Earth Month 2021
If you'd like to be part of the Earth Month 2022 Planning Committee please email Leah Graham lgraha13@kent.edu and Melanie Knowles mknowle1@kent.edu
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY EARTH MONTH 2021
Restore Our Earth, Restore Our Community, Restore Our Self
EARTHDAY.ORG's Earth Day 2021 theme is "Over 1 billion participants around the world will take action on April 22nd. Together, we will restore our earth."-EARTHDAY.ORG
СƬƵ Earth Month Planning Committee has incorporated EARTHDAY.ORG’s Earth Day 2021 theme, “Restore Our Earth”, with the three pillars that define sustainability: planet (earth), people (community), prosperity (self); Restore Our Earth, Restore Our Community, Restore Our Self for Earth Month in April.
#RestoreOurEarth #EarthDay
СƬƵ #FlashesGoGreen
Earth Month Planning Committee
The 2021 СƬƵ Earth Month events were planned by the Earth Month Committee. Earth Month event collaborations include: the Adventure Center, Career Exploration and Development; Community Engaged Learning Office; Department of Biological Sciences; Department of English; Department of Geology; Department of Geography; Department of Nursing; Department of Sociology & Criminology; Department of Sociology& Criminology East Liverpool Campus; Design Innovation; Department of Recreational Services; Dining Services; Division of Philanthropy Alumni and Engagement; Herrick Conservatory and Greenhouse; СƬƵ Environmental Science and Research Design; СƬƵ of Well-being; СƬƵ Women's Center; Military Science; Office of Global Education; Office of Sustainability; Recreational Services; Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Studies; Undergraduate Student Government Sustainability Representative; University Facilities Management Grounds Department; University Libraries; Wick Poetry Center; and student organizations: Biology Club; Future Environmental Consultants of America; Herrick Conservatory and Sustainability Club; Kent Kulture; СƬƵ Environmental Society; СƬƵ Ocean Motion; Project Thirst Club; with regional campus representatives from Geauga, Trumbull, East Liverpool.
СƬƵ departments and student organizations: to appear on this webpage and on the СƬƵ Earth Month posters. Host organizations are responsible for submitting their event(s) to the university calendar, please remember to include the "Earth Month" tag when submitting your event so it will appear as an Earth Month event.
Earth Month 2021 Digital Screens
Book Club Posters
Earth Month Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Graphics
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY EARTH MONTH 2021 EVENTS
ONGOING
EARTH MONTH SCAVENGER HUNT
April 1-22
Hosted by the Adventure Center, Office of Sustainability, and the Earth Month Planning Committee
We have created several challenges for you to complete related to sustainability in and around campus for Earth Month leading up to Earth Day, which is themed: "Restore Our Earth". The challenges are broken up into three themes: restore our self, community, and earth. Challenges can be trivia questions, actions to complete, places to visit, photos/files to upload, etc.
This program runs from April 1st through Earth Day on April 22nd. Participants who complete 22 challenges (of any themes/type of challenge) will be eligible to receive sustainability-related prize packs. Feel free to complete all the challenges if you would like! For more information contact Chris Lukas, clukas@kent.edu
ONLINE Earth Stanzas
Hosted by The Center for Earth Ethics at Union Theological Seminary and the Wick Poetry Center at СƬƵ
The Center for Earth Ethics at Union Theological Seminary and the Wick Poetry Center at СƬƵ are launching Earth Stanzas, an interactive poetry project in honor of Earth Day. draws on the inspiration of eight poets who engage the beauty, depth and interconnectedness of the Earth, and invites readers to interact with the poems and find their own poetic voice.
Celebrate Earth Day: Create a Simple Scrap Sketchbook
Ongoing
Hosted by СƬƵ Libraries
Do you use journals, sketchbooks or a reminder book? Are you concerned about the environment? If so, watch videos on how to upcycle scraps to make notebooks with Nick Fagan, head of the Architecture Library! Learn a simple pamphlet stitch that can be used to create zines and more complex creations. Junk mail envelopes, old file folders, paper with just a few printed lines, the last couple empty pages of a notebook -- Upcycle these materials into a sketchbook through this tutorial. Learn a simple pamphlet stitch that serves as a building block for more complex creations. While the tutorial will focus on sketchbooks / notebooks, these techniques can also be applied to zine making.
OGE Fashion Swap
March 22- April 23
Drop off time: March 22-April 8;
Outfit pick up time: April 19-April 23
Hosted by the Office of Global Education
Want to scratch your itch for shopping but also want to be smart about your expenses? Want to share some of your pre-loved closet pieces with your OGE fam? It would be the perfect time for you to sign up for this environmentally friendly, earth-loving, and super fun OGE fashion swap party! IN PERSON: registration required before event. Drop off time: March 22-April 8; Outfit pick up time: April 19-April 23. This is currently OGE only program, if anyone has strong interests to participate, please do let us know, we would need to coordinate on the drop-off and pick-up dates as the clothes are currently stored in our office area. For more information contact Color Kang, lkang1@kent.edu
ONLINE Koru Mindfulness and Meditation Training
Basic- April 5, 19, 26 and May 3 from 5:00 P.M - 6:15 P.M.
2.0- March 30, April 6, 13, 20
Hosted by СƬƵ of Well-being
Open Your Mind. Manage Your Stress! Learn mindfulness and meditation in just four weeks at СƬƵ! Discover how to incorporate mindfulness skills and meditation into your life to better manage stress during a free, four-week, 75-minute mindfulness class at СƬƵ. СƬƵ of Well-being, a university-level initiative to promote health and wellness, is offering СƬƵ faculty, staff and students the opportunity to learn Koru Mindfulness, an evidence-based training specifically designed for emerging adults.
ONLINE Meditation
Ongoing in April
Hosted by СƬƵ of Well-being
Are you feeling stressed out from all the recent adjustments you’ve had to make this semester? Is news about the coronavirus pandemic leaving you anxious? СƬƵ of Well-being, СƬƵ’s healthy campus initiative, is hosting free facilitated online meditation sessions each weekday. Meditation sessions last 30 minutes and are open to all members of the СƬƵ community. There is no obligation to attend. You can choose when you decide to participate.
SPRING 2021 SCHEDULE:
Mondays from 7-7:30p.m.
Tuesdays from 4-4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays from 1-1:30 p.m.
Thursdays from 4:30-5 p.m.
Fridays from 9-9:30 a.m.
Wellable Happiness Challenge for Faculty and Staff
April 5 - May 2
Hosted by Employee Wellness
Being happy and healthy go hand-in-hand, because happiness not only FEELS good, it IS good for overall health and well-being! It is one thing to know what it feels like to be happy, but understanding its valuable impact on health and how to achieve it is key. This challenge provides an opportunity for participants to learn about the many health benefits of happiness and different ways to channel it, including engaging in regular physical activity. Through weekly health tips and practicing seven unique Happy Habits, participants will learn to flex their emotional muscles along with their physical muscles. Participants will be eligible for random drawings to keep you motivated and support your wellness goals. Winners will be announced throughout the challenge. by March 30
Virtual Exercise Options for Faculty and Staff
Spring Semester through May 14
Hosted by Employee Wellness
Spring semester faculty and staff group exercise classes will continue through May 14. Employee Wellness, in collaboration with Recreational Services, is pleased to offer the following sessions each week at no cost to employees. With the health and safety of our СƬƵ community in mind, group exercise classes are being delivered virtually this semester. All fitness levels are welcome!
Total Body Toning: Monday/Wednesday, 12:15 - 1 p.m.
Yoga: Tuesday, 12:15 - 1 p.m.
Cardio Kickboxing: Friday, 12:15 - 1 p.m.
СƬƵ Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
Spring 2021 Programs
Hosted by the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
If you missed the lectures in the CUDC's Spring 2021 series, you can now watch many of the recordings online.
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Brad Samuels
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Lexy Lattimore
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Billy Fleming, Al-Jalil Gault & Xan Lillehei
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Andrew Sargeant
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Miriam Solis
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Biko Mandela Gray
CALENDAR
IN-PERSON: Local Clean up!
April 2 from 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Hosted by СƬƵ Student Organization: Sustainable Living at Kent
Join us to cleanup trash around Kent's downtown area! Free pizza will be provided after thanks to University Edge! If interested, click the ! For more information contact Sydney Townsend, stownse5@kent.edu
Mindful Mondays with Daron for Faculty and Staff
April 5 from 8:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.
Hosted by Employee Wellness
Join one of the most skillful and down to earth mindfulness coaches, Daron Larson, for Mindful Mondays where we’ll put talk into practice. Where you will gain confidence that your way of practicing mindfulness is the right way! You will also have time to Q & A with Daron by submitting questions before or after a session using the “Ask Daron” link in the Resources section of the Mindful Mondays page or in the Chat section of our Zoom virtual session. And speaking of Zoom, when we are practicing our mindful meditation, we’ll be turning the video off. When we’re engaging with our Mindful Monday community with questions and talk, we’d love to see your KSU faces.
Garden to Energy: Kent Sustainable Food Systems-Reduce, Reuse, Restore
April 6
Panel at 5:30 P.M. (45 minutes)
Breakout Sessions: 6:15 P.M. (45 minutes)
Hosted by the Earth Month Planning Committee and the Office of Sustainability
PANELIST PRESENTATIONS followed by short Q&A
REDUCE: Heather Dougherty, Business Development Lead, InSinkErator-Grind2Energy
REUSE: Amanda Woodyard, СƬƵ Community Engaged Learning Director
RESTORE: Sarah Ketchum, Seasons Micro Farm Owner
BREAKOUT ROOMS (45 minutes)
Breakout rooms will follow the Appreciative Inquiry Process: Discover, Dream, Design
BREAKOUT ROOM TASKS:
DREAM: How can we build on this on campus and in community? (10 mins)
DESIGN: What are the steps we need to get there? (10 mins)
REGROUP: Groups report back to main group (10 mins)
Recorded event coming soon!
HEATHER DOUGHERTY: Heather Dougherty is the Business Development Lead at Emerson for the Grind2Energy System® by InSinkErator®. She has a background in foodservice operations that included sustainability program implementation. Heather joined the Grind2Energy team in 2013 and has been an integral part of the launch and growth of the program. Her efforts include community education and outreach, municipality and anaerobic digestion facility onboarding, and Grind2Energy implementation with businesses such as universities, grocers, and sports venues. Heather’s passion for sustainability manifests in her personal life, as well. She is an active Master Recycler and zero-waste volunteer with the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District in Ohio and is a TRUE Advisor with the U.S. Green Business Council.
AMANDA WOODYARD: Amanda Woodyard is the Director of Community Engaged Learning at СƬƵ. Under her leadership, the office supports 10,000+ hours of volunteer and community-based programming each year, partnering with over 80 local, national, and global community organizations to help them achieve their mission while also cultivating students committed to enacting positive change. She also oversees the Campus Kitchen at СƬƵ, a volunteer-driven and student-led organization dedicated to reducing food waste and minimizing food insecurity on-campus and in the surrounding community. For the past decade, their efforts have prevented over 500,000 lbs. of food from ending up in landfills, and they annually serve over 12,000 hot meals while operating four weekly food pantries on-campus.
SARAH KETCHUM: Sarah Ketchum owns and operates Seasons Micro Farm along with her husband, Peter Johnson. Sarah grew up in Michigan where her love of the outdoors, farm fresh vegetables and a strong sense of land stewardship first began. In graduate school she studied Environmental Science and Natural Resources which led her to rural Oregon where she managed invasive plants. After Peter took a job at СƬƵ teaching ceramics, the family of 4 moved to Ohio. This move offered an opportunity to step back and re-evaluate her career. Bringing together previous work experiences and passions, she started with a simple plot from which to grow “food for friends.” That small dream eventually evolved into a small farm that provides organically-grown produce for the greater Kent community through local restaurants, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) members and a roadside stand.
How to Build a DIY Rain Barrel with Geauga Gardeners
April 7 at 1:00 P.M.
Hosted by СƬƵ Geauga Campus and Twinsburg Academic Center
James Blackwell, nursing faculty and Geauga Gardeners student club advisor will walk you through building your own affordable rain barrel with simple tools and supplies from your local hardware store. Rain barrels collect rainwater for later use in watering gardens or indoor plants. Registration required to view event.
AMLCI Materials Keynote Address
April 9 at 5:45 P.M.
Hosted by Advanced Materials Liquid Crystal Institute and Environmental Science and Research Design Institute
Speaker: Nathan S. Lewis, California Institute of Technology "Direct Production of Fuels from Sunlight by Artificial Photosynthesis"
Nathan S. Lewis, Ph.D., is the George L. Argyros Professor of Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology where he has been a faculty member since 1988. Lewis is best known for developing artificial photosynthesis technology that enables sustainable production of hydrogen fuel using sunlight, water and carbon dioxide, as well as an “electronic nose” for artificial olfaction. From 2009 to 2019 he served as editor-in-chief of Energy and Environmental Science, a journal focusing on sustainable energy research, published by the Royal Society of Chemistry. He is the recipient of the Princeton Environmental Award and the American Chemical Society Award in Pure Chemistry. In 2019, he was the recipient of the Europe Section Heinz Gerischer Award for his outstanding contribution to the science of semiconductor electrochemistry and photoelectrochemistry. In 2017, Lewis was elected to the National Academy of Inventors. He holds approximately 70 U.S. and foreign patents. Lewis has authored more than 500 papers and mentored more than 100 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
Register here to be sent a link to attend the event online
AMLCI Materials Day Research Presentations and Poster Session
April 10 from 9:00 A.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Hosted by Advanced Materials Liquid Crystal Institute and Environmental Science and Research Design Institute
See website and for more information and registration.
Theme: The theme of the 2021 AMLCI Materials Day “Materials for Energy and Sensing” recognizes the societal need for materials and methods for energy harvesting, energy storage and energy efficiency, as well as for materials and devices that can interpret cues from their environment (sensors). Topics will range from artificial photosynthesis to produce chemical fuels, fuel cells and switchable liquid crystal devices for energy savings in buildings to toxic gas or biosensors to organic field effect transistors for medical sensor technology and much more. The event is co-hosted by the AMLCI and ESDRI at СƬƵ and will focus particularly on select classes of advanced materials that are designed to have a direct and beneficial impact on our environment, our health and our safety. In addition to these more applied aspects, Materials Day 2021 will also feature fundamental research on how advanced materials interact with their environment in new and unusual ways -- bending when exposed to light, changing color when subjected to changes in temperature, etc., which will form the basis for future energy and sensors applications.
Humor as a Life Plan for Faculty and Staff
April 14 from 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Hosted by Employee Wellness
Facing the world with a smile positively affects your mood, your outlook, and your relationships. Learn the science behind why smiling and laughing are important for good health and learn how to incorporate more of it into your life. We will discuss tools for handling stress, and how to keep a positive, happy outlook in spite of it. Laughter counteracts worry, frustration and stress - it really is the best medicine!
Worm Composting with Dr. Clement
April 20 at 1:00 P.M.
Hosted by СƬƵ Geauga Campus and Twinsburg Academic Center
Dr. Sue Clement, Associate Professor, Geology, will walk you through the steps on how to use worms to compost your kitchen scraps. Join us for a conversation and get valuable advice on how to help our Earth. Registration required to view event.
Happiness for Faculty and Staff
April 20 from 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Hosted by Employee Wellness
Most people want to be happy. But most people don't know they can make changes to get happier. New research shows you can train yourself to be happy. Participants will learn: Myths about happiness; The science behind happiness; Skills to get more joy in life.
Celebrate Earth Day with an introduction to Visible Mending
April 21 from 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Hosted by СƬƵ Libraries
Join KSU’s Head of Fashion Library Edith Serkownek for a virtual presentation on a creative and fun way to preserve and personalize your clothing. LEARN ABOUT: The history of visual mending; Amazing Fashion Library resources to help you get started; Learn the basics of visible mending with inspiring examples. Americans throw away about 14 million tons of clothing each year, but if we all tried the art of visible mending, we could change those stats and our world!
VIRTUAL: Walk for Water
April 22-25, anytime
Hosted by СƬƵ Student Organization: Project Thirst Club at СƬƵ
Thirst Project Club at СƬƵ is a branch of the worlds largest youth water organization. This means we work with young people all around the world to bring safe, clean drinking water to developing communities that lack access to it. Right now, on our planet, 600 million people lack access to clean, safe drinking water! It is hard to imagine 600 million of anything, let alone 600 million people. Our club's mission is to fundraise and raise awareness for this issue on our campus and community. We chose to do this event to walk 3.75 miles. This is because, 3.75 miles is the average distance someone in a developing community walks to collect contaminated water. This task tends to fall on women and children. As a result, women cannot get jobs to contribute to households. Children cannot get an education due to the thousands of hours they spend annually collecting water. As you can see, there are so many things connected to water. Like job security, education, health, food security, and the list could go on. This is why as a club we believe the global water crisis is one of the greatest global humanitarian issues we face on our planet. As a result, we chose to plan this walk to raise awareness to the fact that every single day millions of people are walking on average 3.75 miles to collect water that is unsafe for them. We know clean water is a human right, are you going to join the fight? ! You can participate anytime from April 22-25! DYK March 22nd is World Water Day! If you do participate, use the hashtag #WalkforWaterKSU! For more information contact Jenna Gilbreath, jgilbrea@kent.edu
ONLINE 2021 Earth Day Environmental Justice Conference
April 24 8:30 A.M - 1:00 P.M.
Hosted by СƬƵ East Liverpool
The KSUEL 2021 Earth Day Environmental Justice Conference is a virtual event for undergraduate students to present research on environmental justice topics, listen to guest speakers, and to be mindful of, think critically about, and take action on environmental justice issues. This year the theme is "Rethinking Food: Equity, Plant-based Consumption, and Alternatives." Undergraduate Students are welcomed to submit papers for a paper competition and present their research at the conference. Registration for paper competition and presentation of research will be available soon. Contact Dr. Lydia Rose for further details.
Keynote Speaker: Professor Denise Harrison will be discussing Aboriginal/First Nations/Indigenous/Original Peoples, Africans and all people's collective food culture and relationship with the earth.
Guest Speaker is Dr. Jessica Krieger who will speak about the cultivated meat industry.
ONLINE Earth Month Book Club
April 27 at 7:00 P.M.
Hosted by The Earth Month Planning Committee
will be discussed.
Book Summary: As a botanist and professor of plant ecology, Robin Wall Kimmerer has spent a career learning how to ask questions of nature using the tools of science. As a Potawatomi woman, she learned from elders, family, and history that the Potawatomi, as well as a majority of other cultures indigenous to this land, consider plants and animals to be our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowing together to reveal what it means to see humans as "the younger brothers of creation." As she explores these themes she circles toward a central argument: the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the world. Once we begin to listen for the languages of other beings, we can begin to understand the innumerable life-giving gifts the world provides us and learn to offer our thanks, our care, and our own gifts in return--From back cover.
Arbor Day and Campus Race to Zero Waste Tree Planting Social Media Celebration
TBD date to be celebrated on social media
Hosted by University Facilities Management Grounds Department, Office of Sustainability, and Residence Services
A tree planted in commemoration of Campus Race to Zero Waste Residence Hall vs. Hall winners.
NON-KSU EARTH MONTH EVENTS OF INTEREST
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
For more events visit AASHE, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. СƬƵ is an AASHE member. To access member-only resources, create an account using your kent.edu e-mail address.
ONLINE: Digital Earth Day
April
Hosted by EARTHDAY.ORG
EARTHDAY.ORG is the global organizer of Earth Day. EARTHDAY.ORG’s theme for Earth Day 2021 is Restore Our Earth™, which focuses on natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems. In this way, the theme rejects the notion that mitigation or adaptation are the only ways to address climate change. It is up to each and every one of us to Restore Our Earth not just because we care about the natural world, but because we live on it. We all need a healthy Earth to support our jobs, livelihoods, health & survival, and happiness. A healthy planet is not an option — it is a necessity. The global conversation will be unified and tracked by the shared hashtags #RestoreOurEarth.
Sustainable Cleveland Events
Earth Optimism by Smithsonian Conservation Commons
Portage Soil and Water Conservation District Events
Portage Park District Events
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Events
Ohio Department of Natural Resources Events
Green Energy Ohio Events
Cleveland Museum of Natural History Events
Ohio Environmental Council Events
Ohio Native Plant Month Events
Ohio Chapter: Sierra Club Events
Ohio Wetlands Association: Vernal Poolooza
April 2, April 23, May 21 at 11:30 A.M.
Environmental Education Council of Ohio: Project WILD, Aquatic WILD Workshops
March 26- April 2
This workshop is held using the Microsoft Teams platform. Participation is self-directed except for a two-hour virtual meeting the first day. Participants will complete six assignments, roughly 3-6 hours of work, and will receive both the K-12 Terrestrial and Aquatic WILD guides, an activity kit, and a certificate upon completion of the course. Contact Jen Dennison, Wildlife Education Coordinator, at 614-265-6316 or jen.dennison@dnr.ohio.gov for more information
FREE ONLINE: Solve Climate by 2030 Power Dialog
April 6 from 5 - 8 p.m.
Hosted by Bard Center for Environmental Policy (national), The Ohio State University Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center (state)
On Tuesday, April 6, 2021 working with College and University partners across the US, the Bard Center for Environmental Policy is coordinating the convening of hundreds of conversations focused on the potential to solve the energy side of climate change by 2030. Register to be a part of the global movement to Solve Climate by 2030. On April 6, join us for a global dialog featuring three panelists who are experts in climate solutions, green recovery, and environmental justice. A breakout session will follow the panel discussion, and will focus on brainstorming three ways state and local action put us on the way to solving climate change by the end of the decade.
Panelists
1. , Director of Climate Programs, Ohio Environmental Council
2. , Associate Professor, Institute for Population Research,
3. , Urban Planner,City of Dublin; Realtor, RE/MAX
Moderator: Karina Peggau, Program Coordinator, Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center
5 PM-5:45 PM EST: Power Dialog
5:45 PM-6:00 PM EST: Q&A, Final Remarks
if you would like to be e-mailed a link to the recording. For more info, contact peggau.1@osu.edu
ONLINE: National Wildlife Federation EcoCareers Conference 2020: Preparing for Employment in a Sustainable World
April 7-8 and 2 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hosted by the National Wildlife Federation
The NWF EcoCareers Conference prepares students and young professionals for wildlife and sustainability careers by providing information on the latest EcoCareer trends from leading analysts and employers, clarifying career enhancing credentials and academic offerings, and formulating a better understanding of the competencies employers seek in the green sector.
April 7 from 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Hosted by Portage Soil and Water Conservation District
We will have our annual Brandt Farms Field Day, sponsored by Walnut Creek Seeds LLC and Ohio No Till Council on Wednesday, April 7 from 9 a.m. until noon. This is a virtual event and no cost and no pre-registration needed. This year's topics revolve around regenerative farming practices and profitability, including information on Carbon Markets and H2Ohio. From the comfort of your own home, explore the benefits of regenerative farm practices Terry Cosby, Acting Chief, NRCS Opening Remarks and direction of NRCS Dave Brandt, Eric Niemeyer - Profitability Case Studies of Regenerative Ag Mike Thompson, Grower Acct Mgr., Indigo Ag - Carbon Markets in Regenerative Ag Terry Mescher, Ohio Dept of Ag H2Ohio WLEB Program Coordinator-Update on program status Vinayak Shedekar, Ohio State University- Water quality research update on Brandt Farm Virtual In-Field Cover Crop Discussions Visit details or to join our discussions!
Plastic Pollution in the Great Lakes
April 9 from 11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Hosted by Ohio Sea Grant College Program
An estimated 10,000 tons of plastic pollution enter the Great Lakes each year. This talk will cover what we know about plastic in the Great Lakes, some science-based solutions, and ways to engage the public in reducing their plastics consumption.
Imagine 2200: Climate Fiction for future ancestors contest
Deadline April 12, 11:50 P.M. U.S. Pacific Standard Time
Hosted by Fix, Grist's Solution Lab
Welcome to Imagine 2200 — a new climate-fiction contest by Fix, Grist’s solutions lab. What we’re seeking: short stories that envision the next 180 years of equitable climate progress. What we’re offering: $8,700 in prizes, publication, and a reason to stay hopeful. The world is crazy right now, and the stakes are high: just, you know, our entire frickin’ future. Our newsfeeds are full of denial, delay, and doom that make us want to scream into our pillows. But that’s just the old story. At Fix, we are telling the new story, of a path to a clean, green, and just future, and the people who are driving it. Our mission is to make the story of a better world so irresistible, you want it right now. With that goal in mind, we decided to launch our first foray into the world of hopeful, forward-looking fiction — to inspire visions of the future that haven’t even been dreamt up yet, and welcome more voices into the climate conversation. Join this uprising of imagination, and help us turn the page on earth’s next chapter.
Growing Black Roots: The Black Botanical Legacy
April 12 at 7:00 P.M.
Hosted by Holden Forests and Gardens and Black Botanists Week Committee
Burpee Post-Doctoral Fellow in Botany Bucknell University, Lead Organizer of #BlackBotanistsWeek
BIO Dr. William’s research seeks to understand how plant functional traits and genetic diversity intersect to influence plant responses to climate change, with a focus on the genus Pelargonium, which displays high diversity in South Africa. Her work has included investigating herbarium records, conducting species distribution modeling and using common garden approaches to elucidate genotype-by-environment interactions as a way to understand plasticity and adaptation, with an eye towards informing the conservation of biodiversity in the face of changing climate. In addition, Dr. Williams has extensive outreach experience, including as a Fulbright US student in South Africa and a Graduate Student Mentor in the Botanical Society of America PLANTS program, among others.
SUMMARY We have a deep connection to plants. Even if we are not actively aware of it, we are interacting with plants in almost every aspect of our lives. From breathing and eating, to medicines and clothing, we are connected to plants. Botanical knowledge, and cultures and traditions involving plants and the environment is not new. But have you ever heard of Black botanical legacy? This talk will describe Dr. Williams’ quest to get to know more Black people who love plants, and the online campaign she started that created a movement to highlight and promote Black botanists. Dr. Williams will take you on a journey to discover a forgotten Black history, Black botanical legacy. She will highlight the Black botanists that have paved the way for her to study the impacts of climate change on plants from around the world.
Virtual Power Shift Convergence 2021
April 16-25
We’re bringing together thousands of young people (virtually) to build critical skills to halt climate catastrophe. Power Shift connects individual activists to form a network of trained organizers. Since 2007, national and regional Power Shift convergences have motivated and inspired young climate leaders to dedicate themselves to fighting for justice for the long haul. Together, we can shape an equitable and just future, along with the paths we take to get there.
National Park Service: National Park Week
April 17-25
Join us celebrating National Park Week 2021 from April 17 to 25! Parks across the country will host a variety of special programs, events, and digital experiences. There are also special theme days during the week to highlight the different ways everyone can enjoy national parks. Join us on , check out , find in-person and virtual , or stay caught up on .
Attracting Beneficial Insects to the Home Garden Habitat
April 19 at 4:00 P.M.
Hosted by the City of Cleveland, Mayor's Office of Sustainability
This program will highlight a sampling of beneficial insects that are desirable to have in our yards and gardens.In celebration of Ohio Native Plant Month and National Native Plant Month, Judy Semroc will provide information on the natural history of beneficial insects, how to attract them to your yard and garden, their connection to pollinators, and why they are important. This event is sponsored by the LEAP Native Plant Promotion Committee.
Stark Fresh Earth Week Cookware Recovery: Donation & Redistribution
April 19-25
is always looking for gently used pots, pans, cookware, silverware, knives, bakeware and small kitchen appliances so we can clean, organize and then redistribute them back out to the community through various programs that we partner with. We encourage you to donate your unused or recently replaced items to this worthwhile effort. Contact us .
Environmental Professionals Network Signature Earth Day Event: Take Flight!
April 21 6:00 P.M. - 7:15 P.M.
Hosted by Ohio State’s Environmental Professionals Network with TEDx Chapter and Monarch Joint Ventures
Welcome to Take Flight! An Earth Day celebration of local and global efforts to protect and restore the monarch butterfly.
Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital: Earth Day Celebration
April 22-25
The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital celebrates Earth Day with free Screenings April 22-25. Enjoy the 2021 Audience Award winners, as well other selections from the 2021 Festival. All programs are free to stream starting Thursday, April 22, through Sunday, April 25.
Environmental Shorts
April 26-28; Post-zoom discussion on April 28 at 7:00 P.M.
Hosted by Ohio University Office of Sustainability
Watch three sustainability-minded short films free from home, then join in a Zoom discussion featuring filmmaker Susan Rockefeller on the final night of viewing! To participate, please register using the registration form below. An email will be delivered to you when the films become available to stream, containing a link to watch and a link to the Zoom discussion. The Zoom discussion will take place on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Registrants will have access to films in advance.
СƬƵ the shorts
COME HOME, LAY DOWN YOUR BURDEN (11 min)
Award-winning filmmaker, artist, and conservationist Susan Rockefeller seeks to reconcile memories of a more harmonious and cooperative ecosystem with the ecological disaster facing the planet and its peoples today.
WATER WARRIORS (22 min)
WATER WARRIORS is the story of a community’s successful resistance against the oil and gas industry. When an energy company begins searching for natural gas in New Brunswick, Canada, indigenous and white families unite to drive out the company in a campaign to protect their water and way of life.
JOANNA MACY AND THE GREAT TURNING (27 min)
Based on the well-known writer and activist, The Great Turning refers to the third major revolution of human existence after the agricultural and industrial revolutions–now underway–as we struggle to shift to a more sustainable civilization
Conversation Series with Stacy Levy
April 21 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. Revealing Nature: How Art Translates Ecology
April 28 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. When Art Works: Collaborating with Nature + Humans
Hosted by ArtsNow and co-hosts the Akron Zoo, City of Akron, City of Cuyahoga Falls, Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Great Lakes Biomimicry, Summit MetroParks, and University of Akron Biomimicry and Innovation Center
A two-part conversation series and workshop with renowned Sculptor and Environmental Artist Stacy Levy. We are thrilled to welcome Stacy to Summit County as part of ArtsNow Presents, our year-long calendar of events and conversations on the intersection of art, history, science, and public space. In the first session, "Revealing Nature: Art Translates Ecology", Stacy will look at how art can create ecological legibility and help us all understand the natural world in our backyards, parks, and urban spaces. In the second session, “When Art Works: Collaborating with nature + humans”, Stacy will explore how through embracing change and observing and mimicking the action of natural processes, art can begin to make real changes to the environment. She will also discuss how artists can work across disciplines to capture the power of nature; and harness these natural processes in ways that can solve site issues like stormwater runoff and water pollution. Stacy's robust portfolio includes large-scale public installations that are designed to seamlessly highlight and work with the environment that they exist in. Her work with rain, urban tides, and watersheds give water a home on sites ranging from nature centers to parking lots, bringing beauty and environmental functionality to space and to those who encounter it. Stacy's work builds the bridge between art and science, as she utilizes the expertise of field experts in everything from engineering to zoology. A graduate of Yale University, Stacy also received her MFA from Tyler School of Art at Temple University and attended a year at the Architectural Association in London. She began her work as an urban forester in the Mid Atlantic region and has been working as an eco-revelatory artist in the public realm for 29 years. Stacy has been awarded the Henry Meigs Environmental Leadership Award and the Penn Future Award for Women in Conservation.
Environmental Education Council of Ohio: FREE Growing Up Wild Workshop
April 23-30
This workshop is held using the Microsoft Teams platform. Ohio Approved for 6 hours. Participation is self-directed except for a two hour virtual meeting the first day. Workshop is free but pre-registration is required. Contact Jen Dennison, Wildlife Education Coordinator, at 614-265-6316 or jen.dennison@dnr.ohio.gov for more information
Lake Metroparks Earth Day
April 25 12:00 P.M. -4:00 P.M.
USGBC + Higher Education: Strategies for Transformation
Hosted by U.S. Green Building Council
April 28, 2021 3:00 P.M. - 4: 15 P.M.
Join us for a collaborative leadership program! Aligning organizational sustainability goals with available tools and resources can be a frustrating process. You don’t have to do this alone. Did you know USGBC partners with higher education institutions to integrate sustainability into curriculum, policies, buildings, and overall master planning? Our suite of tools and resources can help transform your existing campus buildings and infrastructure as well as support pathways to earning professional credentials and prepare students for careers in green building and LEED. Join us for an overview of all the sustainability solutions USGBC offers to Higher Education institutions and learn how collaboration with USGBC can benefit your organization. We'll share a couple of success stories before breaking into Collaboration Circles for participants to provide feedback and discuss the relevance and impact these resources could have on your work. Let’s work together to overcome obstacles, reduce the environmental impact of buildings and grounds, create a positive effect on health, and prepare students to be global sustainability citizens. Topics Covered: Curricular Resources, Existing Campus Buildings and Infrastructure,Performance Management .Get a sneak peek at what USGBC offers by visiting our webpage devoted to .
City Nature Challenge 2021: Cleveland, Akron, Canton
April 30 - May 3, 2021
Join the Cleveland, Akron, and Canton regions in celebrating and documenting the plants and animals that call our communities home. City Nature Challenge 2021 encourages all our community members to embrace the healing power of nature and to collaborate in sharing what we see in nearby natural areas.
HISTORY OF EARTH DAY AT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
Celebrating the anniversary of the first Earth Day, April 22, 1970. "More than 20 million Americans participated in one of the largest grassroots community service movements in our history during the first Earth Day in 1970. Earth Day is now celebrated every year by almost 1 billion people worldwide." -
In 1970, Earth Day founder U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson came up with the idea for a national teach-in day to focus on the environment. April 22, 1970, was the date selected because it fell between spring break and final exams. In April 1970, СƬƵ, along with other colleges and universities across the nation, participated in the national environmental teach-in known as "Earth Day." СƬƵ hosted a series of events on campus known as "Think Week" in 1970, including having Stewart Udall, former Secretary of Interior, and Ralph Nader, environmental advocate and consumer champion, speak on campus.
СƬƵ "Honor" . Typeset by Aoife Mooney, assistant professor Visual Communication Design; information compiled by Office of Sustainability.
"СƬƵ Earth Fest promotes sustainability" by Makenna Brumbaugh, Kent Wired April 10, 2019
Earth Fest at СƬƵ
Would you like to add your department or organization's event to СƬƵ Earth Month webpage? Email sustainability@kent.edu