Project initiated by Heidi Goetsch ’14 headlines Earth Week activities

North Central College invites faculty, staff, students and members of the community to join in a special celebration of Earth Day at noon, Tuesday, April 22, at Oesterle Library.

The event is the culmination of a yearlong fellowship for North Central philosophy major Heidi Goetsch ’14, who was presented a grant from the National Wildlife Federation to design and plant a native plants garden for the College. Members of the community are invited to join in the planting of this garden at the north and south entrances of the College’s library as a celebration of Earth Day. Tools for the project will be provided by the College.

At noon, before the planting, a representative from the Conservation Foundation will award North Central College the Conservation@Work certification. This prestigious certification recognizes local businesses and schools that have implemented sustainable land management practices, such as conserving rainwater, removing invasive species, reducing chemical use and watering, and increasing the amount of native plants on campus. The College has implemented all of the sustainability requirements necessary for this certification, including installing permeable pavers and rain gardens in the pedestrian walkway, planting native gardens in other areas around campus, and creating this new native plant garden outside the library.
 
In case of rain, the ceremony will be held inside Oesterle Library in the Dr. Lora L. Tyson Education Curriculum Resource Center and planting activities will take place at noon Thursday, April 24.

This event is one of many ways the College is celebrating Earth Week.

On Monday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Green Scene will host an informational table in Kaufman Dining Hall. There, students will have the opportunity to learn about the historical origins of Earth Week and what is being done around the world to celebrate environmentalism. Participants will also acquire tips on how to lead a more environmentally conscious life.

On Friday, April 25, at 1 p.m., Green Scene will host a Stream Cleanup behind Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. Join the Green Scene club in removing pollution from areas around the river walk.

Later this spring on May 30, the College will sponsor Bike to Campus Day. The Dyson Wellness Center, Green Scene and Campus Safety will provide food, raffle prizes and more in Jefferson Plaza for everyone who shows up on their bike.

For more information about the Earth Day events, contact sustainability@noctrl.edu or Brittany Graham, sustainability coordinator, at 630-637-5623.