FGCU’s annual Eagles Earth Day celebration takes place April 11 and 12, with a variety of fun eco-centric activities.
Events are brought to you by University Colloquium, Environmental Health & Safety, Office of Housing and Residence Life, Physical Plant, Student Government and Wildlife Club.
The first Earth Day in the United States was on April 22, 1970. Its aim was to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire communities to safeguard national capital such as clean air and water, healthy soil, biodiversity and resilient ecosystems. While most communities celebrate Earth Day on April 22, the students at FGCU scheduled the event on April 12 so they can focus on final projects and exams during the final weeks of the semester.
Monday, April 11
- 5 p.m. screening of “Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret,” in Cohen Center 214. This feature-length documentary investigates the environmental impact that large-scale factory farming has on the planet and offers a path to global sustainability for a growing population. Watch the trailer.
Tuesday, April 12
- 8 a.m. tree planting in South Village. Register for Service Learning. Emerging Eagles mentors who are graduating also will share with their mentees knowledge they wish they would have had as an underclassmen and plant a tree commemorating their legacy together.
- 9-11 a.m. The Family Resource Center is having Garden Day for which pre-K students will plant a garden and paint rocks to create a “Nature Rocks” display.
- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Farmers Market and Sustainability Outreach on the Library Lawn. Various activities are planned along with free T-shirts, giveaways, games and more.
- 3:30 p.m. RecycleMania Panel Discussion in Cohen Center 214. Learn from local experts about waste management challenges and what FGCU and Lee County do to reduce waste.
- 5 p.m. student seminar featuring Dr. Reed Noss from University of Central Florida in Sugden Hall 240. Noss will discuss the role of fire in the coastal plain habitat. Understanding this role can impact how we can best manage and conserve these unique habitats and the wildlife within.
- 6-9 p.m. Wingstock Music Festival at the Veterans Pavilion. Come listen to Natural Spirit, AnonyMoose, Lady in Briz, Simple Jack, and High Five Friday while enjoying food from the FGCU Food Forest.