Earth Month 2024 Events
Celebrate Earth Day and spring at Wake Forest with events and programs March 24 – April 26, 2024. With 30 events led by partners and student leaders, there’s something for everyone.
🌳 = Signature Office of Sustainability Earth Month event.
🍄 = Fungi Fest event.
Wayward x dEaCOfriendly Clothing Swap
Monday, March 25 @ 4:00pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
Bring some clothes, take some home! dEaCO and Wayward are collaborating to host a clothing swap! Come with clothes to exchange and have fun crafting sustainable jewelry…Take advantage of the chance to refresh your wardrobe while embracing eco-conscious fashion practices. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a stylish impact and connect with like-minded individuals at the Wayward x dEaCO clothing swap.
Hosted by Wayward Fashion and dEaCOfriendly.
Spring Equinox Celebration (& Earth Month Kickoff!) 🌳
Sunday, March 24 from 4:00 – 6:00pm | The Campus Garden (1141 Polo Rd)
The Spring Equinox Celebration is an annual festive gathering of people, plants, and animals hosted at the Wake Forest Campus Garden (1141 Polo Road)! All members of the Wake Forest University community (students, faculty, staff, & families) are invited to welcome the transition to spring and kick off Earth Month 2024 with live music, crafts led by campus and community organizations, plant-forward food, and furry and feathered friends. Join us as we welcome the budding life of spring and the blossoming energy of longer days on Sunday, March 24. Bring a friend and see you there!
Signature Earth Month event hosted by the Office of Sustainability.
Queer Gardening Documentary Film Screening
Monday, March 25 @ 4:00pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
oin the LGBTQ+ Center for a thought-provoking film screening of Queer Gardening. Delve into the captivating world of queer feminist ecologies. Follow the journeys of 24 LGBTQ+ individuals, exploring how they’re reshaping the narrative of ecology and their connections to the natural world. Through intimate discussions and profound insights, this documentary offers a unique perspective on queerness, identity, and environmental stewardship. Don’t miss this opportunity to broaden your understanding and celebrate the diversity within our ecosystem.
Hosted by the LGBTQ+ Center.
Deacon Dialogue: Let’s Talk Climate Justice
Thursday, March 28 @ 5:00pm | SJI Lounge
The climate crisis is multifaceted and requires collaboration, innovation, and collective action for change. In honor of Earth Month, join the Office of Civic and Community Engagement for a conversation about who is most impacted by the climate crisis, and how we can work toward building solutions that prioritize both people and the planet. A plant-forward dinner will be provided to those in attendance. RSVP HERE.
Hosted by the Office of Civic & Community Engagement.
Grayson Highlands Intro to Backpacking Trip
Saturday, March 30 – Sunday, March 31
Ready to get outside this Earth Month? Embark on an unforgettable overnight backpacking journey to Grayson Highlands with Outdoor Pursuits, tailored specifically for beginners eager to explore the outdoors and delve into the world of backpacking. With all food, gear, and transportation provided, this adventure offers a seamless introduction to backpacking. Discover stunning vistas, encounter wild ponies, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. OP’s experienced guides will teach essential outdoor skills, from setting up camp to cooking in the backcountry, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. This trip is not just about exploring the wilderness, but also about learning new skills and forging lasting connections with fellow adventurers. This trip is open to all students. Sign up here.
Hosted by Outdoor Pursuits.
Birding Meeting
Sunday, March 31 @ 3:00pm | Reynolda Trails Trailhead
Join the Wake Forest University Birding and Conservation Club for its Weekly Birding Meeting, a gathering that brings together bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and nature lovers. Every week, the WFU Birding & Conservation Club explores our beautiful campus and surrounding areas, engages in meaningful conservation efforts, and fosters a diverse community of enthusiasts! All WFU students, faculty, and staff are invited to join.
Hosted by the WFU Birding and Conservation Club.
Canary: The Indiana Jones of Climate Science Film Screening and Q&A with Climate Scientist, Lonnie Thompson
Wednesday, April 3 @ 11:00am | ZSR Library Auditorium (Room 404)
Meet the real-life “Indiana Jones” of climate science at the screening of this film in the ZSR library. Dr. Lonnie Thompson will answer questions with directors Danny O’Malley and Alex Rivest virtually following the film screening. The film will run until approximately 12:45pm. Stick around afterward for the Q&A session starting at 1pm, also in the auditorium. Can’t make it for the film screening that morning? All WFU students, faculty and staff are able to view Canary on their own devices through ZSR’s Kanopy database from April 1-5.
Hosted by ZSR Library.
The Queerness of Fungi
Wednesday, April 3 @ 5:00pm
The Women’s Center, Benson 314
What do fungi and queerness have in common? In this discussion, open to all WFU students, dive into what fungi can teach us about human sexuality and how mycophobia and homophobia share key principles of discrimination. There will be snacks!
Co-sponsored by the Women’s Center and the LGBTQ+ Center. This event is part of Fungi Fest 🍄, an event series organized by senior Una Wilson.
The Science of Spores
Thursday, April 4 from 4:00 – 5:00pm
Farrell Hall Patio
Ever wondered where all those mushrooms growing in your backyard come from? Or perhaps, why fairy rings exist? Stop by the patio of Farrell Hall to hear WFU Biology Professor, Dr. Tague, give a lecture on the science of fungi, spore-printing, and what lies at the root of all fungal life.
Sponsored by the Biology Department. This event is part of Fungi Fest 🍄, an event series organized by senior Una Wilson.
Spore-Printing Workshop
Thursday, April 4 @ 5:00pm
Farrell Hall Patio
After Dr. Tague’s spore science lecture, create your own spore-printed ink design on an old t-shirt or tote bag. Shirts will be provided to be upcycled, or feel free to bring your own. Now everybody will know you’re a really fun-guy!
Co-sponsored by Wayward Fashion and the Business School. This event is part of Fungi Fest 🍄, an event series organized by senior Una Wilson.
Sustainable Event Planning Workshop
Fri. April 5 @ 2:00pm
Benson 344
Do you help plan events for your student organization? Explore practical tips for purchasing, catering, waste reduction, and more at today’s workshop, open to all students! Note: This workshop also counts as one of the requirements for the Student Leader Workshop Series. RSVP here.
Offered in partnership with the Office of Student Engagement.
Sustainability & Mindfulness: Guided Crafts for Grounding
Tuesday, April 9 @ 1:00pm
Manchester Plaza Picnic Tables
Meet at the Manchester Plaza picnic tables for a guided mindful craft to focus on the present, express you creativity, and explore connection with the earth led by Nationally Board Certified Art Therapist Jessica Bass. Take-home resources on sustainability and mental health will also be available.
Co-hosted by the University Counseling Center and Safe Office.
11th Annual Champions of Change Campus Sustainability Awards 🌳
Tuesday, April 9 from 3:00 – 4:00pm
The Green Room, Reynolda Hall
Celebrate this year’s Champions of Changeat the 11th annual Campus Sustainability Awards. This signature Earth Month event honors the leadership of the faculty, staff, and students who bring sustainability to life at Wake Forest. Provost Michele Gillespie and Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Jackie Travisano will announce this year’s winners. A reception will follow the awards program. All WFU community members are invited to attend.
Hosted by the Office of Sustainability.
Reynolda Trails Cleanup
Wednesday, April 10 @ 5:00pm
Reynolda Trails
Preserve the green spaces around Wake Forest and help our neighbors in Reynolda Village by doing a litter clean up on the trails’ flood zone. All litter collection tools will be provided. Meet at the Reynolda Trails trailhead to beautify this special area that connects us to the historic Reynolda Village.
Organized by student leader, Claudia Vasbinder.
Can Fungi Inspire Social Change? 🍄
Thursday, April 11 @ 6:00pm
Palmer Hall 126
Join a chat with New York City journalist and author of the book In Search of Mycotopia, Doug Bierend, to explore how fungi can influence social change. From cleaning up pollution to inspiring equitable economic systems to increasing food access, this event will interrogate how humans can work with fungi to better live with nature—and with one another. RSVP here.
Co-sponsored by the ENV Program. This event is part of Fungi Fest 🍄, an event series organized by senior Una Wilson.
Dine & Discover: Plant-forward Catering
Thursday, April 11 @ 6:00pm
Benson 409
Students can enjoy a free dinner and tasting of plant-forward catering options hosted by our campus caterer, Under the Oaks Catering! Discover innovative ways to incorporate more plant-based and inclusive options into your events and taste different menu combinations. This workshop also counts as one of the requirements for the Student Leader Workshop Series. RSVP here.
Offered in partnership with Harvest Table Culinary Group and the Office of Student Engagement.
Climate Fresk
Friday, April 12 @ 2:00pm
Palmer 127
Want to deepen your understanding of climate science? Join this hands-on workshop designed to empower participants with knowledge through games, collective intelligence, and systems thinking. The workshop will be led by Alex Guevel, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and is open to all WFU students, faculty, and staff. There are only 8 spots! Sign up here.
Co-sponsored by the ENV Program and the Sabin Center.
Mushroom ID Hike with Outdoor Pursuits 🍄
Saturday, April 13 @ 10:00am
Reynolda Trails
Join Outdoor Pursuits for a walk through campus and the Reynolda Trails to learn the basics of identifying the fungi that grow right beneath our feet! Meet at Outdoor Pursuits, located on the first floor of the Wellbeing Center, before making the trek together. Sign up here.
Co-sponsored Outdoor Pursuits. This event is part of Fungi Fest 🍄, an event series organized by senior Una Wilson.
4th Annual Earth Talks 🌳
Tuesday, April 16 from 5:00 – 6:30pm
Pugh Auditorium, Benson
Support your fellow Deacs and learn something new at the 4th Annual Earth Talks next Tuesday, April 16 at 5:00pm in Pugh Auditorium. This year, 9 students will share their knowledge, research, experiences, and passions through short talks on different sustainability topics. Each brief session will be presented in the style of a TED Talk, with a Q&A to follow. See this year’s line up and register here.
Signature Earth Month event hosted by the Office of Sustainability.
Sustainable Event Planning Workshop
Wednesday, April 17 @ 6:00 pm
Greene Hall 321
Do you help plan events for your student organization? Explore practical tips for purchasing, catering, waste reduction, and more at this workshop, open to all students! Note: This workshop also counts as one of the requirements for the Student Leader Workshop Series. RSVP here.
Offered in partnership with the Office of Student Engagement.
Spring Clean Out: Buy Nothing Sale
Friday, April 19 from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Courtyard between Bostwick & Johnson
Calling all students! Do you have items you want to part with before the summer? Want to swap them out for something new? Save a trip to Goodwill and reduce waste by bringing unwanted items to the Spring Clean Out: Buy Nothing Sale on Friday, April 19! Bring any unwanted items to the open courtyard between Bostwick and Johnson Residence Hall from 11:00am – 7:00pm to swap and shop! All items are free.
Hosted by Office of Sustainability waste reduction intern, Mary Elizabeth Pifer (‘24).
Tour: WFU Alumna Mushroom Farm 🍄
Friday, April 19 @ 3:00 pm
White Family Urban Farm
Curious about the homegrown mushroom cultivation process? Go on a tour of Cobblestone Market vendor (and WFU alumna-owned) White Family Urban Farm to learn all about their USDA GAP-certified microgreen and mushroom farm. Sign up here to carpool and meet at 3:00pm outside of Benson to travel together.
This event is part of Fungi Fest 🍄, an event series organized by Una Wilson (‘24).
Piedmont Earth Day Fair
Saturday, April 20 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Winston-Salem Fairgrounds
Join Piedmont Environmental Alliance for a celebration of community and the planet – the 2024 Piedmont Earth Day Fair. Enjoy great food and music, activities for adults and kids, and community-partner exhibits. This event is FREE, including free parking. Rain or shine!
Hosted by the Piedmont Environmental Alliance.
S’mores x ‘Shroom Outdoor Movie Night 🍄
Sunday, April 21 @ 7:00 pm
The Campus Garden, 1141 Polo Rd.
Want to watch a movie under the stars? Bring your favorite blanket and curl up at the Campus Garden for an outdoor film screening of the hit Netflix documentary Fantastic Fungito learn all about the fungal networks beneath our feet. S’mores and camp chairs will be provided. All students are welcome. RSVP here.
This event is part of Fungi Fest 🍄, an event series organized by Una Wilson (‘24).
Earth Day Fungi-Forward Garden Party 🍄
Monday, April 22 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
In front of The Pit
Celebrate Earth Day at this fungi-themed garden party in front of The Pit! Explore fungi-forward foods and learn about the human and environmental health benefits of incorporating mushrooms into one’s diet. You’ll have the chance to sample dishes featuring smoked oyster mushrooms and meet a variety of local vendors.
Co-sponsored by Harvest Table Culinary Group. This event is part of Fungi Fest 🍄, an event series organized by Una Wilson (‘24).
Distinguished Lecture: The Water Cycle in a Changing Climate by Dr. Brian Soden
Tuesday, April 23 @ 11:00am
Wake Downtown 3506 (or Zoom)
Dr. Brian Soden is a Professor of Atmospheric Science and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Miami. His talk, The Water Cycle in a Changing Climate, will explore the fundamental physical principles that govern the water cycle and detail how they help us understand climate projections. Join the viewing party and live Q&A at Wake Downtown room 3506, or email Nick Corak (corank18@wfu.edu) for the Zoom link.
Hosted by Nick Corak and David Carchipulla-Morales from the Lowman Environmental Dynamics Lab and Physics PhD students. Co-sponsored by the Sabin Center.
Scrappy Smoothies at The Pit
Wednesday, April 24 @ 11:00 am
The Pit
Don’t let good food go to waste! Learn how to make a delicious smoothie out of the produce items you have on hand and walk away with a smoothie of your own.
Hosted by Harvest Table Culinary Group.
The Political Economy of Environmental Protection and the Partial Takings Debate
Thursday, April 25 at 4:00 pm
Palmer Hall Room 126
Come to this celebratory lecture in honor of the retirement of Dr. Frederick Harris, Professor of Economics and Finance in the School of Business. Dr. Harris will speak about the about the political economy of environmental protection and the partial takings debate. Reception to follow.
Co-sponsored by the ENV Program, the Department of Politics & International Affairs, the Sabin Center, the Graduate Program in Sustainability, and the Office of Sustainability.
Arbor Day Celebration and Weed Wrangle (& Cookout!) 🌳
Friday, April 26 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm
South Residence Hall
All students, faculty, and staff are invited to join us on Friday, 4/26 at South Residence Hall for a tree planting ceremony, clean up of the surrounding area, and a cookout. Sign up to participate here. Be one of the first 100 people to sign up and receive a signature Office of Sustainability recycled content t-shirt, sourced from Recover Brands.
Signature Earth Month event co-hosted by the Office of Sustainability, the F&CS Landscaping Team, and Residence Life & Housing.
Mushroom Cultivation Workshop 🍄
Saturday, April 27 @ 2:30 pm
The Campus Garden, 1141 Polo Rd.
Wrap up Fungi Fest 🍄 at this Mushroom Cultivation Workshop led by experts from Gnomestead Hollow Farm and Forage. Learn the basics of growing your own culinary mushrooms and walk away with your own starter kit. Gnomestead Hollow will provide mushroom cultivation kits to all attendees. Register here.
This event is part of Fungi Fest 🍄, an event series organized by Una Wilson (‘24).