Posted 3 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023
Campus and area events celebrate the Earth this month from marsh clean-up to ‘Earthapalooza’
By Andrew Ericson, UWL sustainability program manager
Earth Month. Earth Week. Earth Day.
Maybe for you, every day is Earth Day.
Whatever way you mark the occasion, it’s clear that communities build up a lot of energy around helping the environment on and near April 22, Earth Day. Both UWL and the wider La Crosse community offer a ton of opportunities to get involved in learning about and caring for the planet. From volunteering to lectures to “Earthapalooza,” a UWL student led bash, you’ll find something for everyone this Earth-celebrating season.
Want to know more about how UWL celebrates Earth Day every day? Check out Students for Sustainability and The Green Fund. Learn more on the Sustainability website.
- Prairie Springs Lecture Series – Jon Foley
7-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 11 - Jonathan Foley has made a career as a climate scientist, sustainability expert, educator, and public speaker. Since 2018 he has served as the Executive Director of Project Drawdown, “The World’s Leading Resource for Climate Solutions.” His lecture will cover topics including climate change, sustainability, climate solutions, ecosystems, natural resources and much more. Hopefully, when you leave the lecture, you will feel cautiously optimistic about the world’s ability to respond to climate change.
- Defending the environment and community lands in West Africa and Costa Rica
5:30-7 p.m. Friday, April 14 - Gray Tappan, a geographer at the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, and his son Taylor Tappan, who recently earned a doctoral degree in geography from the University of Kansas, will discuss their distinct approaches to helping indigenous and other rural tropical communities defend their lands and restore their threatened environments.
- Environmental Health Bingo
6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, April 17 - Come test your knowledge and maybe take home a prize with Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Wellness & Health Advocacy! This event will feature trivia-style and traditional bingo.
- Photographic History of the La Crosse River Marsh – Richard Frost
7-8:30 p.m. Monday, April 17 - The La Crosse River Marsh has been called “The Finest Urban Wetland in Wisconsin.” It occupies a unique location in the middle of the city, separating north and south La Crosse. Because of its location, it has been a prime target for development. This presentation will show the history of the marsh, the many proposals for its development, and a view to its future.
- The Campus Thread Fashion Show
7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 - The Campus Thread, a community closet for all UWL students, driven by community, equity, and sustainability, is hosting a fashion show. Enjoy some creative style and an opportunity to thrift some clothes.
- Urban nature, wealth and implications for green infrastructure
2:15-3:10 p.m. Thursday, April 20 - The talk is a great chance to learn how environmental science intersects with public policy, social justice, recreation, public health, and land-use planning. Students and faculty from all majors and disciplines are encouraged to attend, as are members of the La Crosse community.
- Earthapalooza
3-7 p.m. Friday, April 21 - An on-campus celebration of Earth Day! Learn more about sustainability groups on campus and the La Crosse community. Expect music, activities, prizes and a tasty vegan meal!
- Neighbors Day 2023
8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 22 - Neighbors Day is a family-friendly event for the community to come together to help beautify the City of La Crosse by providing the elderly and disabled citizens of the City of La Crosse with help cleaning up their yards for spring. Services provided by volunteers include raking yards, trimming shrubs, washing windows, and turning gardens. Fix your volunteer itch. Free breakfast and lunch provided! Sign up by April 14.
- Marsh Clean Up
9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 29 - Join the UWL Environmental Studies and Geography Departments in cleaning up the Marsh along Lang Dr. Meet at Leuth Park (701 12th St N). Bring your friends. Gloves and bags will be provided.
- La Crosse Earth Fair
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 30 - Join the La Crosse community at Myrick Park to celebrate Earth Day. An event you surely don’t want to miss.