Earth Week
While Purdue University typically celebrates Earth Day and our environment during the week leading up to Earth Day, the events have been extended this year. The celebration will last throughout the entire month of April.
West Lafayette campus faculty, staff and students are invited to join the Earth Month events and activities to help promote sustainable initiatives. Unless otherwise noted below or on the official event page, registration is not required, and events are open to the Purdue community.
Saturday, April 1
- Community Nature Day – Martell Forest/Wright Center
- Tippecanoe County E-Waste Day
- Spring Blast: Spring Blast is an annual day of service where Purdue students give back to the local community and help prepare neighbors' homes for spring! Registration is currently full.
Sunday, April 2
Campus Cleanup with Boiler Green Initiative: Volunteers will meet at the Class of 1939 Water Sculpture, also known as the Purdue Mall Fountain, from 1-3 p.m. Participants will then spread out across campus to help with litter cleanup efforts. A limited number of t-shirts will be available for volunteers.
Tuesday, April 4
ISF Annual Research Expo and ReceptionWednesday, April 5
Stewart Woods Invasive Removal with FNR: The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) will lead volunteers through the proper identification and removal of invasive plants at Stewart Woods. Be sure to wear long pants, long sleeves and close-toed shoes. Volunteers will be walking the trails and through the forest and may encounter debris and trip hazards. The event will take place from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Stewart Woods, near Horticulture Park. Sandwiches will be provided. Registration is required.Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8
Wabash Sampling BlitzTuesday, April 11 and Wednesday, April 12
Lugar Farm Tree Planting with FNR: The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) is working on a restoration project at Lugar Farm and is looking for volunteers to help with the planting of over 1,000 native trees! Learn about the restoration process and how native tress provide valuable ecosystem services. Volunteers will be walking the trails and through the forest and may encounter debris and trip hazards. The event will take place from 2-8 p.m. each day with various time slots available. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required. Be sure to scroll down on the form to register.Saturday, April 15
Spring Fest: Come by the Sustainability tent for water refills and educational activities!Sunday, April 16
Campus Cleanup with Boiler Green Initiative: Volunteers will meet at the Class of 1939 Water Sculpture, also known as the Purdue Mall Fountain, from 1-3 p.m. Participants will then spread out across campus to help with litter cleanup efforts. A limited number of t-shirts will be available for volunteers.Tuesday, April 18
Clothing Drive with Purdue Student Government: Bring clothes to donate or choose some new-to-you vintage pieces. Unclaimed articles of clothing will be donated to a local shelter after the event. The event will take place from 2-6 p.m. in the lobby of the Krach Leadership Center.
Thursday, April 20
E-Waste Collection Drive: Campus Planning, Architecture and Sustainability, Purdue Surplus and Oscar Winksi are partnering to host a personal and university electronics recycling drive on campus. The event will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the northwest corner of Oval Drive across from Schleman Hall (formerly the Recitation Building). Some of the items that will be collected include TVs, computer screens, laptops and printers.Friday, April 21
Earth Day Fair with Purdue Student Sustainability Council (PSSC): Join Sustainability and PSSC for ecofriendly crafts, games and educational activities to celebrate Earth Day 2023! The event will be held from 2-5 p.m. at Centennial Mall.
Saturday, April 22
Earth Day 2023: Get out and enjoy the great outdoors while recognizing the importance of environmental protection!Friday, April 28
Arbor Day Tree Planting: Campus Planning, Architecture and Sustainability Department is teaming up with the Grounds department, Arboretum and the College of Veterinary Medicine to provide a great volunteer opportunity for Earth Month 2023! Celebrating Arbor Day and the 14th consecutive year of receiving the Tree Campus USA award, volunteers will help plant over 140 native trees at the new David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex. This tree planting will contribute towards Purdue's 2020 Physical Facilities Sustainability Master Plan goal to plant 3,728 new trees on campus between July 2020 and July 2024. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. with two time slots available. Closed-toe shoes are required, and additional gear will be provided by Grounds. Participants are encouraged to bring work gloves and dress appropriately as clothing and shoes may get dirty. Snacks and water will be provided. Registration is required.Saturday, April 29
De-Trash the Wabash: The community is invited to join efforts to clean up the Wabash River adjacent to campus. The event will be held from 8 a.m.-noon, and registration is required. More information and registration is available on the Tippecanoe County website.
Sunday, April 30
Campus Cleanup with Boiler Green Initiative: Volunteers will meet at the Class of 1939 Water Sculpture, also known as the Purdue Mall Fountain, from 1-3 p.m. Participants will then spread out across campus to help with litter cleanup efforts. A limited number of t-shirts will be available for volunteers.
War of the Weeds
In addition to the events listed above, NICHES Land Trust is hosting a volunteer effort in April and May called War of the Weeds. The effort focuses on removing garlic mustard, an invasive springtime plant. Registration is required.
Weather Updates and Contacts
Many of the events listed above are weather-dependent. Check the social media channels noted for specific events and @SustainPurdue (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter) and @purdue_sg (Instagram or Twitter) for others.
Questions may be directed to sustainability@purdue.edu.
