Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹

Earth Month

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY EARTH MONTH 2025

Our Power, Our Planet

EARTHDAY.ORG's Earth Day 2025 theme  is ". Over 1 billion participants around the world will take action on April 22nd. -EARTHDAY.ORG #EarthActionDay

Earth Month Planning Committee

The 2025 Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Earth Month events were planned by the Earth Month Committee.

Earth Month Planning Committee members include representatives from: Career Exploration and Development, College of Nursing, Design Innovation, Employee Wellness and Health Promotion, Environmental Science and Design Research Institute, Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ of Well-being, Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Bookstore, University Libraries, Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Museum, Materials Science Graduate Program, Office of Sustainability,  RecWell, University College,  School of Peace and Conflict Studies and student organizations including  Kent Interhall Council,  Undergraduate Student Government; and a representative from Stark regional campus.

If you'd like to be part of the Earth Month Planning Committee please email Leah Graham lgraha13@kent.edu 

Check back as more events are added!

Earth Month-related events

Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Earth Month 2025 Events

  • March 22 - Ohio Academy of Science (OAS) Regional Science Day
  • March 22 - DI Hub Community Open House
  • March 27 - Activist-in-Residence
  • April 1 - 30 Employee Wellness BeWell
  • April 4 - Planetary Ports: A Theory of Infrastructural Urbanization
  • April 4 - Projective Territories Symposium
  • April 5- Cascade Valley Metro Park Day Hike
  • April 6 - Park Clean-Up Volunteer Event
  • April 10 - Public Health Career Fair
  • April 11 - Great Lakes Climate Mobilites
  • April 12-13 - Ohio Weekend Backpacking Trip
  • April 16 - Wellness Wednesday- Environmental Wellness/Sustainability (Farmers’ Market) 
  • April 16 - Internship and Job Opportunities in Local Health and Human Services Agencies
  • April 18 - 27 - Men on Boats
  • April 19 - Outdoor Rock Climbing Day Trip - Logtown
  • April 16 - Wellness Wednesday
  • April 21 - 26 - Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Annual Fashion Week
  • April 23 - Earth Fest 
  • April 23 -  Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Haymaker Farmers' Market
  • April 23 - Environmental Science and Design Research Institute Research Showcase
  • April 24 - Fix-It Kent
  • April 24 - Activist-in-Residence
  • April 26 -  Earth Day Environmental Justice Conference 2025
  • April 26 - Outdoor Rock Climbing Day Trip -West Branch State Park
  • April 27 - Cuyahoga River Kayak Trip

 

Ohio Academy of Science (OAS) Regional Science Day
March 22 from 8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Hosted by Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University

The Ohio Academy of Science Regional Science Day at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University consists of Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula, Summit, Portage, Trumbull, Stark, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties. Science Day and the preparation for it is a unique and fulfilling experience for students. Through their projects, students have the opportunity to explore fields of science and to learn and practice critical thinking, inquiry, technological design, and investigative skills. Students will learn research methods, including how to obtain data, keep a research log or notebook, graph data, and develop conclusions. Science fair projects foster imagination and elevate creative thought. Students will develop and enhance organizational and communication skills, and they will learn to work independently as well as in a group. They will meet other students interested in science, and students can earn recognition for academic excellence.

More Info

DI Hub Community Open House
March 22 from 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Design Innovation Hub- Reactor Makerspace (room 150)
Hosted by the Design Innovation Hub

The DI Hub Community Open House is an engaging and vibrant event that showcases the cutting-edge resources, collaborative spaces, and innovative opportunities available to you at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University's Design Innovation Hub! Attendees can explore our state-of-the-art makerspaces - including our Reactor Shops & Labs - while connecting with experts who demonstrate the potential of these tools. Guests can participate in hands-on activities, view inspiring project displays, and meet members of the interdisciplinary DI community. Whether you're a student, educator, entrepreneur, or creative enthusiast, this open house invites you to discover how the DI Hub fosters innovation, collaboration, and transformative ideas in action.

Make & Takes (while supplies last):

- Buttons and stickers
- Laser-cut magnet photo frames
- Waterjet-cut bottle openers
- Dye sub printed magnets

Activities:

- Lego building challenge
- Cookie decorating
- VR experiences
- AR art creation

Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Activist-in-Residence
March 27
Hosted by the Anti-Racism and Equity Institute

Through this series, we hope to engage with the university community through a variety of exciting initiatives, including seminars, panel presentations, workshops, training sessions, and film screenings.

To find out more about our inaugural Activist-in-Residence, Jazmin Long, click here.

Spring 2025 Activist-in-Residence

man in suit smiling

We are pleased to announce that Dr. José Salinas will serve as AREI's Activist-in-Residence for the 2025 spring semester. To find out more information about him and his work, please click here.

Dr. Salinas will be at KSU campus on February 6, March 27, and April 24. Please find a schedule of events listed below and if you have any questions, ideas, or are interested in collaborating on a specific project, please contact Michael Rosengarten at mrosenga@kent.edu

Activist-In-Residence

Planetary Ports: A Theory of Infrastructural Urbanization
April 4 from 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Tri Towers Rotunda
Hosted by Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative

Join as Á½ÐÔÉ«Îçҹ’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative hosts Jeffrey S. Nesbit for his lecture "Planetary Ports: A Theory of Infrastructural Urbanization" on Friday, March 21, 2025 in person and on Zoom.

More Info

Projective Territories Symposium
April 4 at 5:15 P.M. 
Hosted by Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Join the CAED in the Cene Lecture Hall on Monday, April 4, 2025 at 5:15 PM for "Projective Territories," a symposium featuring Neeraj Bhatia, Elisa Iturbe, Lydia Kallipoliti Paul Mosley, and Albert Pope.

More Info

Projective Territories Symposium
April 5 from 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Registration required. Meet at SRWC
Hosted by Recreation and Wellness Services

Participants will have the opportunity to hike a beginner hiking trail in Cascade Valley. Chuckery Trail Loop is a 2.4 mile, moderately trafficked, loop trail located in Akron, Ohio that features a great forest setting, beautiful view of the Cuyahoga River, and is good for all skill levels. No prior experience is needed.
Date & Time: Saturday, Apr. 5 from 1 - 4 p.m.
Location: Cascade Valley Metro Park - meet at the SRWC
Cost: $10

Projective Territories Symposium
April 6 from 1:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Registration required. Meet at SRWC
Hosted by Recreation and Wellness Services and Cuyahoga Valley National Park

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to give back to the Earth? Join us in a volunteer event cleaning up trails at Cuyahoga Valley National Park as a way to give back to nature! Together, we can keep our beautiful backyard looking pristine!
Date & Time: Sunday, Apr. 6 from 1 - 6 p.m.
Location: Cuyahoga Valley National Park - meet at the SRWC
Cost: $0 (free)

Public Health Career Fair
April 10 from 12:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Moulton Hall Ballroom
Hosted by College of Public Health

Join us for the 2025 Public Health Career Fair on Thursday, April 10, from 12 to 4 p.m., in Moulton Hall. Explore exciting career opportunities with over 40 top healthcare organizations and health professionals, and discover your future career path in public health.

Dress for success, bring your resume, Student ID, and don't hesitate to ask questions and learn about volunteer positions, potential internships and full-time roles that align with your interests and passions.

More Info

Great Lakes Climate Mobilities
April 11 from 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University CUDC 1309 Euclid Avenue, Suite 200, Cleveland, OH
Hosted by Recreation and Wellness Services and Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Join as Á½ÐÔÉ«Îçҹ’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative hosts a book realease and panel discussion for "Great Lakes Climate Mobilities" on Friday, April 11, 2025 in person and on Zoom.

 

Ohio Weekend Backpacking Trip
April 12- 13 
Registration required. Meet at SRWC
Hosted by Recreation and Wellness Services

Considering a convenient weekend trip within Ohio? Come join the Adventure Center on an overnight backpacking trip through Zaleski State Forest in some nice spring weather. We will be hiking over ten miles in an area that is a popular area for birding, camping, and hiking. We will be backpacking for 2 days with 35 or more pounds of gear on our backs and spending 1 night camping in the woods. Get ready for some fun! The fee includes meals.

Date & Time: Saturday, Apr. 12 - Sunday, Apr. 13
Location: Zaleski State Forest, Ohio - meet at the SRWC
Cost: Students $95, Non-students $105
Difficulty: Level 2. Some hiking experience preferred, moderate physical exertion

 

Internship and Job Opportunities in Local Health and Human Services Agencies
April 16 from 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Online
Hosted by College of Public Health

Mark Frisone, Executive Director of Family and Community Services, with offices in Kent, Ohio and throughout northeast Ohio, will discuss opportunities for public health students and graduates in community health and human services programs.


Meeting ID: 232 205 012 725
Passcode: PD7VC6bz

More Info

Wellness Wednesday- Environmental Wellness/Sustainability (Farmers’ Market) 
April 16 from 5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Tri Towers Rotunda
Hosted by Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ of Well-being

Stop by our table to complete an activity and chat with Peer Educators about Environmental Wellness and the importance of Farmers’ Markets.  

Men on Boats
April 18 - 27
Hosted by School of Theatre and Dance

By Jaclyn Backhaus; Directed by Caitlyn Kane. Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. "Men On Boats" is the true(ish) story of John Wesley Powell’s 1869 expedition down the Grand and Colorado Rivers with nine amateur explorers. This comedic feminist retelling of the explorers’ death-defying adventure raises urgent questions about whose histories are told, whose perspectives are left out, and how historical narratives shape contemporary understandings of belonging.

"Men On Boats" is presented by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service. 

Men on Boats

Outdoor Rock Climbing Day Trip- Logtown
April 19
Registration required. Meet at SRWC
Hosted by Recreation and Wellness Services

Enjoy a day of outdoor climbing at Logtown. Tucked away on the eastern edge of Ohio in the little village of Lisbon, is a small rock climbing crag by the name of Logtown. This once active rock quarry is now home to one of the only places to lead climb in the entire state. With routes ranging in grades from 5.3 to 5.12d, as well as a mix of bouldering, sport climbing, and trad climbing, there is a little something for everyone. This trip is great for all experience levels from beginner to experienced.
Date & Time: Saturday, Apr. 19 from 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Logtown - meet at the SRWC
Cost: Students $40, Non-students $45

 

Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Annual Fashion Week
April 21 - 26
Hosted by the School of Fashion

The annual Fashion Show is the main event in the School of Fashion's Fashion Week.

Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Fashion Week

Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Earth Fest
April 23 from 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Kent Student Center Risman Plaza (or if rain, 2nd floor Student Center)
Hosted by the Earth Month Planning Committee and the Office of Sustainability

Join on and off campus organizations and departments for a fun-filled Earth Day event with food trucks, music, student activities, information, giveaways, and prize drawings. The purpose of this event is to: 1) increase students’ awareness of sustainability on and off campus 2) engage students in educational activities and 3) inspire students’ actions in the sustainability movement. All sustainability-related organizations are encouraged to participate including those with a focus on prosperity (economy), people (social), or planet (environment). 

Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Haymaker Farmers' Market
April 23 from 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Kent Student Center Risman Plaza 
Hosted by Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ of Well-being

Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University has partnered with Haymaker Farmers' Market to bring a farmer's market to the Kent Campus. The Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Farmers' Market provides students with opportunities to learn about the local farming community, select fresh produce and connect with the broader Kent community in addition to creating a community around food with a warm, friendly and fun environment. The market will include selling crafts (photography, prints, glass, fiber) and educational workshops related to food as well as performances (music, dance, theater).  

Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Haymaker Farmers' Market

ESDRI Research Showcase
April 23 from 12:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
ISB Main Hallway (1st floor)
Hosted by Environmental Science Design Research Institute

The Environmental Science and Design’s Annual Research Showcase features poster presentations from students across different disciplines related to environmental science, design, or sustainability. For more information contact: Katie Manning at  kmanni12@kent.edu or esdri@kent.edu 

ESDRI

Fix-It Kent
April 24 from 4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Design Innovation Hub- Reactor Makerspace (room 150)
Hosted by KSU Design Innovation (DI) Initiative in partnership with Fix-It CLE, a program from Circular Cleveland, an initiative of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and the City of Cleveland, in collaboration with Neighborhood Connections

Join us for our Fix-It Kent Community Repair Workshop! 

Got something broken? Don’t toss it—fix it! Join DI for Fix-It Kent, a hands-on repair workshop where experienced coaches will help you repair your everyday objects, saving you money and keeping waste out of landfills. This free community event is open to anyone looking to fix household items, electronics, clothing, small appliances, and more. Whether you're tackling a wobbly chair, a torn jacket, or a gadget that’s stopped working, our volunteer repair experts will guide you through the process. 

Interested in volunteering? If you have repair skills in electronics, woodworking, sewing, or general tool use, we’d love for you to share your expertise! Volunteers work one-on-one with participants to teach repair techniques and build confidence in fixing things. Sign up to volunteer here: Fixing together builds community—join us and be part of the solution! 

Fix-It Kent is hosted by the KSU Design Innovation (DI) Initiative in partnership with Fix-It CLE, a program from Circular Cleveland, an initiative of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and the City of Cleveland, in collaboration with Neighborhood Connections.

Fix-It Kent

Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Activist-in-Residence
April 24
Hosted by the Anti-Racism and Equity Institute

Through this series, we hope to engage with the university community through a variety of exciting initiatives, including seminars, panel presentations, workshops, training sessions, and film screenings.

To find out more about our inaugural Activist-in-Residence, Jazmin Long, click here.

Spring 2025 Activist-in-Residence

man in suit smiling

We are pleased to announce that Dr. José Salinas will serve as AREI's Activist-in-Residence for the 2025 spring semester. To find out more information about him and his work, please click here.

Dr. Salinas will be at KSU campus on February 6, March 27, and April 24. Please find a schedule of events listed below and if you have any questions, ideas, or are interested in collaborating on a specific project, please contact Michael Rosengarten at mrosenga@kent.edu.

Activist-In-Residence

Outdoor Rock Climbing Day Trip- West Branch State Park
April 26 from 10:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.
Registration required. Meet at SRWC
Hosted by Recreation and Wellness Services

Come rock climb and camp at Ohio’s newest outdoor climbing spot! Just opened in the fall of 2023, West Branch offers great beginner-friendly climbing. We will camp for one night, climb a lot, and do some hiking too! The fee includes meals.
Date & Time: Saturday, Apr. 26 from 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: West Branch State Park - meet at the SRWC
Cost: Students $40, Non-students $45

 

Earth Day Environmental Justice Conference 2025
April 26 from 11:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Purniton Hall- East Liverpool
Hosted by Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University East Liverpool

This year’s event will call attention to the Arctic Nations and Climate Change and includes student research. It is free and open to the public. It showcases undergraduate research on Environmental Issues. Students from all campuses are welcome! This event is free and open to the public, however, RSVP is appreciated.
For updates and additional information, you may contact:
Dr. Lydia Rose at Lrose17@kent.edu or Dr. Darryl Hancock at dhancoc4@kent.edu

Cuyahoga River Kayak Trip
April 27 from 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Registration required. Meet at SRWC
Hosted by Recreation and Wellness Services

This trip will be held locally on the Cuyahoga River. We will meet at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (or you can meet us at Kramer Fields-just let us know ahead of time!) From there, we will paddle to Brust Park in Munroe Falls. We will then take the shuttle back to the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. A staff member will be with you on the water for the entire trip. The trip is 4.0 miles long, is beginner friendly, and no prior experience is needed.
Date & Time: Sunday, Apr. 27 from 2 - 5 p.m.
Location: Cuyahoga River in downtown Kent - meet at the SRWC
Cost: $30

 

DI Day
May 1 from 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Design Innovation Hub
Hosted by  KSU Design Innovation (DI) Initiative

Join us for our 2025 DI Day celebration and expo!

DI Day is our annual celebration of innovation, creativity, and collaboration at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University. This showcase highlights the groundbreaking projects and achievements of our DI Student Fellows, DI Hub members, and partners—demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary problem-solving. Join us to explore hands-on exhibits, engage with innovators, and experience the impact of design innovation in action. Whether you're a student, faculty, industry partner, or community member, DI Day is your chance to be inspired and connect with the future of innovation! The evening will include a pinning ceremony and showcase of DI projects throughout the DI Hub.

Please register by Monday, April 28th. Fore more information about Design Innovation, or DI Day, visit our website at: /designinnovation

 

2024 Posters

Earth Month

Earth Month Calendar

Earth Fest

2025 Non-KSU Earth Month Events of Interest

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education

For more events visit AASHE, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ is an AASHE member. To access member-only resources, create an account using your kent.edu e-mail address.

ONLINE: Digital Earth Day
April
Hosted by EARTHDAY.ORG

Sustainable Cleveland Events

Cleveland Museum of Natural History Events

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Events

Earth Optimism by Smithsonian Conservation Commons

Environmental Education Council of Ohio Events

Green Energy Ohio Events

Holden Forests and Gardens Events

Kent Environmental Council Events

Ohio Chapter: Sierra Club Events

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Events

Ohio Environmental Council Events

Ohio Environmental Professionals Network Events

Ohio Native Plant Month Events

Ohio Sea Grant Events

Portage Soil and Water Conservation District Events

Portage Park District Events

Who's Your Mama Earth Day and Environmental Art Festival 
April 19 noon - 4:00 P.M.
Corner of Water and Main Street Downtown Kent, Ohio

Who's Your Mama Earth Day Logo

Ohio Wildlife Student Research Symposium
April 3
Mohican State Park, part of the Annual EECO Conference

Join high school students and teachers from around Ohio as they present their wildlife and habitat research projects in this symposium for high school students. Full Day Registration - $40 (includes lunch); Student Registration - FREE (includes lunch). Please see the agenda online at

Environmental Education Council of Ohio: Annual Conference
April 3-6
Mohican State Park

The 58th Anniversary of the Environmental Education Council of Ohio Annual Conference.

 

Lake Metroparks Earth Day
April 27 12:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

 

History of Earth Day at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University

Celebrating the anniversary of the first Earth Day, April 22, 1970. "More than 20 million Americans participated in one of the largest grassroots community service movements in our history during the first Earth Day in 1970. Earth Day is now celebrated every year by almost 1 billion people worldwide." - 

In 1970, Earth Day founder U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson came up with the idea for a national teach-in day to focus on the environment. April 22, 1970, was the date selected because it fell between spring break and final exams. In April 1970, Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University, along with other colleges and universities across the nation, participated in the national environmental teach-in known as "Earth Day." Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ hosted a series of events on campus known as "Think Week" in 1970, including having Stewart Udall, former Secretary of Interior, and Ralph Nader, environmental advocate and consumer champion, speak on campus.




Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University "Honor" . Typeset by Aoife Mooney, assistant professor Visual Communication Design; information compiled by Office of Sustainability. 

 

 

 

 

"Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Earth Fest promotes sustainability" by Makenna Brumbaugh, Kent Wired April 10, 2019

 

 

Video URL

 

Would you like to add your department or organization's event to Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Earth Month webpage? Email sustainability@kent.edu