Colorado State University, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, goes beyond the mere observance of Earth Day. For many years, CSU has turned April into a monthlong celebration. All members of the CSU community are invited to take part in this year’s exciting lineup of activities for Earth Month.
Throughout April, CSU is hosting over a dozen events for both in-person and virtual participation. Highlights include insightful discussions on critical sustainability challenges, engaging workshops and the annual Earth Day Festival on Monday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a live performance by Colorado-based indie rock band Lady Denim. The festival celebrates sustainability efforts throughout campus and features dozens of booths with information on practical ways to get involved in sustainable projects and practices. This year’s festival will also feature several hands-on workshops.
“We are excited to have such a variety of engaging events and sustainable programs this year,” said Kirstie Tedrick, communications and sustainability project manager for Housing & Dining Services.
“So many people are involved from student organizations, departments and colleges at CSU, and from the Fort Collins community. These workshops and events all showcase their dedication to a greener future.”
Experience Earth Month at CSU
2024 Earth Month events
The Annual CSU Drag Show – Theme: Mother Earth
Sunday, April 14, 6-9 p.m.
Lory Student Center Grand Ballroom
Featuring drag performers from across the state and headliner Mirage, this year’s show is Mother Earth-themed, and donations will raise funds for the LGBTQIA+ Scholarships and Leah Memorial Fund in the Pride Resource Center.
Tree Campus Arbor Day Planting
Friday, April 19, 1 p.m.
Corner of College and University avenues
Student volunteers and the community are welcome to help plant trees on Arbor Day. This is the 14th consecutive arbor day planting, and CSU’s 13th year being acknowledged as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution. There will be a small ceremony before the tree planting. fm.colostate.edu/arboretum.
E-Waste & Sneaker Recycling and Compost Giveaway
Friday, April 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Moby Arena Parking Lot
Come by and collect CSU’s own compost for gardening needs, and recycle e-waste and old sneakers. There is a limit of two 5-gallon buckets per person (bring your own buckets), and also recycle your e-waste (no large electronics larger than a TV). Only tennis shoes will be accepted for recycling (no sandals, flip flops, boots etc.).
CSU Earth Day Festival
Monday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lory Student Center West Lawn
Join in the celebration of Earth Day at the Lory Student Center Sutherland Sculpture Garden. While enjoying live music by Lady Denim, peruse the many booths at the festival to learn about sustainability on campus and how to get involved. Be sure to bring CSU clothing and gear to exchange at the swap table.
Sustainability workshops | April 22
This year, the President’s Sustainability Commission is hosting workshops in the LSC during the festival on April 22.
Earth Day Workshop: Climate Grief to Active Hope Workshop
10 a.m. to noon
LSC Room 312
Join presenters from the Center for Environmental Justice and ‘DreamCreateInspire’ tour to experience an interactive workshop. This workshop will present ideas for processing strong emotions about the climate, while inspiring collective action. Light refreshments will be provided.
Rain Barrel Workshop: Conserve Water with Rain Barrels
10-11:30 a.m.
LSC Room 308
Learn about rainwater harvesting practices in this workshop, including the steps to install rain barrels at homes.
Earth Day Workshop: Let’s Play Carbon Countdown: A Climate Action Planning Game
10:30-11:30 a.m.
LSC Room 308
Step into the future of university sustainable progress with “Carbon Countdown,” a game of strategy, risk, collaboration, chance and innovation. Tasked with achieving the university’s carbon reduction goals, your team’s decisions will guide the transformation of your campus. Will your campus be a beacon of sustainability, or will you fall behind in the race against carbon?
Earth Day Workshop: Sustainable Savors: Exploring the Roots of Responsible Eating
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
LSC Room 308
Join a hands-on, interactive discussion of the global food system’s environmental impact, and why it is important to choose sustainable ingredients. Concepts of food miles, water usage and the benefits of local and seasonal eating will be discussed.
Earth Day Workshop: Bees, Please! A hands-on look at the importance of pollination
Noon to 2 p.m.
LSC Room 310
In this session, participants will learn about Colorado native bee species and the role they play in pollinating a surprisingly substantial portion of our food supply. Data explored in this activity comes from an ongoing citizen science project that started at CSU. Refreshments will be served.
Sustainability Round Table Event
Tuesday, April 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
LSC Longs Peak Room
ASCSU will be hosting a round table event to connect local sustainability leaders with students. Participants will sit down for dinner with each other to discuss sustainability issues in Colorado, including those facing government, technology, and businesses.
Bike, Scoot and Skate to Breakfast
Wednesday, April 24, 8:30-10 a.m.
Pitkin, West of the Newton Statue
Roll by on bike, scooter, or skateboard for free coffee and breakfast items. The Spoke will be available for bike maintenance.
Eco Leader Independent Project Showcase
Wednesday, April 24, 4-5:15 p.m.
The Pavilion in Laurel Village
This showcase highlights the residence hall Eco Leaders’ spring semester independent projects, aimed at exploring opportunities for sustainability initiatives within CSU Housing & Dining Services. All are welcome to come by and see the results of their research, and to listen to the Eco Leaders present their findings. Light refreshments will be served.
