The University of Washington is hosting events to recognize Earth Day, our planet and the environment during the entire Earth Month and beyond. Here is a sampling of the events happening around UW as part of the Earth Day celebration:
April 4
Energy Security in Europe: Current and Future Challenges
Livestream via Zoom, 9 a.m.
This symposium will showcase cutting-edge research on where the European Union is headed on energy security and what the U.S. and the EU can learn from each other.
A Climate Conversation on the Future of Conservation Policy
Online via Zoom, 11:30 a.m.
This conversation with Peter Seligmann, CEO of Nia Tero, will touch on the ecosystem of environmental work and where the various communities working in biodiversity protection, climate change and Indigenous land rights and knowledge intersect. The talk is presented by the Center for Environmental Politics and EarthLab. Register below for Zoom link.
UW Bothell Climate Justice Movie Night
UWB LB1 205, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
UW Bothell Sustainability will be screening the documentary "NECESSITY: Rails, Rivers, and the Thin Green Line," a film about Indigenous resistance to oil trains traversing the Pacific Northwest.
April 5
UW Bothell Alternative Transportation Fair
UWB Campus Plaza, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join Commuter Services, Community Transit, Snohomish County Transportation Coalition, the Electric Vehicle Association, and King County Metro to learn about the different alternative transportation options on campus.
April 6
Cherokee Earth Dwellers: Stories and Teachings of the Natural World
wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House, 4 - 6:30 p.m.
All are welcome to a celebration of the publication of “Cherokee Earth Dwellers: Stories and Teachings of the Natural World” with Christopher B. Teuton, professor and chair of the Department of American Indian Studies, joined by contributors Larry Shade and MaryBeth Timothy. Light appetizers and drinks will be served. Books will be available for purchase thanks to the University Book Store.
Indigenous Walking Tour with Owen Oliver
University Bookstore, 6 p.m.
University Book Store is proud to present Owen L. Oliver, creator of the Indigenous Walking Tour of the University of Washington. Attendance is free, but any donations will go toward the Marvin Oliver Memorial Endowed Fund for UW undergraduate students in American Indian Studies. Each paying attendee will receive a copy of the Indigenous Walking Tour booklet.
April 7
Society for Ecological Restoration Heron Haven work party
Heron Haven (forested area between Drumheller Fountain and Anderson Hall), 1 - 2:30 p.m.
The Society for Ecological Restoration UW Chapter works to restore and sustain the biodiversity of the UW's Seattle campus. Volunteer parties often work to remove invasive species or plant native species at a variety of sites. All are welcome at SER-UW's volunteer sessions, but you must sign up in advance.
April 8
Society for Ecological Restoration Yesler Swamp work party
meet at the Center for Urban Horticulture tool shed behind Miller Hall, 12-2 p.m.
The Society for Ecological Restoration UW Chapter works to restore and sustain the biodiversity of the UW's Seattle campus. Volunteer parties often work to remove invasive species or plant native species at a variety of sites. All are welcome at SER-UW's volunteer sessions, but you must sign up in advance.
April 10
Native Plant Nursery volunteer session
Douglas Research Conservatory, 3-5 p.m.
The Native Plant Nursery has weekly volunteer parties on Monday at 3-5 p.m throughout Spring quarter. No sign up is required, just meet at the Douglas Research Conservatory at the Center for Urban Horticulture. This week, volunteers will be counting, stratifying, and planting seeds.
April 11
Climate Change researchers networking event
wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Open to faculty members and PI-eligible research staff, this event is designed o help facilitate the development of new collaborations across the UW, which could be supported by a new planning grant program. RSVP is required.
UW Bothell Repair Cafe
UWB Collaboratory, 2-6 p.m.
Bring your broken items to the UW Bothell Collaboratory to get fixed. We will have a team of fix-it experts from the WSU Snohomish County Extension, assisted by Collaboratory interns and UWB Mechanical Engineering students. Specializing in jewelry, wood products, lamps, and sewing projects.
April 12
Stagnation or Renewal? Japan’s Energy and Climate Change Policy
Kane Hall Walker-Ames Room, 7 - 9 p.m.
Join us for a special lecture event with Phillip Lipscy as he walks us through Japan's response to climate change. Once heralded for responding effectively to the 1970s energy crisis through ambitious energy conservation and diversification -- which culminated in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol -- by 2010 the country was widely criticized as a climate change laggard as it struggled to reduce emissions and sank to the bottom of international climate change rankings. Lipscy examines why Japan has struggled to make progress on decarbonization, the impact of the war in Ukraine on Japan's energy transitions, and what lessons Japan’s experience holds for other countries. Registration required.
April 14
Earth Day Fair: "Equity & Sustainability"
Ethnic Cultural Center, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
This Earth Day Fair at the Ethnic Cultural Center in West Campus will feature departments, organizations and student groups from across the University of Washington who are working for sustainability. Stop by and discovery sustainability tips, learn about UW's efforts and ways you can get involved.
A Tale of Two Urgent food System Challenges
Gowen Hall 1A (Olson Room), 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Jillian Fry of Towson University will talk on “A Tale of Two Urgent food System Challenges: Comparing media framing and stakeholder approaches to reducing food waste and shifting away from high-meat diets.” Jillian Fry, PhD MPH, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Towson University. She uses qualitative and quantitative methods to conduct research at the intersection of public health, the food system, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Fry works on shifting American diets to improve human health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and resource use. She is particularly interested in understanding and addressing barriers impeding dietary shifts. She has extensive experience communicating policy-relevant scientific evidence to community members, policy makers, and journalists. This talk is organized by the Center for Environmental Politics.
Society for Ecological Restoration Heron Haven work party
Heron Haven (forested area between Drumheller Fountain and Anderson Hall), 1 - 2:30 p.m.
The Society for Ecological Restoration UW Chapter works to restore and sustain the biodiversity of the UW's Seattle campus. Volunteer parties often work to remove invasive species or plant native species at a variety of sites. All are welcome at SER-UW's volunteer sessions, but you must sign up in advance.
Green Thrifts UW Clothing Drive
17th Ave NE median between 45th & 47th, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
The Green Thrifts UW student group is collecting donations of clothing items such as shirts, pants, hoodies and jackets, as well as accessories like bags, shoes, sunglasses, belts, scarves, and more.
April 15
Mother Earth & Indigenous Lands
Alene Moris Women's Center, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Part of the Women's Center Leadership Academy series, this event will explore the impacts of wellness, food justice, and land reclamation on the lives of first nation women in the state of Washington.
April 17
Native Plant Nursery volunteer session
Douglas Research Conservatory, 3-5 p.m.
The Native Plant Nursery has weekly volunteer parties on Monday at 3-5 p.m throughout Spring quarter. No sign up is required, just meet at the Douglas Research Conservatory at the Center for Urban Horticulture. This week, volunteers will be doing restoration work in the Union Bay Natural Area.
April 18
Steps to decarbonization at UW
virtual on Zoom, 11 a.m.
Dave Woodson, UW's Executive Director for Campus Energy, Utilities, and Operations, will present the UW's Energy Transformation strategy and the steps we're taking to reach a 100% clean energy future. This talk to open to all.
April 19
Earth Day Fair: "Decarbonization"
HUB Main Street, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
This Earth Day Fair at the HUB will feature departments, organizations and student groups from across the University of Washington who are working for sustainability. Stop by and discovery sustainability tips, learn about UW's efforts and ways you can get involved.
UW Bothell Farm Lunch
UWB Conservatory, 12-1:30 p.m.
Join the UWB grounds team, UWB Sustainability and Cascadia Sustainable Practices for an introduction to gardening series. We will meet at the conservatory to eat lunch (please bring your own, food will not be provided) joined by a UWB/Cascadia faculty speaker and then we will get our hands dirty sowing seeds, transplanting starts, and weeding garden beds.
Learn moRE
Union Bay Natural Area Volunteer Restoration Event
meet at Douglas Research Conservatory, 1-3 p.m.
Volunteer with UW Botanic Gardens. For anyone looking to get their hands dirty and gain some restoration experience, we will be removing blackberry in the Union Bay Natural Area. Please bring leather gloves if you have them and wear heavy-duty clothes, including appropriate footwear, to protect from thorns. All tools will be provided. Don't forget your water bottle. We will be meeting at the west entrance to the Douglas Research Conservatory before heading out to our work site. Registration is required: Use the UW Botanic Gardens volunteer registration portal and select "UBNA Restoration Volunteer" at the bottom of the page.
April 20
Sustainability Walking Tour
meet outside the HUB by the Husky Statue, 12:30 p.m.
Join UW Sustainability & UW Recycling for a tour highlighting sustainability features and efforts on campus, what happens to the waste you throw out, and how UW is working toward a zero-waste future. Space is limited, we ask that you register.
Cumulative Environmental Risk Impacts of Redlining: Houston as a Case Study
Hans Rosling Center for Population Health 155, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
This lecture has both in-person and virtual attendance options. The speaker is Dr. Lynn Goldman, dean of George Washington University School of Public Health. She is a renowned expert in pediatric environmental health and chemicals policy.
UW Faculty Panel Discussion: Climate Solutions
Virtual on Zoom, 1-2 p.m.
Join UW professors Dan Jaffe, Phoebe Barnard, Dargan Frierson and Steven Collins to discuss climate solutions, hope for the future, and what you can do to make a difference.
Program on Climate Change Coffee Hour
Life Sciences 301, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Program on Climate Change graduate student researchers Jacob Davis, Aurora Leeson, and Dakota Mascarenas will be hosting and sharing about environmental water quality monitoring and modeling in Puget Sound. These Spring coffee hours are organized by the PCC undergraduate cohort.
April 21
Earth Day Eve Student Celebration
HUB Lawn, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a collective of environmental UW student clubs who will be showcasing the different ways they work towards a sustainable future. Green Greeks, WashPIRG, EcoReps, Net Impact, Society for Ecological Restoration and Beautifyudub will all be there with games, plants, and information on how you can get involved in these student efforts.
UW Farm volunteer work party
Center for Urban Horticulture, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Volunteer with the UW Farm to help plant pollinator flowers, with a ladybug release party at noon. Please complete the volunteer sign up at the link below before volunteering.
Society for Ecological Restoration Heron Haven work party
Heron Haven (forested area between Drumheller Fountain and Anderson Hall), 1 - 2:30 p.m.
The Society for Ecological Restoration UW Chapter works to restore and sustain the biodiversity of the UW's Seattle campus. Volunteer parties often work to remove invasive species or plant native species at a variety of sites. All are welcome at SER-UW's volunteer sessions, but you must sign up in advance.
April 22
Earth Day at the Arboretum
Washington Park Arboretum, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
UW Botanic Gardens, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Arboretum Foundation co-host their annual Earth Day community and volunteer event. Help restore the Arboretum by removing invasive ivy and blackberry, and by mulching and weeding the plant collections. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
UW Farm volunteer work party
Mercer Court, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Volunteer with the UW Farm to help plant pollinator flowers and salmonberries. Please complete the volunteer sign up at the link below before volunteering.
South Sound Sustainability Expo
UW Tacoma campus, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
For 15 years, the South Sound Sustainability Expo has been the region’s largest community celebration of all things sustainability. This free, family-friendly event features activities, presentations, performances, and art exhibits.
SER Native Plant Nursery Plant Sale
Center for Urban Horticulture, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Spring Native Plant Sale features an array of local, sustainably grown native plants. Online pre-sales start on Monday, April 10th, and will be accepted until Friday, April 21st. Pre-orders can be picked up on Saturday during the in-person sale.
Society for Ecological Restoration Yesler Swamp work party
meet at the Center for Urban Horticulture tool shed behind Miller Hall, 12-2 p.m.
The Society for Ecological Restoration UW Chapter works to restore and sustain the biodiversity of the UW's Seattle campus. Volunteer parties often work to remove invasive species or plant native species at a variety of sites. All are welcome at SER-UW's volunteer sessions, but you must sign up in advance.
April 24
Nature and Health Speaks: Taming the Anxious Brain with Nature in Mind
Zoom, 12 p.m.
This workshop will provide introductory knowledge of neuroscientific concepts of anxiety as well as nature-based strategies and exercises designed to successfully manage emotional de-regulation. The speaker Heidi Schreiber-Pan, the clinical director at Chesapeake Mental Health in Maryland and founder of the newly launched Center for Nature Informed Therapy.
Native Plant Nursery volunteer session
Douglas Research Conservatory, 3-5 p.m.
The Native Plant Nursery has weekly volunteer parties on Monday at 3-5 p.m throughout Spring quarter. No sign up is required, just meet at the Douglas Research Conservatory at the Center for Urban Horticulture. This week, volunteers will be doing repotting and maintenance in the nursery.
April 25
UW Bothell Bike Commuting Lunch and Learn
Virtual or UW2 221
Cascade Bicycle Club is hosting an intro to bike commuting class. Come learn about planning your route, urban bike safety, and more. This event can be joined virtually via Zoom or in person on the UW Bothell campus in UW2 room 221.
April 26
UW Bothell Environmental Career Fair
UWB Campus Promenade, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Learn about environmental careers, look for a summer internship, or find your post-graduation job. Located along the UWB Campus Promenade. An alumni panel follows the fair at 2-3 p.m.
April 27
Pleistocene Park: Engineering Wilderness in a More-than-Human World
Thomson Hall 317, 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Pleistocene Park is a large-scale science experiment in Arctic Siberia in the form of a future-oriented rewilding project with the goal of mitigating climate change. Considered as a case study, Pleistocene Park is especially suited to exploring issues of time and temporality, apocalypticism and redemption, extinction and eternity, in addition to particular visions of the natural and the human.
April 28
UW Tacoma Sustainability Film Festival
UWT Carwein Auditorium (Key 102), 4:30 p.m.
The goal of the UW Tacoma Sustainability Film Festival is to promote awareness and engagement with sustainability issues that our community faces while providing a platform for marginalized voices to share their story. An educated community is an empowered one. The film screening is open to the community with limited seating available.
Submissions are open to any local (Western Washington Region) creators. Local High Schools, Middle Schools, and University levels, as well as open category participants (For non-profits, companies, government agencies, and professional creators), are invited to join. Finalists will be chosen by April 21.
Earth Day Lecture: the Science of Living Worlds
Ocean Sciences Building, 3-4 p.m.
This Earth Day Lecture Series is open to all. The speaker is Ariel Anbar of Arizona State University's School of Earth & Space Exploration, talking on "The Science of Living Worlds." A Q&A session and reception will follow the talk.
Climate Solutions Summit
Oak Hall Denny Room, 12 - 4 p.m.
UW student group Net Impact is partnering with a coalition of sustainability and business organizations to launch the Climate Solutions Summit, exploring how clean energy technology can be scaled in the wake of the Inflation Reduction Act. The centerpiece of the summit is a cross-disciplinary conference that will connect enthusiastic students with clean energy professionals from different economic sectors. The conference will feature dynamic panel discussions and keynote speakers focused on three themes: Disruptive Innovation, Scaling Adoption, and Workforce Development.
May 9
Husky Sustainability Awards ceremony
Kane Hall Walker-Ames Room, 3 p.m.
The 2023 Husky Sustainability Awards winners will be recognized at a ceremony, followed by a reception with light snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend, but we ask you to please RSVP for planning purposes.