Jump to Events:
April 1st - 10th | 11th - 17th | 18th - 24th | 25th - 30th
April 1st-10th:
Lecture on the Global Amphibian Crisis: Research on Amphibian Declines and Next Steps
Friday, April 2, 12:15–1:45pm, School of Public Policy, 1113 Van Munching HallSponsor: Ecological Economics Student Group (EESG)
Join EESG and Dr. Karen Lips, Director of the Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology and (CONS) Program, to learn more about the Global Amphibian Crisis. Amphibians are the most endangered taxa in the entire globe, with over 1/3 of all species classified as either threatened or endangered. The interacting threats of climate change, disease, invasive species, habitat loss, pollution, and overharvesting are driving the declines of over 40% of amphibian species. Dr. Karen Lips will summarize the research on these amphibian declines and speak on the importance of amphibians both ecologically and economically.
Share the Road Week
Monday, April 5 through Friday, April 9Sponsors: Departments of Transportation Services (DOTS), Public Safety, Campus Recreation Services, Student Government Association (SGA), Off-Campus Student Involvement, and the Wellness Initiative
BikeUMD, the Bicycling Program of the University of Maryland, College Park, is planning a Share the Road Campaign the week of April 5th. This is a campus safety campaign to increase motorists' /bicyclists' shared responsibility for road safety. It will also promote the campus bike program and increase awareness of campus bicycling facilities and programs. Events include a bike fair on Monday, April 5 in Hornbake Plaza (10 am – 2 pm), bicycle-themed documentaries in HOFF Theater, bike clinics at Campus Recreation Services, a tree tour of campus (by bike!), and many other exciting events. Click here for a complete calendar.
Environmental Resumé Writing Workshop
Monday, April 5, 5-6pm, 3121 Symons HallSponsor: Environmental Science and Policy Program
In preparation for the April 8 Environmental and Sustainability Career & Internship Fair, come to a resumé workshop where you will learn how to improve both the content and layout of your resumé. RSVP by sending a copy of your resumé to wwhitte@umd.edu.
Guest Speaker: An Evening with Margaret E. Keck, Professor of Political Science, Johns Hopkins University “Greening Brazil: Environmental Activism in State and Society”
Monday, April 5, 7-9 pm, 1102 South Campus Commons, Building 1Sponsor: Beyond the Classroom
Margaret Keck’s recent book, “Greening Brazil,” co-authored with Kathryn Hochstetler, retells the story of environmentalism in Brazil from the inside out, analyzing the extensive efforts within the country to save its natural environment, and the interplay of those efforts with transnational environmentalism. Greening Brazil presents a multilevel analysis encompassing institutions and individuals within the government—at national, state, and local levels—as well as the activists, interest groups, and nongovernmental organizations that operate outside formal political channels.
UMD for Clean Energy Events: Green for College Park II: Making East Campus a Beast Campus
Monday, April 5, 7-9 pm, Jimenez Room, Stamp Student UnionSponsor: UMD for Clean Energy
East Campus is a big-deal project that will impact the lives of all UMD students. Come learn about how we can make this the smartest, most environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and economically sound development College Park has ever seen!
Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony
Wednesday, April 7, 10:30-11:30am, McKeldin MallJoin President Mote on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 on McKeldin Mall north of Woods Hall as we restore a willow oak to the Oak Allee in observance of Maryland Arbor Day. Begun in Nebraska in 1872 to plant trees for the enjoyment of future generations, Arbor Day is celebrated at the appropriate planting time in all 50 United States and around the world. A brief planting ceremony will take place at 10:30am and a short tree walk highlighting the arboretum collection in the surrounding area will follow for those who are interested.
Environmental and Sustainability Career & Internship Fair
Thursday, April 8, 10am-2pm, Second Floor, Stamp Student UnionSponsor: Career Center with input from Environmental Science and Policy, Engineering, the Office of Sustainability, and the Student Sustainability Committee
This event is designed to enhance awareness of environmental and sustainability careers and employment opportunities. It will bring together public and private sector organizations, campus student groups and selected university departmental majors whose expertise and interests lie in this area. Come talk with area employers about your career interests and hear recent alumni and hiring managers talk about what it takes to land a sustainability job.
Beyond the Latté – The Ripple Effect of Your Cup of Coffee
Thursday, April 8, 5pm-7:30pm, 1524 Van Munching HallSponsor: Smith School of Business Center for Social Value Creation, the Office of Sustainability, and Dining Services
Beyond the Latté will bring together leaders from the coffee industry to discuss the worldwide socio economic and environmental impact of a cup of coffee. The forum will include coffee importers, roasters and NGOs, who will educate students, faculty, and administrators on the coffee value chain, its complex history, the improvements being undertaken, and the chance for a “better” cup of coffee. To register, click here.
Lecture on Shade Grown Coffee
Friday, April 9, 12:15–1:45pm, School of Public Policy, 1113 Van Munching HallSponsor: Ecological Economics Student Group (EESG)
Join EESG and Bob Rice from the Smithsonian Institution in the Migratory Bird Center to learn more about shade grown coffee. This lecture material will compliment “Beyond the Latte” which is held Thursday, April 10, 2010 and sponsored by the Smith School of Business, the Office of Sustainability, and Dining Services.
Earth Month Celebration Concert
Friday, April 9, 6–10 pm, Nyumburu AmphitheatreSponsor: MaryPIRG
Come celebrate Earth MONTH and clean, renewable wind energy with MaryPIRG's Global Warming Solutions campaign! Event includes guest speakers, bands, games, crafts, and more. The concert is FREE and no tickets are required! The event will feature Hybrid Rose, Hovercraft, and Garrett. Speakers will include Randy Swisher (Executive Director of American Wind Energy Association) and Mike Sherling (Representative from Environment MD). Student groups attending this event include: Society for Green Businesses, NORML Terps, and UMD for Clean Energy. Come listen to inspiring activists, hear great music, and win cool prizes. It's a great kickoff to Earth month and a fun start for your Friday night!
Potomac River Watershed Clean-Up
Saturday, April 10, 9am–12pmSponsor: College Park Environmental Group (CPEG)
The College Park Environmental Group (CPEG) is participating in the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s 22nd Annual Potomac River Watershed Clean-up event. There are two sites: Soapstone Valley, Rock Creek Park (RSVP required) and Fort Washington Park (no RSVP needed). To participate, email cpegnews@gmail.com.
April 11th-17th:
Documentary Film: The Garden (2008)
Monday, April 12, 7-9 pm, 1102 South Campus Commons, Building 1Sponsor: Beyond the Classroom
Oscar-nominated for Best Documentary Feature in 2009, the Garden has been hailed by critics as the most astute and powerful political film of the year. Filmmaker Scott Hamilton Kennedy brilliantly captures, in a series of explosive and wrenching turn of events, the way greedy developers, inept politicians, and self-serving “community” leaders can run roughshod over the lives of working-class families fighting to save the largest urban farm in America – a 14-acre oasis in South Central Los Angeles that was created in the wake of the 1992 L.A. riots. The Garden raises crucial and challenging questions about liberty, equality, and justice for the poorest and most vulnerable.
Saving the Wooded Hillock: Ways through the Bureaucracy to Save a Peace-full Place
Tuesday, April 13, 12 - 2 pm, Tydings CIDCM Conference Room 0139Sponsor: Initiative on Education for Peace, Cooperation, and Development (IEPCD)
How was the Wooded Hillock saved from development into a parking lot and utility buildings, despite the plans of the Administration? Exploring how to wade through bureaucracy and create peaceful change in a situation fraught with emotion and complications is the topic of April's IEPCD discussion. Professor Marla McIntosh, who spearheaded the effort to have the University of Maryland recognized as an Arboretum and Botanical Garden and who was a passionate supporter of the effort to save the Wooded Hillock, will be the guest speaker. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP to Janet Tunney at jtunney@cidcm.umd.edu
Policy Forum: Policy Analysis - The Role of Economic Religion and Environmental Religion
Tuesday, April 13, 12:15 - 1:30 pm, Van Munching Community Room 1113Sponsor: The School of Public Policy
The School of Public Policy's Tuesday Policy Forum will feature Professor Robert H. Nelson speaking on the topic, "Policy Analysis - The Role of Economic Religion and Environmental Religion." Professor Nelson will draw upon his new book, The New Holy Wars: Economic Religion versus Environmental Religion in Contemporary America (Penn State Press, 2010). Nelson first wrote about environmental religion in "Unoriginal Sin: The Judeo-Christian Roots of Ecotheology" in Policy Review (Summer 1990), and have written many subsequent articles and papers on the subject. The New Holy Wars is his first book on the subject. For more information, contact Denise Williamson at 301-405-6334 or rdenise@umd.edu. You can also visit the School of Public Policy’s website at www.publicpolicy.umd.edu.
Environmental Injustice In Our Backyard?
Wednesday, April 14, 5:30–6:45pm, Atrium – Stamp Student UnionSponsor: Voices of Social Change Program
Come and learn about issues of environmental justice in the surrounding campus community. Voices of Social Change, a speaker series of engaging storytellers of social change, will feature two panelists. Mayor Ortiz, who has been featured on CNN, will address how he has helped to create change in Edmonston, MD, less than three miles from campus. Mayor Ortiz brought attention to a little known community to create one of the nation's "Greenest Streets". Vinnie Bevivino will talk about issues of food justice and his work in urban farming to empower the local community. They will share personal stories of how to bring positive social change to our community. The Voices of Social Change Program is a collaboration between Leadership & Community Service-Learning in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union Center for Campus Life.
Division of Student Affairs Day of Service – Invasive Species Removal
Thursday, April 15, 12:30-2:30 pmSponsor: Residential Facilities and Community Service Learning (Center for Campus Life)
Help remove, obliterate, eradicate, and eliminate invasive weeds from campus rain gardens. Come dressed for the weather in light-colored clothing that will get dirty and protective shoes/boots that will get wet. Gloves, insect repellent, information, and water will be provided. Rain date is April 16. *THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO STUDENT AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES ONLY*. For more information, contact garcia@umd.edu.
Lunch and Learn on Civic Engagement in Our Courses: Civic Engagement and Sustainability
Thursday, April 15, 12-1:30pm, Jiménez Room, Stamp Student UnionCome learn from faculty colleagues how they connect civic engagement and sustainability in courses across the curriculum. How do these concepts apply across disciplines? What do they really look like in the curriculum? What have faculty members learned in the process? Panelists will be faculty members involved in the Chesapeake Project and I-Courses. Please RSVP to cte@umd.edu. Lunch provided.
Pick Up America
Thursday, April 15th, 7:30pm, Jimenez Room, Stamp Student UnionSponsor: UMD for Clean Energy
Several University of Maryland Alumni are walking across the country picking up trash and advocating for environmental awareness. On the way, they are stopping in College Park to play some music and talk about moving toward a culture of sustainability!
Lecture on Using Bioenergy to Fuel Habitat Restoration on Farmland in Namibia
Friday, April 16, 12:15–1:45pm, School of Public Policy, 1113 Van Munching HallSponsor: Ecological Economics Student Group (EESG)
Join EESG to hear a lecture delivered by Ryan Richards, a graduate student in the public policy/conservation biology dual masters program. He will be speaking on using bioenergy to fuel habitat restoration on farmland in Namibia.
April 18th-24th:
Documentary Film: The Cove (2009)
Monday, April 19, 2010, 7-9 pm, 1102 South Campus Commons, Building 1Sponsor: Beyond the Classroom
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary, The Cove tells one of the most intriguing true stories of our time. When an elite team of activists, filmmakers and free divers embark on a covert mission to penetrate a remote and hidden cove in Japan, they shine a light on a dark and deadly secret. This unforgettable story about the industrial practices of Japan’s fishing industry has inspired audiences around the world to action and raised hopes that thousands of the most magnificent wild animals on Earth – dolphins – can be saved!
Gene Baur Presentation at UMD
Monday, April 19th, 7:30pm, Jimenez Room in the Stamp Student UnionSponsor: VegTerps, Terps for Animal Welfare and the SGA Student Sustainability Committee
In celebration of Earth MONTH, VegTerps, Terps for Animal Welfare and the Student Sustainability Committee is proud to have Gene Baur on campus, one of the leading animal rights activist since Farm Sanctuary began in 1986. Baur is the President and Co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, the first animal rescue organization for farmed animals. Meet Gene Baur and hear him speak about his national best-seller Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds about Animals and Food. Gene's book will be also be available for sale and he will sign copies! The event is free and open to the general public.
"Other Mother’s Day" Annual Earth Day Celebration
Tuesday, April 20, 10am–4pm, McKeldin Mall (Rain date is April 27)The Student Government Association's Earth Day Planning Committee invites you to join us for the University of Maryland's “Other Mother's Day” Annual Earth Day Celebration. Over 50 student groups, university departments, and environmentally-responsible businesses and organizations from around the community will be present to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. If your organization would like to exhibit on the mall, please email kmmgreen@gmail.com by Friday April 16th to reserve a table for your organization.
Testudo’s Market
Tuesday, April 20, 10:30am–2:30pm, Hornbake PlazaJoin the UMD community on Tuesday, April 20th, for the first ever on-campus Farmers Market! Come out (rain or shine) for food, art, jewelry, live music, and more. Participating local vendors include: Three Springs Fruit Farm, Groff's Content Farm, Stone Hearth Bakery, Zeke's Coffee, Mystic Water Soap, Migue's Magnificent Mini-Donuts, Ruben's Crepes, and Locust Point Greenhouse. There will also be student music & comedy and art for sale.
Chevrolet Volt Forum and Test Drives
Wednesday, April 21. Forum: Noon-1pm, Kay 1&2 Boardroom, Kim Engineering Building. Test Drives: 8am-4pm, Kim Plaza (in front of the Kim Engineering Building)The Chevrolet Volt, an extended-range electric vehicle slated for production this coming November, is coming to the University of Maryland as part of the campus’ Earth Month activities. The visit includes a presentation from faculty and Chevrolet about automotive advances helpful to the environment and campus sustainability efforts. Five students and three faculty/staff members attending the presentation will have an opportunity to win a drive in the Volt. Presenters include Dr. Eric Wachsman, Director of the University of Maryland Energy Research Center (UMERC); Dr. David Kirsch, Associate Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship in the Smith School of Business; and Chevrolet Product Specialists. Lunch will be provided.
Earth Day Film Festival
Wednesday and Thursday, April 21 and 22, Showings from 1:00-5:00 pm and 8:30-11:00 pm on both days, Hoff Theater, Stamp Student UnionCo-Sponsors: Division of Student Affairs Sustainability Committee and Student Entertainment Events (SEE)
This event is FREE, including FREE popcorn! Also, the first 75 people will receive a reusable Film Festival shopping bag!
- 1:00 King Corn
- 2:40 Coal Country
- 4:05 Eating Alaska
- 8:30 Food, Inc.
- 10:15 Extreme Commuting
Engineering Sustainability Workshop
Thursday, April 22 (Earth Day), Kim Engineering BuildingSponsors: A. James Clark School of Engineering and the Office of Sustainability
This year’s event will explore opportunities and challenges in water sustainability at the national and regional levels (including availability, management, purity, and wastewater management) and the roles engineers and others can play. The workshop offers presentations, demonstrations, and discussions in which all may participate. At the conclusion of the day, workshop participants will view student videos presenting ideas for how to reduce the Clark School’s water footprint (and its carbon footprint) by improving the water supply and consumption of its buildings, laboratories, and grounds. Click here for details on the student video competition.
Green Building Tour of Knight Hall
Friday, April 23, 11am-noon & a again from 1-2pm, Meet in the Great Hall near the cafeTour Knight Hall, the University’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design from the U.S. Green Building Council) certified building on the College Park Campus. A tour of the building will occur twice, once at 11 am and again at 1 pm. Meet in the great hall near the café. No reservation required.
Clean Energy Town Hall with Senator Ben Cardin
Friday, April 23rd, 2pm, Benjamin Banneker Room, Stamp Student UnionSponsor: UMD for Clean Energy
UMD for Clean Energy hosts Senator Ben Cardin for a town hall style meeting about clean energy and federal climate legislation!
MARYLAND DAY!
Saturday, April 24, 10am–4pm, The Entire Campus!Hundreds of events! Be sure to check out these:
- Earth Day, Every Day! McKeldin Mall - Office of Sustainability Tent. Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day with the Office of Sustainability. We'll sprout some green ideas for making your home and lifestyle more sustainable.
- Don't Learn Safety by Accident McKeldin Mall - Environmental Safety Tent. Come meet our environmental, health and safety staff as they share their expertise. Enjoy games, prizes and helpful information for the whole family.
- Go Green with Facilities Management McKeldin Mall - Facilities Management Tent Discover how Facilities Management's nationally recognized programs are setting the sustainability standards for interior and exterior campus environments. Explore our interactive activities to see how we are involved in reshaping and greening our campus for future generations.
- Explore the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission McKeldin Mall - Campus Programs and Maryland Supporters Tent. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission operates the public park systems, provides land-use planning for the majority of Montgomery and Prince George's counties and operates the public recreation program in Prince George's County. Learn about plans for both counties.
- Engineers Without Borders McKeldin Mall - A. James Clark School of Engineering Tent. The award-winning chapter of Engineers Without Borders partners with disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through environmentally and economically sustainable engineering projects. Learn about new and completed projects in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Peru and Brazil.
- Shape Our Environment McKeldin Mall-College Tent-School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation Try hands-on activities that engage young people and introduce them to our environment, including building a geodesic dome, constructing models and more.
- Chesapeake Bay Crabs, Oysters and Culture Woods Hall, Front Lawn. Crabs and oysters are important to Chesapeake Bay culture and ecosystems. The exhibit showcases the Anthropology Departments' ongoing research on the human dimensions of Chesapeake Bay restoration.
- Plant Science and Landscape Architecture - Planting Seeds for a Better Tomorrow Plant Sciences Building, Front Plaza. Learn about sustainability with a real Greenroof Doghouse! Play Mini Golf! See Landscape Architecture and Garden Models! See separate listing for tours of the Greenhouse Complex and the UM Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
- Carbon Footprint? But I didn't step in anything. Lobby, Bioscience Research Building. Using fluorescent lamps and carpooling isn't the whole solution. What affects your footprint? How can you reduce it? Even try your hand at building a windmill.
- Discover the Swamp! 1162, Plant Sciences Building. Capture and observe the small aquatic creatures that are common in nearby wetlands. Learn about their behavior as they swim through water and climb on plants.
- What Types of Soils Do You Have at Your Home? Lobby, Animal Sciences Building. Come use the new online Web Soil Survey to discover what types of soils are at your home or on your land. Guests will locate their land using an online mapping system, print and take home a map and description of the soils on the property, and have the opportunity to speak with a soil scientist about their soils. This event is sponsored by the Department of Environmental Science and Technology in partnership with the USDA Natural Resourses Conservation Service.
- 4-H Environmental Sciences Animal Sciences Courtyard. Talbot County 4-H will feature interactive science activities with an environmental theme as part of the annual SET promotion.
- Grow It Eat It Animal Sciences Courtyard. Save money and eat healthy this year with a vegetable garden. The Grow It Eat It campaign will show you how to start and care for a food garden.
- Where Does the Water Go? Animal Sciences Courtyard. Join UMD Sea Grant Extension specialists at this hands-on demonstration table and learn about the path water takes as it moves from the land to the rivers. You'll be amazed at what you see!
- Trash Treasures Animal Sciences Courtyard. One kid's trash is another kid's treasure. Kids of all ages are invited to create unique crafts using recycled materials.
- The More Green, The More Clean Animal Sciences Courtyard. We will use a rainfall simulator to demonstrate how various forms of vegetation, bare soil, and pavement impact the quality of runoff water and the potential for water pollution during a rainstorm.
- Maryland Homes, Neighborhoods and Environment Animal Sciences Courtyard. Do you value the environment? Want a chance to win an iPod shuffle? Help us understand the importance to Maryland residents of homes, neighborhoods, and the environment by participating in an easy survey.
- Marshes + Mosquitoes = Mayhem? Animal Sciences Courtyard. Draining wetlands to control mosquitoes may be less effective than taking action in your own back yard.
- Patuxent River 4-H Center Environmental Adventures Animal Sciences Courtyard. Enjoy hands-on activities that promote environmental stewardship. Experience fun and learning for all ages.
- Maryland Water Resources Research Center Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building Plaza. Explore new technology and more efficient methods for resolving local, state and national water resource problems.
- Exploring Extraordinary Earth! Glenn L. Martin Building, Front Lawn. Explore our ever-changing planet with Earth system scientists from UM, NASA, and NOAA! Build your own instruments to measure winds and rain fall amounts. Harvest water and learn about the water cycle. Participate in these and other Earth science-themed activities!
- Cause Maryland Wasmer Rotunda, Riggs Alumni Center. Student philanthropic groups will present exhibits that guests can vote on to determine who deserves a monetary prize to expand their efforts.
- Great Oaks of Maryland -- Grow Something Awesome! Chapel Fields Come to the large oak tree down the hill from the Chapel where you'll find seedlings from area trees that are either noteworthy in size or uncommon in the landscape. This is your way to put back into the ecosystem trees you can't get at big box stores or at 95% of nurseries. New for this year: trees given away in pairs to maximize viable offspring. Come and discuss the multiple services they provide you and your community. Similar seedlings sell for as much as $60. Get yours free.
April 25th-30th:
Documentary Film: Think Peace: Portrait of a 21st Century Movement (2007)
Monday, April 26, 1102 South Campus Commons, Building 1Sponsor: Beyond the Classroom
In February 2004, the world witnessed the largest mobilization of people in history to speak with one message: do not invade Iraq. Although record-breaking, the demonstrations were not enough to stop the United States from invading Iraq. The peace movement, at its greatest moment, had failed. In response to this challenge, the inaugural World Peace Forum was held for six days in June 2006 in Vancouver, Canada. Five thousand delegates mobilized from over 90 countries to do no less than revise the paradigm of peace and take the steps necessary to create a world without war. Think Peace follows a group of citizen journalists as they seek out leading civil society activists, diplomats, scholars, and artists who could describe the challenges facing one of the world’s largest social movements.
Chesapeake Project Faculty Learning Community Gathering
Tuesday, April 27, 12-1pmSponsor: The Office of Sustainability
Join a discussion with your faculty colleagues about integrating sustainability across the curriculum. RSVP by April 21 to stewartm@umd.edu. Lunch will be provided.
CEO@Smith speaker series: Barbara Krumsiek, CEO and President, Calvert Group, Ltd.
Tuesday, April 27, 5:30–7:30pm, 1524 Van Munching HallSponsor: Smith School of Business
Calvert is a leader in sustainable and responsible investing, managing over $14 billion in assets. In addition to strong performance in the marketplace, Calvert is recognized as a “Great Place to Work” and an “Eco Leader” by the Alliance for Workplace Excellence. Join the Smith School for April’s CEO@Smith lecture to learn more about Barbara Krumsiek’s leadership at the Bethesda-based Calvert Group.
Appalachia is Disappearing: A Panel on Mountain Top Removal Mining
Thursday, April 29th, exact time and location to be announcedSponsor: UMD for Clean Energy
Speakers from several non-profits talk about the harmful practice of mountain top removal coal mining and what can be done to put a stop to it.
Lecture on China’s Environment
Friday, April 30, 12:15–1:45, School of Public Policy, 1113 Van Munching HallSponsor: Ecological Economics Student Groups (EESG)
Join EESG to hear a lecture by Dr. Jennifer Turner, the Director of the China Environment Forum at the Woodrow Wilson Center. She will present on China's environment, discussing issues such as desertification and other environmental issues where economics play a significant role.
*Earth Month logo designed by Rhia Pumhirun and Gbenga Fakilede