Montevallo Celebrating Earth Day with Week of Events April 14-18

April 10, 2025

The University of Montevallo is gearing up for Earth Week 2025 with an exciting lineup of events sponsored by the Environmental Club and the Environmental Studies Program.

“I am excited we are celebrating Earth Day this year with activities that are engaging and fun for all ages,” said Jecca Thomason, director of the Environmental Education Program. “Our lineup includes events that will raise awareness of local environmental issues, allow for creativity inspired by nature and opportunities to engage in sustainable practices.”

The festivities kick off with the EcoSwap on Monday, April 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Anna Irvin Dining Hall. This bi-annual event began as a clothing swap to help cut down on waste but has expanded in recent years to include other items. Participants can bring any unwanted items like clothes, accessories, room decor, unused school supplies and more, and grab anything they would like free of charge. After the event, all leftover items will be donated to local organizations in need.

Tuesday, April 15, brings the Southern Exposures film screening at 6:30 p.m. in Merchants and Planters Bank Auditorium in Humanities Hall. This series of short documentaries celebrates Alabama’s incredible people and places, while also bringing awareness to local natural resources and important environmental issues. This event is free to attend and open to the public. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with panelists from Cahaba Riverkeepers.

Come make your own glass jar terrarium on Wednesday, April 16, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Tower. These cute nature crafts will be done using recycled glass jars and materials collected from the UM Organic Teaching Garden. Materials will be provided.

The annual Earth Fest is set for Thursday, April 17, from 3 to 6 p.m. on Main Quad. Celebrate Earth Day and learn about ways you can get involved in helping the planet. There will be live music, food trucks and a chance to meet UM’s environmental partners. Environmental Club will also have a free make-and-take craft at their table.

Rounding out the Earth Week events will be a garden work day on Friday, April 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the UM Organic Teaching Garden (located beside Kermit A. Johnson Field at Bob Riesener Stadium). Participants will help complete garden projects while giving back to the community. Please come dressed to work. Gloves, tools, food and water will be provided.

“Earth Week is a great time for both the UM community and the broader Montevallo community to come together and learn about all the wonderful environmental and sustainability initiatives that are happening on our campus,” said Dr. Andrea Eckelman, interim coordinator of the Environmental Studies Program. “We have so many amazing environmental resources in and around Montevallo and ways for everyone to get involved.”

To learn more about UM’s Environmental Studies Program and sustainability efforts, visit montevallo.edu/environmental-studies.