University of Findlay Set to Celebrate Earth Week

The University of Findlay will celebrate Earth Week from April 21 through April 23, showcasing the many ways students, faculty, and staff come together to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability across campus. While several campus groups have long championed Earth-focused initiatives, this year’s celebration highlights a shared, University-wide commitment to caring for the environment.

Plant a Wish, Grow the Future – April 21

Earth Week activities will begin Tuesday, April 21, with “Plant a Wish, Grow the Future,” hosted by the Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability program’s student chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals and the Environmental Health Association. From 2 to 4 p.m. at the Bell Tower on the Cory Street Mall, campus community members are invited to write their hopes for the future on their pots, add seeds, and plant them; symbolizing growth, renewal, and long-term sustainability. In the event of rain, the activity will move to the CBSL Atrium.

Clean the Stream & Seedling Planting – April 22

On Wednesday, April 22, those same groups will host and partner with College of Education, biology, and athletics for the “Clean the Stream,” a hands-on service project aimed at removing debris to improve the health of local waterways on campus. This marks the second year of the Clean the Stream initiative. The event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m., with participants meeting behind the golf building at 2 p.m. Volunteers are encouraged to wear clothing and shoes suitable for muddy conditions.

Also on April 22, biology faculty members Ben Dolan and Lauren Sandhu will lead a tree planting service project supporting the University’s ongoing sustainability and conservation efforts. Beginning at 3:30 p.m., near the former fire pit location on the north side of Howard Run, participants will plant 100 native seedlings donated by a local Subaru dealership. This project builds on recent cleanup efforts by Hancock County and aims to stabilize creek banks, reintroduce native plants, and establish a pollinator corridor. The tree planting and stream cleanup will occur in the same general area, allowing volunteers to participate in one or both activities.

Earth Day Extravaganza (Bee and Tree Campus Commemorations) – April 23

Earth Week will culminate on Thursday, April 23, with the third annual Earth Day Extravaganza, celebrating the University of Findlay’s third year as a recognized Bee Campus and also ten-year recognition as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution. The day will begin at 3:30 p.m. with a ceremonial planting of two bald cypress trees at College Park, near the pickleball courts.

Earth Day Extravaganza festivities will then continue from 4 to 6 p.m. on the CBSL Front Lawn. The Extravaganza will feature activities hosted by student organizations, a pollinator garden clean-up, a plant sale, and local honey, along with recreational offerings such as pickleball and a cornhole tournament. Attendees can also enjoy live music, food, s’mores at the fire pit, tie-dye t-shirt making, and a stuffed animal truck. Free snacks will be provided by the Student Activities Board.

All Earth Week events are free and open to students, faculty, staff, and the public, reflecting the University of Findlay’s shared commitment to environmental responsibility, collaboration, and community engagement.