Earth Day marks an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of nature and get involved in protecting the environment.
Here at McMaster, campus partners have organized events for community members to get engaged, and to recognize and celebrate the ways our students, staff and faculty are making positive changes here on campus and in the community.
See below for some events, in person and virtual, that you can attend or get involved in:
Guided Interpretive Hike of McMaster Forest Ecology and History
Sunday, April 21, 2024
10am – 1pm
McMaster Forest Nature Preserve | 1105 Lower Lions Club Rd, Hamilton, ON
Community members are invited to participate in a guided hike of the McMaster Forest Nature Preserve, a 115-acre conservation and research forest. Hosted by Nature at McMaster, this event will allow participants to connect with the outdoors and gain insights into the conservation efforts that protect this area.
Learn more and register here.
Earth Day Fair
Monday, April 22, 2024
10am – 2pm
Main floor of The Hub, next to the David Braley Athletic Centre
The Earth Day Fair will showcase some of the work Facility Services and the Office of Sustainability do to sustainably operate campus.
“Facility Services is engaged in making our sustainability strategy a reality,” says Dave Cano, McMaster’s director of sustainability.
“We’re doing a lot of things behind-the-scenes to make sure our campus is operated in the most sustainable way possible. From the products we use in our daily operations, to the way we design and operate our facilities, we strive to embed sustainable products and practices.”
Stop by and make your own take home “good luck plant,” enjoy complimentary healthy treats and learn more about sustainability-in-action on campus.
Earth Day Campus Ceremonial Tree Planting
Monday, April 22, 2024
11am – 2pm
Behind Hamilton Hall on McMaster’s main campus
This event will feature the planting of native species, contributing to the greening of our campus and the local ecosystem. This event is proudly supported by Nature at McMaster and the McMaster Traditional Ecological Knowledge Committee.
Please RSVP as soon as possible here.
Inspiring Hope for Climate Action
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
7:00 pm
Online
The ability to hold climate anxiety and hope for the future has challenged today’s youth as they create a greener, kinder planet. This tension is what fueled The Starfish Canada, one of the nation’s leading youth climate charities, which was born from a second-year McMaster biology class.
Join Sujane Kandasamy and Kyle Empringham, McMaster graduates and co-founders of The Starfish Canada, as they share insights and wisdom on what it means to run a climate charity with equity and inclusion in mind.
Register here.
Greening the Future: Sustainable Gardens for a Healthier World
Thursday, April 25, 2024
1:00 pm
Online
Explore how gardens can help us to tackle some of today’s greatest challenges, including protecting biodiversity amidst a changing climate. Master gardener Cathy Kavassilis shares her deep knowledge of the science of gardening and the relationship of gardening, ecology and the environment.
Register here.
Community Campus Ecological Stewardship Event
Saturday, April 27, 2024
11am – 2pm
Lot P
Help plant hundreds of native plugs, shrubs, and trees and remove invasive plants that threaten our local ecosystem. Connect with other environmental enthusiasts while enhancing biodiversity and supporting a healthy ecosystem.
Learn more and register here.
More Than a Footpath: 60 Years of Conservation, Connection, and Community on the Bruce Trail with Michael McDonald
Thursday, April 25, 2024
7:00 pm
Online
The Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath that stretches over 900 km from Queenston to Tobermory, crosses right through McMaster’s backyard and is one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment.
McMaster graduate and Chief Executive Officer of the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) Michael McDonald ’96 discusses the important role the BTC plays in protecting and preserving the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere while bringing communities across Ontario into greater connection with nature.
Register here.
Be inspired!
Visit the Sustainability at McMaster page to learn more about the ways our students, staff and faculty are making positive changes here on campus and in the community. Click here.