The University of Washington will celebrate Earth Day with a celebration at the HUB on April 22, but there are events across the UW celebrating our planet and the environment during the entire Earth Week and beyond. Here is a sampling of the events happening around UW as part of the Earth Day celebration:
April 20
Decarbonization at UW
Join a discussion about decarbonization and what it might mean for the University of Washington and local communities. The State of Washington and the UW’s Sustainability Action Plan call for the UW to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work toward carbon neutrality. What will this mean for all of us, and what are the technical, social and financial challenges we face in making this happen.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Forum | MORE INFORMATION
Virtual conference on Zoom
Wednesday, April 20, 12-4pm
Thursday, April 21, 9am-1pm
Sustainability and diversity, equity & inclusion are intrinsically intertwined to ensure a just and equitable world. The UW Professional Staff Organization (PSO) and departments across UW’s three campuses have organized this virtual forum, focused around a theme of action. The DEI Forum is developed by staff, for staff, but open to faculty and students as well. It will take place via Zoom on April 20-21, 2022.
April 21
Society for Ecololgical Restoration Heron Haven volunteer work party
Heron Haven work site, 9-11 a.m. | RSVP REQUIRED
Every Thursday throughout Spring quarter, the UW Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration is hosting volunteer work parties at their Heron Haven site between Drumheller Fountain and Anderson Hall. Everyone is welcome and no experience is needed. Gloves, tools, and snacks are provided for all volunteers.
Native Plant Nursery work party
Douglas Research Conservatory, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | RSVP
Get hands-on experience with native plant production and restoration. Activities include propagation, potting-up, plant care, invasive species removal, and more. No experience necessary, all equipment will be provided. Masks are required. Bring a water bottle and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Net Impact Idea Lab: “You made a climate pledge, now what?”
Paccar Hall, 5-9 p.m. | TICKETS
Idea Lab is the Foster School of Business Net Impact Club’s premier mini-conference. It is an opportunity for students, professionals, academics, and policymakers to come together to discuss the most pressing issues in sustainability and environmental, social, and governance. This year’s theme will be “So You Made a Climate Pledge, Now What?” – How leading businesses, governments, and NGOs are putting ideas into action and executing on ambitious climate commitments. Keynote speakers include Sally Jewell, former Secretary of the Interior and UW Fritzky Chair in Leadership; Sally Fouts, Director of the Climate Pledge at Amazon; and Mark Kroese, GM of Sustainability Solutions at Microsoft.
April 22
Earth Day Fair
HUB Street, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The Earth Day Fair on the main floor of 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.
April 23
Earth Day restoration at the Arboretum
Washington Park Arboretum, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | REGISTER
The UW Botanic Gardens are partnering with the Student Conservation Association, Arboretum Foundation, UW Botanic Gardens, and Seattle Parks and Recreation to restore the Washington Park Arboretum by removing invasive ivy and weeding the collections. All are welcome to volunteer, but advance registration is required.