Earth Month 2025
UNC Charlotte celebrates Earth Month throughout April, leading up to Earth Day on April 22. In 2020, an entire semester, “Earth Semester,” was celebrated to honor the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. In 2025, the Office of Sustainability is excited to host more on-campus Earth Month events than ever, including the Earth Day Festival, a Film Series, a Tour Series, and a climate-themed Board Game Night!
For more information about Earth Month, or to suggest an event, email sustainability@charlotte.edu.
For past event examples, see the following announcements: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
EARTH MONTH 2025:
Earth Month Film Series
Join the Office of Sustainability and campus partners for film screenings and panel discussions throughout April. The films will focus on various topics, including climate change and environmental justice, the Appalachian Trail 100th anniversary, regenerative agriculture, and reducing climate impacts of infrastructure.
Thursday, April 10, 5-7pm; Fretwell 121: Screening of Freedom Hill, a documentary focused on Princeville, NC – a town in eastern North Carolina facing the impacts of climate change. Panelists will include Nicole Roberts (Assistant Professor, UNC Charlotte Civil Engineering Technology & Construction Management), Daisha Wall (Community Science Program Manager, CleanAIRE NC), and Matthew Mills (Lecturer, UNC Charlotte School of Social Work, Director of the Race and Social Equity Academy). RSVP on Niner Engage.
Monday, April 14, 5:30-7:30pm; Popp Martin Student Union Theater: Screening of A Long Start to the Journey, a film following filmmaker Chris Gallaway on his through-hike of the Appalachian Trail and his adventures along the way. Chris and Appalachian Trail Conservancy board member Bill Holman will join us for a Q&A panel discussion following the film. This screening is in partnership with Venture Outdoor Leadership. RSVP on Niner Engage.
Thursday, April 24, 5-7pm; Fretwell 121: Screening of Common Ground, a documentary film showcasing the regenerative agricultural methods used by white, black, and indigenous farmers across the United States to protect our climate, public health, and the economy. RSVP on Niner Engage.
Panelists will include Dominque Bostic-Arrington (Occupational Therapist, Early Childhood Administrator, and Farmer), Colleen Hammelman, PhD (Associate Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences and Director of the Charlotte Action Research Project at UNC Charlotte), and Hayley Breazeale (Food Sovereignty Coordinator for the Catawba Indian Nation; Certified Diabetes Lifestyle Coach; South Carolina Master Gardener)
Earth Month Tour Series
Join the Office of Sustainability and campus partners for a series of campus tours highlighting services on campus supporting sustainability efforts. These tours are open to all UNC Charlotte students, staff, and faculty. Registration is required; please sign up using the forms linked below.
Tuesday, April 1, 12-1pm: Recycling and waste management on campus.
Tuesday, April 8, 12-1pm: Land and water resources on campus.
Tuesday, April 15, 12-1pm: Green buildings on campus, a tour of EPIC. Register here! (registration closes April 14th)
Tuesday, April 22, 12-1pm: UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. Register here! (registration closes April 21st)
Plants for People Interest Meeting
Wednesday, April 2, 12:30pm – 1:30pm. McEniry 117
Do you have a green thumb? Are you interested in helping care for the student gardens on campus? Join the Plants for People student organization for an interest meeting to learn about their mission, plans for the rest of the semester, and how to get involved!
Earth Day Festival
Thursday, April 3, 10am – 2pm. Belk Plaza (rain date April 10th)
A celebration of Earth Month featuring on and off-campus organizations focused on environmental stewardship in the Charlotte region.
Schul Forum Community Data Day
Thursday, April 3, 12pm – 5pm. The Dubois Center
Join the Charlotte Urban Institute + Regional Data Trust for a Schul Forum Community Data Day at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. Attendees will leave feeling inspired to harness the power of data to better shape the world around them.
Nature Therapy Walk
Saturday, April 5, 9am – 12pm. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
Join Jennifer Bueno-Hutchens, certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and outdoor horticulturist on staff at UNC Charlotte’s Botanical Gardens, for a relaxing 2.5 to 3 hour stroll through the forest at Van Landingham Glen.
This event is free to UNC Charlotte students, faculty, and staff. Space is limited, registration is required!
Gratitude in the Gardens
Sunday, April 6, 3pm – 5pm. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
Join Jennifer Bueno-Hutchens, certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and outdoor horticulturist on staff at UNC Charlotte’s Botanical Gardens, for silent and meditative walks through the botanical gardens.
These events are free to UNC Charlotte students, faculty, and staff. Space is limited, registration is required!
Book Swap: Bring a Book, Take a Book
Thursday, April 10, 11:30am – 2pm. Campus Bookstore
Looking for some new reading material for the summer? Bring 1-5 gently used books to swap for new-to-you treasures, a sustainable and fun way to expand your library collection!
Toward a Political Theory of Extractivism
Thursday, April 10, 4pm – 6 pm. Winningham 107
Author and professor Omar Dahbour will discuss the ecological crisis of extractivism and how to address it through ecosovereignty. Registration is required, learn more and RSVP here.
Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale
Thursday, April 10, 12pm – 4pm (members & campus community only); Friday, April 11, 9am – 3pm; Saturday, April 12, 9am – 2pm. Lot 5 (9303 Martin Village Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262)
The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens is hosting its biannual plant sale, open to the campus community and the public! Staff will be on hand to answer any questions and help you choose the best plant(s) for you.
Climate-Themed Board Game Night
Friday, April 11, 5pm – 7pm. Norm’s Gameroom.
A night of environmental and climate-themed games to celebrate Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week. Challenge yourself to a game of Catan, strategize in National Park Monopoly, or try something new! Feel free to bring your own (environmental-themed) game and some friends.
Campus Beautification Day
Wednesday, April 16, 9am – 2pm. Greek Village. (postponed from 4/9)
Join the Office of Sustainability for a day beautifying a part of campus! We will be picking up litter and assisting with planting projects. Come ready to get your hands dirty and spend some time making our campus more beautiful!
Click here to register. Registration will close at 12pm on Tuesday, April 15th.
Undergraduate Research Conference
Thursday, April 17, 8:30am – 3pm, Popp Martin Student Union.
UNC Charlotte will be celebrating the 13th anniversary of the Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) in 2025. The URC is a university-wide showcase of research projects completed by undergraduate students of all levels from all colleges and departments in the university. Abstract submissions are accepted until Thursday, March 13th.
Student Garden Day
Friday, April 18, 9am – 3pm. Student Gardens, Staff Gardens, Pollinator Gardens, Niner Pantry gardens (rain date April 25).
Volunteers will repair, rejuvenate, and plant the volunteer garden areas on campus. Food and refreshments will be provided to volunteers.
Registration is required. Click here to register today! We will be providing free gardening gloves to student volunteers who register.
Charlotte Harvest Exchange Market
Tuesday, April 22, 10am – 12pm, Belk Plaza
Join the Levine Scholars in partnership with The Bulb for the Charlotte Harvest Exchange Market, an opportunity to stock up on free fresh produce! All produce is free, but donations are encouraged.
Environmental Health and Safety Seed Planting
Tuesday, April 22, 12:30pm – 2pm, in front of the Student Union
Come celebrate Earth Day with EHS and plant your own seeds into a personal flower plot! This event is open to all students, staff, and faculty.
Party for the Planet
Tuesday, April 22, 4pm – 7pm, Belk Plaza.
A celebration for the planet! Join student organizations for an evening of fun and various activities centered around environmental sustainability, social and cultural diversity, and health and wellness.
Wear, Care, Repair: A Clothes Mending Workshop
Wednesday, April 23, 1pm – 3pm, Atkins Library Makerspace – Area 49.
Hosted in partnership with Area 49 Makerspace and the Office of Sustainability, drop by to repair and repurpose your old clothes. Sewing machines, hand sewing materials, buttons, patches, and basic instructions will be provided to help you give new life to your old clothes.
Swap Til Ya Drop Clothing Swap Shop
Wednesday, April 23, 1pm – 4pm, Belk Plaza/Atkins Library Alley (rain date April 28th)
Swap Til Ya Drop is a clothing swap event aimed at promoting sustainable fashion practices by encouraging students to exchange gently used clothing. The event will educate participants on the environmental impact of fast fashion and inspire a shift toward more eco-friendly lifestyle choices.
View donation instructions and details here!
Anything That Rolls
Friday, April 25th, 4pm-6pm, UNC Charlotte Main Light Rail Sation
Join the Campus Sustainability Alliance, Charlotte Green Initiative, Student Government Association, Parking and Transportation Services, LIME, UREC, and the Office of Sustainability for a group bike and scooter ride across campus! Whether you’re on a bike, skateboard, scooter, rollerblades, or anything else with wheels, this event is all about movement, community, and sustainability.
UNC Charlotte STEAM Expo
Sunday, April 27, Noon – 4pm, Quads near Mebane, CHHS, and SAC.
Join the UNC Charlotte Center for STEM Education for fun and interactive science learning events, including hands-on activities, science talks, lab tours, nature experiences, expos, exhibits and performances.
OFF CAMPUS 2025 EARTH MONTH Events:
Subcritical Exhibition
Friday, April 4, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Hodges Taylor (located in The Rail Yard South, 1414 S Tryon St, Ste 130, Charlotte, NC 28203)
View a collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and video installations during a public exhibition of Subcritical, a collaborative effort between UNC Charlotte professors Marek Ranis and geoscientist Missy Eppes that explores the power, patterns, and beauty of rock cracking. This project was funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation and the UNC Charlotte College of Arts and Architecture.
Timelines: Past Perspectives. Future Insights
Saturday, April 5th, 10:30am – 6:30pm. Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte (320 E 9th St.)
As part of Charlotte SHOUT!, and in partnership with Charlotte Ideas Festival, UNC Charlotte presents “Timelines: Past Perspectives. Future Insights.” This full-day signature event features thought-provoking conversations, interactive panels and creative expressions that explore how storytelling, science, community and culture shape our lives and our future.
This event is free for UNC Charlotte faculty, staff, and students with ID.
Canvas for Our Climate
Wednesday, April 9, 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Charlotte Museum of History.
Canvas for Our Climate is an initiative with CleanAIRE NC and the UNC Charlotte Levine Scholars program. The project combines art, science, and environmental advocacy to inspire and empower high school students in Charlotte’s environmentally impacted areas. Student projects will be showcased on April 9th, and awards will be given to the top four art pieces.
2025 Carolinas Climate Summit
Thursday, April 10, 8:30am-4:30pm. Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte (320 E 9th St.)
The 2025 Carolinas Climate Summit will bring together the Carolinas’ leading experts in climate science, policy, action, and activism to discuss the impact of the climate crisis and solutions being explored to address this issue both locally and regionally.
Anne Springs Close Greenway Earth Day Celebration
Friday, April 11 – Sunday, April 13. (2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill SC 29715)
In celebration of Earth Day Weekend, the Anne Springs Close Greenway is opening their spaces for free for visitors to enjoy kayaking, archery, horseback riding, hiking, and more! Events will include an Earth Day Campout, Bass Tournament, Recycled Art Contest, and a Greenway Expo.
Charlotte Earth Day
Saturday, April 12, 12pm – 4pm. Independent Picture House (4237 Raleigh St.Charlotte, NC 28213)
Charlotte’s largest annual Earth Day celebration brings together community members to celebrate our environment, engage families with fun educational activities, foster lifelong connections with nature, and connect attendees with environmentally conscious organizations and businesses from the Charlotte area.
Cornelius Earth Jam
Saturday, April 12, 4pm – 7pm. Robbins Park (17738 W. Catawba Ave)
This free community event will celebrate Earth Day with live music, local food vendors, and over 25 local organizations providing interactive demonstrations on sustainability, conservation, and living an eco-friendly life.
Earth Day Rail Trail Clean Up
Saturday, April 19, 10am – 1pm. New Bern Station (129 New Bern Street Charlotte, NC 28203).
Help clean up the Rail Trail with Keep Charlotte Beautiful! Registration is free, and all supplies will be provided. This is a family and pet-friendly event, participants are welcome clean up trash and walk at their own pace.
Repair Cafe CLT
Saturday, April 19, 12pm – 4pm. Innovation Barn
Enjoy a fun-filled day of fixing things at the Innovation Barn’s Repair Café. This is the perfect place to bring in your broken items and learn how to repair them with the help of skilled volunteers. Whether it’s a wonky toaster or a wobbly chair, they’ve got you covered! So grab your broken treasures and swing by for a day of tinkering and learning.
Treetops & Tombstones: Charlotte’s Super Natural Arboretum
Saturday, April 26 9am – 11am (rain date Sunday, April 27 9am – 11am). Elmwood Cemetery, 264 North Cedar St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Elmwood Cemetery is a center-city gem. But did you know it’s also a certified arboretum? Join City of Charlotte arborists and the cemeteries manager for a fascinating walking tour, where you’ll get tips on how to identify trees and discuss the City of Charlotte’s meticulous stewardship of its iconic tree canopy. You’ll also learn about the historical figures buried at this historic cemetery.
Davidson Earth Day Festival 2025
Saturday, April 26, 10am – 1pm, 35 Lorimer Rd (adjacent to the Town Green)
This family-friendly event will feature food, games, and over 20 hands-on and informative booths for all ages, including exhibits showcasing the importance of pollinators, composting and recycling, electric vehicles, climate action, and how to establish a wildlife-friendly yard.
TreeFest
Saturday, April 26, 2pm – 5pm, NODA Brewing (150 West 32 St.)
Hosted by TreesCharlotte, TreeFest is a free, family-fun tree celebration that includes tree friendly arts and crafts, live music, and food truck. TreesCharlotte will give away tree seedlings and offer their seedling potting station for anyone who would like their tree potted for them.
City Nature Challenge: Charlotte BioBlitz
Sunday, April 27 2pm – 4pm, Eastway Regional Recreational Center (3150 Eastway Park Dr., Charlotte NC 28213)
Join the North Carolina Wildlife Federation Charlotte Wildlife Stewards Chapter and Central Carolina Master Naturalists to participate in the City Nature Challenge. Using nets, bug jars, and other field equipment, we will photograph plants, animals, and other WILDlife; and contribute to community science by uploading our observations to iNaturalist!