More than just volunteering

Those interested in sustainability workshops, presentations and hands-on service learning opportunities have the chance to participate in April’s monthlong series of events through the annual University of Idaho Earth Fest. 

Ethan Morris, Sustainability Center program manager, said the whole premise of Earth Fest is to gather a variety of on- and off-campus partners — from university departments to local organizations — to discuss and plan the lineup of events each year.

Examples include the Outdoor Program from the UI Student Recreation Center, the Vandal Food Pantry and the Palouse Environmental Sustainability Coalition. This year, there are a total of 25 partners.

“Whether you are going to sit in on a panel discussion with the Environmental Law Society, or you want to go volunteer with us or the City of Moscow, the students are getting something out of it and so are we,” Morris said. “It is this cohesive effort to bring conservation, sustainability and environmental mindfulness to the city of Moscow and the Palouse.” 

The end of this week wraps up the Sustainability Center Photography Contest, themed “Inspiring Sustainability.” A photo can be taken of anything that reminds someone of sustainability, from trash in Paradise Creek to a group doing conservation work on a hiking trail. Submissions are eligible for a prize from the Outdoor Program and the Sustainability Center, Morris said. 

“Week three and week four are very action-packed weeks with several big events,” Morris said. “It is all about bringing interactive, engaging events to students, staff, faculty and community members — there is something for everyone — the main goal of this year.” 

Some of the big events next week include Bike Fix, where students, staff and faculty can have their bikes tuned up for free. And the Sustainability Showcase ribbon cutting ceremony for the celebration of the Biodiesel Program and the UI Clean Energy Club renovation of the biodiesel plant. 

Following the City of Moscow Downtown Cleanup Day next Friday afternoon, there will be the annual Saturday of Service. 

Those interested in attending are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible, which people can do on the UI Sustainability Center homepage under the Get Involved tab, Morris said. 

However, City of Moscow volunteer events allow participants to show up without an official sign up. 

The final week includes even more service opportunities, including Get Dirty with the soil stewards at local farms, and installing storm drains in catch basins in Moscow. One of the last big events is Healthy Eating on a Budget, hosted by the Moscow Food Co-Op, Morris said. 

“If students find an event that interests them, I highly encourage them to just take some time and go to it,” Morris said. “I think people will be really surprised by what they can take away from it, what they can learn and what they can be inspired with. Many of these events are super inspiring, and they can really spark something in you that can help make a difference.”

Kayla Bordelon, sustainability and student engagement coordinator since December, said this is her first Earth Fest. She said there is value in the honing of 25 community and university partners to be able to find the time and space to plan events for five months in advance. 

“Sometimes I think we get really focused on what’s happening on campus. But this is our opportunity to reach out to the community and get to know folks who are really engaged with sustainability issues that we don’t see on a regular basis,” Bordelon said. 

Each year, the best events from past years are brought back, and new, innovative events are added to make every Earth Fest a little different. This year, she is really looking forward to a climate change lecture to discuss a national bipartisan solution for such a pressing policy issue. 

Another new, fun event — put on by the UI Outdoor Program — is a day hike to the top of Moscow Mountain to paint landscape pictures at the top, Bordelon said. The technique of plein air painting is leaving all four walls of the studio behind to experience painting and drawing immersed in the landscape. 

Next week is Zero Waste Week, with a social media challenge each day to promote waste reduction — posting a picture using a reusable water bottle or finding items thrift shopping, she said. Prizes include sustainable items such as a reusable straw. 

“If people don’t have time during this busy time of year to go to in-person events, there are a lot of social media ways to be involved,” Bordelon said. 

Allison Spain can be reached at [email protected]