In previous years, Slippery Rock University’s Macoskey Center recognized Earth Day with Earth Fest, a day that included vendors, food and sustainable activities. This year, however, the Macoskey Center is expanding the celebration into Earth Month with more than 16 events and programs, April 1-30, including a speaking appearance by former White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, April 7.
SRU’s Earth Month programming, hosted by the Macoskey Center and in partnership with more than 12 different local environmental groups, celebrates sustainability and environmental awareness throughout April. This month-long event offers opportunities for students, faculty and staff to engage with nature, learn about eco-friendly practices, and take part in meaningful discussions on climate action.
The following Earth Month events are organized by Macoskey Center staff, with support and coordination from many student organizations and campus groups, as well as sponsorship by the West Penn Energy Fund:
- Protecting Our Communities: A Panel Discussion on Regional Environment Justice & Activism, 6:30-8 p.m., April 1, in the Advanced Technology Center, Room 152. A powerful discussion on environmental justice, activism and the fight against pollution in western Pennsylvania, featuring local leaders and grassroots advocates from organizations like Food & Water Watch, Save Slippery Rock Creek, CEASRA, Marcellus Outreach Butler and Citizen’s Climate Lobby.
- What’s The Tea: Sustainability & Menstrual Products Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m., April 2, in the Smith Student Center Theater. This SRU students-only event is an educational program dedicated to sustainable menstrual products and remedies, exploring common issues and offering tips, tricks and teas to respond to menstrual cycles..
- Bird Walk, 4-6 p.m., April 3, at the Macoskey Center. Hosted by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, this event features a bird walk with professionals, covering topics such as bird identification tips, migration and optics. Food and binoculars will be provided during the event.
- Family Scavenger Hunt & Orienteering, 10-11 a.m., at the Macoskey Center. A fun-filled family scavenger hunt and orienteering adventure where participants can learn map-reading and navigation skills while exploring the outdoors, solving clues and discovering hidden treasures. RSVPs required. All ages welcome, but minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Regenerating Our Energy From Within (Part 1): Overcoming Climate Fatigue, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 5, at the Macoskey Center. Join Rider Siphron Stauffer, a professional life coach, meditation teacher, zero waste specialist and author, to restore energy and resilience in the face of climate change fatigue through meditation, journaling and mindful movement, exploring ways to renew well-being and deepen the connection with nature. All ages welcome, but minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Guest Speaker Ali Zaidi, 6-7 p.m., April 7, in the Smith Student Center Ballroom. Join former White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi for a talk on climate action, policy and leadership. Zaidi will share his experiences shaping federal climate initiatives and discuss pathways for those interested in environmental policy.
- Regenerating Our Energy From Within (Part 2): Reframing Our Climate Story, 10-11:30 a.m., April 12, at the Macoskey Center. Join Rider Siphron Stauffer , a professional life coach, meditation teacher, zero waste specialist and author, and shift your perspective on climate change from crisis to hope, exploring regenerative actions, calming climate anxiety, and taking meaningful steps toward a hopeful future. RSVPs required. Ages 15 and older welcome, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Smart Energy & Savings: A Residential Solar Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m., April 14, at the Macoskey Center. Discover how solar power can lower energy bills, increase independence and benefit the community. Learn from experts and hear real homeowner experiences about affordable solar solutions for taking control of your energy future.
- Bird Walk, 3-5 p.m., April 15, at the Macoskey Center. Hosted by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, this event features a bird walk with professionals, covering topics such as bird identification tips, migration and optics. Food and binoculars will be provided during the event.
- Honeybees & The World They Live In, 6:30-8:30 p.m., April 15, in the Vincent Science Center, Room 116. Join Frederick Dunn, Cornell University certified master beekeeper, as he explores the relationship between honeybees and their environment. Hosted by the Pollination Organization at SRU and CWPA Beekeepers Association, this event is open to all bee enthusiasts.
- Conserving Pennsylvania: Biodiversity, Resiliency, and the Next Generation of Stewards, 5 p.m., April 17, at the SRU Alumni House. Hosted by the SRU Class of 1978 Alumni, this program, featuring Pennsylvania DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams-Dunn, will focus on current conservation efforts in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests while emphasizing biodiversity, adaptation and resiliency. The program will highlight the role of students and universities in shaping the future of conservation through education, field experiences and hands-on engagement.
- Trail Run, 2-4 p.m., April 22, at the Macoskey Center.
- Mackoskey Center Open House: Celebrating 35 Years of Sustainability, 4-7 p.m., April 22, at the Macoskey Center. Celebrate Earth Day while honoring the Macoskey Center’s 35th anniversary and the West Penn Energy Fund’s 25th anniversary with short tours, hands-on activities like upcycled paper beads and a fossil dig, and the chance to meet the center’s resident chickens.
- The Green Kitchen: Vension Prep & Cook Workshop, 5:30-6:30 p.m., April 23, at the Macoskey Center. Join guest chefs to learn how to prepare and cook venison using time-honored techniques that bring out its best flavor while making the most of this natural, local resource. This interactive demo will highlight practical cooking methods, responsible harvesting and the benefits of wild game—plus, enjoy delicious sample tastings.
- The Green Kitchen: Plant-Based Diets (Soup and Sandwiches), 12:30-1:45 p.m., April 29, at the Macoskey Center. This SRU student-exclusive event explores the benefits of a plant-rich diet—why it’s healthier, more sustainable, and budget friendly. Learn how factory farming and food waste impact the environment and how small diet changes make a big difference. Enjoy free plant-based soups, portobello sandwiches and take-home recipe cards. Attendees are encouraged to bring their reusable water bottle and come hungry.
- Survival by Degrees: How Climate Change Threatens North America’s Birds, 5:30-6:30 p.m., April 30, at the Macoskey Center. Audubon’s latest findings show that nearly two-thirds of North America’s bird species are severely threatened by climate change. This talk will cover the findings of Audubon’s Survival by Degrees Report, the latest research on climate change, and the challenges facing bird species across the continent.
All events are free and open to the public, except those noted in the descriptions. More information about the Macoskey Center and Earth Month, including more links to RSVP, is available on the center’s webpage.
