Events
Events with a sustainability focus occur year-round. If you have an event idea or wish to collaborate, please email sustainability@charlotte.edu. The most concentrated and coordinated periods are celebrations of Campus Sustainability Month (October) and Earth Month (April).
All upcoming events hosted by the Office of Sustainability are also listed on our Niner Engage page. View additional off-campus community events and opportunities on the Community Opportunities page.
Need a reminder? Subscribe to the Sustainability Events Google Calendar here to see all upcoming events hosted by the Office of Sustainability all in one place, updated in real time.
upcoming
Gratitude in the Gardens
Dates: Friday, November 6, 12pm – 2pm and December 4, 12pm – 2pm
Location: Van Landingham Glen, UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
Join Jennifer Bueon-Hutchens for silent, meditative walks through the Van Landingham Glen. Led by Jennifer, these forest strolls will include meditative prompts around the practice of gratitude. Sessions may include meditative art materials as well.
Free for UNC Charlotte students, faculty and staff. Event is limited to 12 people
Zero Waste Crew Sorting Days
Dates: Sunday, November 15; Sunday, November, 29; all 9am – 1pm
Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium between Gates 3 and 4, Mac Everett Way N, Charlotte, NC
Jerry Richardson Football Stadium operates as a zero-waste facility, which means as much waste as possible from the stadium is diverted from the landfill. As a Zero Waste volunteer, you will work with university staff to sort trash items the day after the game into compost, recycling, and trash. This opportunity is open to all UNC Charlotte students, staff, and faculty. Registration is required, and spots fill up quickly! Please click on the corresponding sign up form for the date you would like to volunteer below.
Holiday Remix Demo Kitchen
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 12pm – 1pm
Location: UREC Demo Kitchen
Prepare now for new ways to eat holiday leftovers! Learn the basics of turkey soup and a fresh idea with turkey tacos. Think corn tortillas, shredded turkey, crisped-up stuffing, and mole sauce.
Limited to 15 people. Registration opens 72 hours before event.
Nature Therapy Walk
Date: Saturday, December 5, 9am – 12pm
Location: Van Landingham Glen, UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
Join Jennifer for a relaxing 2.5 to 3 hour stroll through the forest at Van Landingham Glen. Through a series of invitations, you will have an opportunity to focus on being present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community, and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer.
Free for UNC Charlotte students, faculty and staff. Event is limited to 12 people
TEDxUNC Charlotte 2027: The Difference Is…
Date: Saturday, February 20
Location: McKnight Hall, Cone Center
This year’s theme is uniquely grounded in our home institution: “The Difference Is…”
This theme is both an acknowledgment and a celebration. It is an acknowledgment that the ideas the speakers bring to the TEDx stage are actively making a difference, reshaping our understanding, challenging our assumptions, and providing innovative solutions in the Charlotte community and far beyond. It is a celebration of the unique “Charlotte perspective” that drives exploration and community impact.
Off Campus Events
Many groups in the Charlotte region host events and programs throughout the year that are open to anyone interested in getting more involved with sustainability in the community. Community events scheduled for Summer 2026 are listed below. If you are interested in more events and opportunities hosted by community groups, visit the Community Opportunities page.
Veterans Day Live Stake Collection – Andrill Terrace
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 10am – 11am
Location: 1013 Andrill Terrace, Charlotte, NC 28216
Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services Water Quality and Storm Water Operations are leading a live stake collection along Irwin Creek on Veterans Day, Wednesday, 11/11, from 10 a.m.- 11 a.m, and need your help! Live stake collection involves taking cuttings from surrounding native trees. Volunteers will be trained on how to identify native species that thrive near streams and learn how to properly cut for live staking. Live stakes collected here will be used for the big tree-planting event, Creek ReLeaf, which takes place on November 21st this year. Visit the Creek ReLeaf Webpage to learn more!
Pollinator Pitstop Garden Fall Workday
Date: Saturday, November 14, 9am – 12pm
Location: Veterans Park, 2136 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205
Central Carolinas Master Naturalists and the North Carolina Wildlife Stewards Charlotte Chapter return to lead another volunteer workday at the Veteran’s Park Pollinator Pitstop, located just down from the Carolina Panthers Fitness Court. Volunteers will install new plants and continue removing weeds from the pollinator garden! Please bring your favorite pair of gardening gloves and, if you have one, your favorite weeding tool – some tools may be available.
Creek ReLeaf Program
Date: Saturday, November 21, 9am – 12pm
Location: Long Creek Greenway, 7824 Trotter Rd., Charlotte, NC
The Creek ReLeaf Program is a collaborative effort of the Charlotte Public Tree Fund, Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, and dedicated volunteers to plant trees in riparian areas (floodplain and stream buffers) of Mecklenburg County.
CleanAIRE Academy
The CleanAIRE Academy offers specialized online courses for community leaders, professionals, students, and everyday individuals. Gain actionable insights and the tools to make a real impact, regardless of your background. Current courses include Air Quality 101 and Advocacy in Action, and upcoming classes in 2026 include Air Pollution & Your Health, Environmental Justice, AirKeeper Dashboard, and Community Science & Air Monitoring.