls Mall
For three weeks in April, students and community members can purchase seedlings for their favorite kitchen vegetables to grow at home at the Farm Stand spring pop-up. These seedlings were grown for and by students at the Campus Farm at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
Free and open to the public, but the plants are not. Contact: farmstand@umich.edu.
Organizers: UM Sustainable Food Program and the Campus Farm
April 19 | Eco Work Day at Nichols Arboretum
Eco Work Day at Nichols Arboretum | April 19 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Nichols Arboretum
Join us for an Eco Workday on Earth Day weekend! This event focuses on invasive plant removal and strengthening ecosystems at the Arboretum. This event will take place in natural areas at Nichols Arboretum. Your participation aids our mission to foster a greener, healthier world.
Free and open to the public. Perfect for groups, individuals, and pairs. Registration required Contact: Christine Chessler-Stull, Volunteer & Membership Engagement Manager, cmchess@umich.edu.
Organizers: Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
April 21 | Sustainable Food Procurement Conference by Institutions
This event will bring together professionals from across the higher education foodservice community; including procurement specialists, dining directors, food service suppliers, academics, and students. Whether you're new to sustainable procurement or have extensive experience, this conference will offer valuable education and hands-on engagement for attendees at all levels.
Open to higher education professionals and students. Registration Required. Contact: msfconference@umich.edu
Organizers: MDining; Co-sponsors: Erb Institute, Student Sustainability Coalition, Fischer Farms, AASHE, Student Life Sustainability Sustainable Food Program, Michigan Ross Business + Impact, Zingerman’s Delicatessen, Argus Farm Stop
April 21 | Hands in the Dirt! Life Sciences Institute Native Prairie Planting, Tabling and Snacks!
Come learn about efforts to install native prairie plantings on campus in support of campus sustainable grounds goals. Informational tabling, donuts, and a chance to get your hands in the dirt and plant some seedlings!
Free and open to the public.
Organizers: Bee Campus Committee ( Grounds Services, Office of Campus Sustainability), LSA, PBSL, Land and Water Pod
April 22 | Earth Day Celebration at Nichols Arboretum
Earth Day Celebration at Nichols Arboretum | April 22 | 10:00am-5:00pm | Nichols Arboretum
Celebrate Earth Day in Nichols Arboretum. Join us in celebrating our connection to Earth by experiencing Awe in the Arb. Drop in between 10:00am-5:00pm for guided activities and nature experiences. Stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about the Arb and connect with community. Light refreshments will be provided. Guided activities will start every hour on the hour. Tentative schedule of events:
- 10 a.m. - Poetic Pause with CAPS
- 11 a.m. - Poetic Pause with CAPS
- Noon - Guided Nature Experience
- 1 p.m. - Guided Nature Experience
- 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Breathe and Bloom with LSA Wellness
- 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Clean Up Campus
Free and open to the public; drop-in. Contact: Andrea Clark, University Outreach and Education Coordinator, andclark@umich.edu.
Organizers: Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretuem. Co-sponsors: CAPS, LSA Wellness, Program on Intergroup Relations, Arts Initiative, Clean Up Campus
April 23 | Planet Blue Ambassador Trainings for Clinical and Lab Spaces
Learn about how you can make your lab more sustainable with free resources from U-M. By attending this virtual training, you will become a certified Planet Blue Ambassador and have the tools to reach your sustainability goals!
Free and open to the public. Registration requiredContact: pba-information@umich.edu.
Organizers: Planet Blue Ambassador program and Office of Campus Sustainability.
April 24 | Planet Blue Ambassador Trainings for Clinical and Lab Spaces
Learn about how you can make your lab more sustainable with free resources from U-M. By attending this virtual training, you will become a certified Planet Blue Ambassador and have the tools to reach your sustainability goals!
Free and open to the public. Registration requiredContact: pba-information@umich.edu.
Organizers: Planet Blue Ambassador program and Office of Campus Sustainability.
April 27 | Eco Work Day at Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Eco Work Day at Matthaei Botanical Gardens | April 27 | 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Matthaei Botanical Garden
Join us for an Eco Workday during National Volunteer Week! This event focuses on invasive plant removal and strengthening ecosystems at the Gardens. This event will take place in natural areas at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Your participation aids our mission to foster a greener, healthier world.
Free and open to the public. Perfect for groups, individuals, and pairs. Registration required Contact: Christine Chessler-Stull, Volunteer & Membership Engagement Manager, cmchess@umich.edu.
Organizers: Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum