CORRECTION: The original version of this article noted that the keynote address is on Thursday, but the event is on Wednesday. Elon News Network regrets this error.
Updated as of 3:34 p.m. on April 21 to include statement from Elon Dining Sustainability Coordinator Leslie Bosse.
As Earth Week approaches, Elon University is gearing up for a full slate of sustainability-focused programming, including bird walks, pop-up thrift shops and the debut of Elon’s 2025 Sustainability Master Plan.
The weeklong celebration, beginning Monday, aims to highlight both the challenges and possibilities of sustainability, while giving students, faculty and staff new ways to engage with the environment and each other, according to Associate Director of Sustainability for Education and Outreach Kelly Harer.
“This is really a time to explore how we support the Earth and each other,” Harer said. “It’s also a chance to showcase the great work already happening on campus and in the community.”
While Earth Week often brings heightened visibility to the Office of Sustainability, Harer emphasized that the office’s efforts extend year-round — with this week serving as a catalyst for broader conversations and collective action.
Amid growing concerns about climate change, Harer said fostering hope is just as vital as raising awareness. She hopes students view Earth Week not only as a chance to learn, but as a source of community and inspiration.
“There’s a lot of doom and gloom about the state of our climate,” Harer said. “But there’s a lot of great work being done on campus and in our local community. I hope people get a taste of that.”
On Wednesday, environmentalist and author Bill McKibben, will give the keynote address and will discuss the climate crisis, clean energy and the power of individual action.
One interdisciplinary event this week is a campus bird walk hosted by statistics professor Ryne VanKrevelen and biology professor Dave Gammon. Blending environmental observation with data collection, the event offers participants a chance to connect with the natural world while learning how individual observations contribute to scientific research.
“Birds are a really noticeable way to interact with the earth,” VanKrevelen said. “They can be indicators of broader environmental issues, and getting people out to observe them helps connect them to the local ecosystem.”
As a statistician, VanKrevelen sees the event as an example of how sustainability can intersect with multiple academic fields.
One of the week’s biggest milestones is the release of Elon’s 2025 Sustainability Master Plan. Unveiled on Earth Day — Tuesday, April 22 — the plan is the product of a two-year process involving input from more than 300 people on campus.
Harer declined to offer details about the plan prior to its official release, but an earlier draft of the plan included references to Elon’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2037, in addition to integrating sustainable practices into dining, technology, facilities and transportation.
“This isn’t just a sustainability office plan — it’s a university-wide plan,” Harer said. “We’ll be sharing goals and strategies that will guide us through the next 10 years.”
Another major event is Party for the Planet, a student-run festival that has nearly tripled in size in recent years according to Harer. Hosted in partnership with Elon Dining’s Earth Fest, the event features local food vendors, sustainability education and nearly 30 student organizations.
“It’s grown a lot in recent years,” Harer said. “We used to have around 10 student organizations. Now we’re at nearly 30, and I think that shows how more groups on campus are seeing sustainability as part of their mission.”
This year’s Earth Fest will once again feature cows from Ran-Lew Dairy Farm — a popular attraction in recent years. Last year, its placement next to a burger booth raised concerns among students. But according to Elon Dining Sustainability Coordinator Leslie Bosse, that won’t be an issue this time. Bosse declined an in-person interview with Elon News Network, but shared a written statement.
“For Earth Fest this year, our friends from Ran-Lew Dairy will be in the same spot, and there is no beef on the menu, which was a decision made to reflect our commitments to lowering our carbon footprint through food,” Bosse said in an email statement to Elon News Network.
Earth Week 2025 Calendar
Monday, April 21
Live, Laugh, Legume
11:30 a.m. | Lakeside Dining
Sample a variety of legume-based dishes and learn about the environmental benefits of legumes. Hosted by Elon Dining.
From Squirrels to Song Birds
5 to 6 p.m. | Global Commons, First Floor
Take part in a guided walk around campus to learn about Elon’s bird species and data collection tools.
Tuesday, April 22
Garden Party
Lunch | McEwen Dining Hall
Enjoy a special plant-forward menu and garden-themed atmosphere in McEwen Dining.
Sustainability Master Plan 2025 Launch Celebration
4 to 5 p.m. | McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center
Learn about Elon’s goals for a more sustainable future with the launch of Elon’s 2025 Sustainability Master Plan.
Fly into Spring
6 to 7 p.m. | Elon Community Garden
Make bird feeders out of sustainable materials with the Environmental Student Organization Network. All students are welcome to participate.
Wednesday, April 23
Scrappy Smoothie Popsicles
1:30 p.m. | Clohan Dining Hall
Try a smoothie popsicle made from fruit scraps that would otherwise go to waste.
Food for Thought
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. | CREDE, Moseley Center
Take part in an Asian feast and join a conversation about the cultural and economic significance of rice in Asian communities.
Earth Week Keynote: Bill McKibben
7 to 8 p.m. | Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center
Environmental activist and author Bill McKibben will deliver the Earth Week keynote address. McKibben will share insights on the climate crisis, clean energy and the role individuals play in building a sustainable future.
S’mores with Outdoors
9 to 10 p.m. | Beck Pool Patio
Join Elon Outdoors and the Eco-Reps for a special Earth Week S’mores with Outdoors. You can also make your own sustainable bug spray.
Thursday, April 24
Earth Fest
5 to 7:30 p.m. | Lake Mary Nell
Celebrate local food at one of Elon Dining’s biggest events of the year. Enjoy food and drinks from 11 local vendors.
Party for the Planet
5 to 7 p.m. | Moseley West Lawn
Celebrate Earth Week with games, entertainment and a sustainable thrift shop.
Friday, April 25
Paint n’ Plant
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. | Young Commons
Decorate reusable pots and plant your own greenery. Learn about sustainable growing practices with Loy Farm.
Bloom with Pride
4 to 5:30 p.m. | Elon Community Garden
Celebrate Lesbian Visibility Day with bouquet making and decorating flower vases. Hosted by the Gender and LGBTQIA Center.
Bike to Burlington
4 to 6 p.m. | Meet at Koury Athletic Center
Ride to Burlington with Elon Outdoors and the Office of Sustainability for local ice cream and a lesson in sustainable businesses. Bikes provided or bring your own. Registration is required.
Saturday, April 26
Sustainable Day of Service
Various times and locations
Lake Mackintosh Kayak Clean Up
9 to 11 a.m. & 1 to 3 p.m. | Lake Mackintosh
Clean up the lake with provided kayaks, gloves and supplies. Registration is required.
Peacehaven Farm Garden Workday
9 to 11 a.m. | Peacehaven Community Farm
Help with garden tasks and enjoy time outdoors. Registration is required.
Women’s Resource Center Herb Festival Clean Up
12:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Women's Resource Center in Alamance County
Assist with light cleanup tasks following the festival. Registration is required.
Sunday, April 27
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Farm Tour
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Meet at Center for the Arts
Tour three local farms, learn about sustainable food production and sample local fare. Transportation is provided. Registration is required.