Events: Every Day is Earth Day

Sustainability at University of Richmond is exhibited in the everyday lives of faculty, staff, and students, as well as in events that bring our community together.

Each year, the University participates in the RVA Environmental Film Festival, showing films that are free and open to the public in this city-wide event. During International Education Week in the fall, members of the campus community can adopt individual actions while learning about global sustainability through an online Ecochallenge. In the spring, the Office for Sustainability hosts a dinner honoring members of the campus community for their efforts supporting sustainability at University of Richmond. At the end of each spring semester, the University puts on the Big Yard Sale to benefit the Falls of the James Sierra Club. These are just a few annual events that support the University’s priority of environmental stewardship

In addition to exploring annual events through these pages, you can also look over some green event tips that we've put together for you. No matter what kind of event you're hosting, we want it to be more sustainable.

Spring 2026 Garden Workshops

Joseph Day, the Office for Sustainability's Natural Areas Steward, will be leading a series of workshops this spring designed to help gardeners enhance their skills on a variety of topics. 

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  • January 20: How to Sow Seeds
    Location: Abby’s Garden
    Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
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    This event is a part of an ongoing series of garden workshops led by Natural Areas Steward, Joseph Day.

    Learn to sow spinach and other leafy green seeds in Abby’s Garden Hoop House. Even though it’s the dead of winter, with some planning, you get an early edge on spring’s warmer weather. Join us to learn how to prepare for the spring season. 


    Register for updates through Eventbrite. 

  • February 18: How to Build a Cold Frame

    Location: Abby’s Garden

    Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

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    This event is a part of an ongoing series of garden workshops led by Natural Areas Steward, Joseph Day.

    Using the power of the sun and some glass can really enhance your early-season gardening game tremendously. Join us for a demo on how to create a cold frame in Abby’s garden to learn what tools and supplies you’ll need as well as what plants thrive in these containers.

    Please meet in Abby’s Garden (fenced-in area just down the path from the Eco-Corridor Entrance).

    Register for updates through Eventbrite. 

  • RESCHEDULED: Now February 25: How to Prune a New Fruit Tree

    Location: UR Orchard & Food Forest

    Date: Thursday, February 25

    Time: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

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    This event is a part of an ongoing series of garden workshops led by Natural Areas Steward, Joseph Day.

    Pruning for fruit production can be intimidating. Learn to prune at UR’s new Orchard & Food Forest. We will cover the necessary tools and how to use them, the three Ds of pruning, and the basics to get our fruit trees off to a good start for fruit production.

    Please meet in the UR Orchard & Food Forest (fenced-in area just down the path from the Eco-Corridor Entrance, slightly beyond Abby’s Garden).

    Register for updates through Eventbrite. 

  • March 3: How to Pot Up Tree Saplings

    Location: Abby’s Garden

    Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

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    This event is a part of an ongoing series of garden workshops led by Natural Areas Steward, Joseph Day.

    Come learn to pot up tree saplings. These trees are seed-grown and shipped here for a reforestry project in the Eco-Corridor. We will be potting these trees up for planting during RVA Tree Week in November. Join to learn about the different tree species, pruning techniques to grow a central leader, and how to take care of these new trees.

    Please meet in Abby’s Garden (fenced-in area just down the path from the Eco-Corridor Entrance).

    Register to receive updates through Eventbrite. 

  • March 18: How to Plant Potatoes

    Location: UR Orchard & Food Forest

    Time: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

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    This event is a part of an ongoing series of garden workshops led by Natural Areas Steward, Joseph Day.

    Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the changing of the seasons by planting potatoes in UR’s Food Forest/Orchard. We will be learning about the different types of potatoes and growing methods.

    Please meet in the UR Orchard & Food Forest (fenced-in area just down the path from the Eco-Corridor Entrance in the area adjacent to Abby’s Garden - still within the fence).

    Register to receive updates through Eventbrite. 

  • March 25: How to Plant Brassicas (Kale, Cabbage, etc.)

    Location: UR Orchard & Food Forest

    Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

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    This event is a part of an ongoing series of garden workshops led by Natural Areas Steward, Joseph Day.

    What do cabbage, kale, turnips, and collards all have in common? They are all in Brassicas, also known as the mustard family. Come plant Brassicas in the Orchard & Food Forest. We will plant and learn about all different types of brassicas, talk about common pests and growing requirements, and give tips for ensuring a good harvest.

    Please meet in the UR Orchard & Food Forest (fenced-in area just down the path from the Eco-Corridor Entrance in the area adjacent to Abby’s Garden - still within the fence).

    Register to receive updates through Eventbrite. 

  • March 30: How to Extend Your Garden Season

    Location: UR Orchard & Food Forest

    Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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    This event is a part of an ongoing series of garden workshops led by Natural Areas Steward, Joseph Day.

    Excited for warmer weather and want to get those warm-season annuals in the ground? Afraid of a potential frost wiping out your crops? Come learn about some tips and tricks on how to protect your crops from the lingering cooler weather.

    Please meet in the UR Orchard & Food Forest (fenced-in area just down the path from the Eco-Corridor Entrance in the area adjacent to Abby’s Garden - still within the fence).

    Register to receive updates through Eventbrite. 

  • April 7: How to Plant a Miniature Farm - Session 1

    Location: Abby’s Garden

    Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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    This event is a part of an ongoing series of garden workshops led by Natural Areas Steward, Joseph Day.

    Want to learn about what goes into starting a new garden? We will be learning about what it takes to start a garden in UR’s new farmette. We be learning about planting, crop selection, and even soil science.

    Please meet in Abby’s Garden (fenced-in area just down the path from the Eco-Corridor Entrance).

    Register to receive updates through Eventbrite. 

  • April 13: How to Plant a Miniature Farm - Session 2

    Location: Abby’s Garden

    Time: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

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    This event is a part of an ongoing series of garden workshops led by Natural Areas Steward, Joseph Day.

    Want to learn about what goes into starting a new garden? We will be learning about what it takes to start a garden in UR’s new farmette. We be learning about planting, crop selection, and even soil science.

    Please meet in Abby’s Garden (fenced-in area just down the path from the Eco-Corridor Entrance).

    Register to receive updates through Eventbrite. 

  • April 20: How to Plant a Miniature Farm - Session 3

    Location: Abby’s Garden

    Time: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

    -------

    This event is a part of an ongoing series of garden workshops led by Natural Areas Steward, Joseph Day.

    Want to learn about what goes into starting a new garden? We will be learning about what it takes to start a garden in UR’s new farmette. We be learning about planting, crop selection, and even soil science.

    Please meet in Abby’s Garden (fenced-in area just down the path from the Eco-Corridor Entrance).

    Register to receive updates through Eventbrite. 

  • April 28: How to Plant a Miniature Farm - Session 4

    Location: Abby’s Garden

    Time: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

    -------

    This event is a part of an ongoing series of garden workshops led by Natural Areas Steward, Joseph Day.

    Want to learn about what goes into starting a new garden? We will be learning about what it takes to start a garden in UR’s new farmette. We be learning about planting, crop selection, and even soil science.

    Please meet in Abby’s Garden (fenced-in area just down the path from the Eco-Corridor Entrance).

    Register to receive updates through Eventbrite. 

Spring 2026 UR Campus-Wide Sustainability Events 

Below are a few sustainability-related events happening this semester. Is your department or club hosting an event related to sustainability, the environment, or social justice? Please let us know if you would like to add it to this list.

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  • February 6: Rainbow Threads

    Date: Friday, February 6
    Time: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Location: Whitehurst Multicultural Space

    Rainbow Threads is back! The Hub for Student Inclusion and Community has, once again, partnered with Rethink Waste to host this unique event.

    Located at the Whitehurst Multicultural Center, the event aims to provide gender non-specific secondhand clothing to students, faculty, and staff, including LGBTQ+ members of campus. All are welcome to stop in and peruse a large selection of donated secondhand clothes collected around campus and from the Spider Exchange.

    There truly is no other event as generous or grand as Rainbow Threads, so give clothes another chance at this highly inclusive experience. Snacks provided!

  • February 12: Global Environmental Speaker Series - Humanitarian Aid on Trial

    Date: Thursday, February 12
    Time: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
    Location: Brown Alley Room

    Join for an evening lecture with Dr. Scott Warren as he discusses his life in Ajo, AZ where he is a cultural geographer and a volunteer with border humanitarian groups. 

  • February 13: Love Letters to the Earth

    Date: Friday, February 13
    Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
    Location: Spatial Analysis Lab

    Join the Department of Geography, Environment, & Sustainability for an afternoon of giving thanks and love to this incredible Earth that we inhabit!

  • February 13: Valentine’s Day Spider Exchange Pop-Up

    Date: Friday, February 13
    Time: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Location: THC, Hanging Lounge

  • February 18: Upcycle & Unwind

    Date: Friday, February 18
    Time: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
    Location: The Current

    Join GreenUR to give new life to secondhand clothes from Rethink Waste, while enjoying music from WDCE!

  • February 24: Global Environmental Speaker Series: Research Scientist and NASA Climate Modeler

    Feb 24th (5:00 -6:00 p.m.) - Global Environmental Speaker Series: Research Scientist and NASA Climate Modeller

  • February 26: Film Screening of "Cigarette Surfboard" for RVA Environmental Film Festival

    Date: Thursday, February 26
    Time: 7:00 p.m.
    Location: Jepson 118
    A reception will be held outside of Room 118 starting at 6:00 p.m.

    The Richmond Environmental Film Festival will be held February 21 - March 7 at various locations throughout Richmond!

    The festival showcases incredible documentaries on a wide range of topics. This year, the UR Office for Sustainability and the World of Cinema Endeavor class is hosting the film Cigarette Surfboard.

    Join us on Feb. 26, 7 p.m. to learn how an impassioned surfer created a functional surfboard from 10,000 littered cigarette butts collected from California beaches while connecting with a global community of individuals working to protect and restore oceans through science, education, art, and political activism. The film was selected by students in the World of Cinema Endeavor who will introduce the film and lead the Q&A with the creator after the screening.

    There will be a reception at 6 p.m., and the film will start at 7 p.m. Register for updates: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-screening-cigarette-surfboard-tickets-1977910285909?aff=oddtdtcreator

    RVA Environmental Film Festival: https://rvaeff.org/2026-festival-films

  • February 27: Invasive Species Week at UR

    Date: Friday, February 27
    Time: 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Trailhead of the Eco-Corridor

    Learn more about invasive plants in Virginia and our local region, and volunteer to help remove invasive plant species commonly found in the Eco-Corridor.

    Register for updates through Eventbrite. 

  • February 27: Spring Break Spider Exchange Pop-Up

    Date: Friday, February 27
    Time: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Location: Heilman Dining Center Lobby

  • March 4: Evergreen Tree Tour

    Date: Wednesday, March 4
    Time: 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
    Location: The Forum

    Come enjoy the non-deciduous trees and shrubs of University of Richmond’s award-winning campus. On this 45-minute walk, participants will learn about broadleaf and needle-leaf greenery and the benefits they provide.

    Register for updates through Eventbrite. 

  • March 5: Evergreen Tree Tour

    Date: Thursday, March 5
    Time: 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
    Location: The Forum

    Come enjoy the non-deciduous trees and shrubs of University of Richmond’s award-winning campus. On this 45-minute walk, participants will learn about broadleaf and needle-leaf greenery and the benefits they provide.

    Register for updates through Eventbrite. 

  • March 17: Global Environmental Speaker Series: Plant Ecophysiologist and Professor at Macalester College

    March 17, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Global Environmental Speaker Series: Plant Ecophysiologist and Professor at Macalester College

  • March 20: Equinox in the Eco-Corridor

    Date: Friday, March 20
    Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Location: The Outdoor Classroom in the Eco-Corridor

    What better way to celebrate the equinox and the return of longer days than to spend some time creating and reflecting outdoors in the Eco-Corridor? Join the Office for Sustainability and Spiritual But Not Religious in the Outdoor Classroom for painting and meditation.

    *Registration required. Email jhaskins@richmond.edu to register.

  • March 30: Sustainability Banquet

    Date: Monday, March 30
    Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
    Location: Alice Haynes Commons

    Together we will reflect on this year’s sustainability accomplishments and the people who made it happen! Join us to celebrate your colleagues while enjoying an allergy-friendly meal.

    *Registration required. Sign up through Eventbrite.

  • April 15: A Century of Campus Energy at Richmond

    Date: April 15
    Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
    Location: Boatwright Library

    Join Rob Andrejewski, Director of Sustainability, for a talk about the history of the University’s energy sources. For nearly 100 years, from 1914 to 2012, coal powered heating and cooling at the University of Richmond. Learn how that legacy system shapes today’s energy decisions and what it will take to move beyond fossil fuels.

    Andrejewski will be presenting his talk in front of the coal specimens, as part of the Virginia resources display in the Lora Robins Gallery.

    Free and open to everyone!

     

  • April 21: Smell is Sacred

    Date: Tuesday, April 21
    Time: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
    Location: UR Orchard & Food Forest (In the Eco-Corridor)

    How can your senses, especially scent, connect you to the present moment and our exquisite Earth? Join the Office for Sustainability and Spiritual But Not Religious for a sensory experience amongst the herb garden in the UR Orchard & Food Forest.

    *Registration required. Email jhaskins@richmond.edu to register.

  • April 22: Earth Day Tree Tours (5:00 & 6:00 p.m.)

    Date: Wednesday, April 22
    Time: 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. & 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.
    Location: The Forum

    In celebration of spring, join us for a campus tree tour. Learn about native, ornamental, and exotic tree species, led by the Office for Sustainability’s Tree Campus Interns.

  • April 23: Forest Therapy Walk

    Date: Thursday, April 23
    Time: 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
    Location: The Outdoor Classroom in the Eco-Corridor

    Join us for a guided Forest Therapy Walk in the Eco-Corridor. Led by a certified forest therapy trail consultant, participants will be invited to take part in mindful exercises while immersing themselves in a serene woodland environment.

    *Registration required.

  • April 24: E-Waste & Recycling Extravaganza

    Date: Friday, April 24
    More Details Coming Soon!

    Join Rethink Waste for e-waste recycling, document shredding, and free compost!