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.

Fall 2026 UR Campus-Wide Sustainability Events 

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  • September 11: Volunteer in the Eco-Corridor

    Meet at the North Trailhead of the Eco-Corridor. Participants will help with assembling picnic tables in the Eco-Corridor. To get more details on this week’s scheduled activity, contact our Natural Areas Steward at Joseph.Day@richmond.edu. 

    Gloves and snacks will be provided. Please wear protective clothing and bring a water bottle. Thanks for donating your time!

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.

     

     

  • September 14: Decolonized Eats: Recipes for Food Sovereignty & Climate & Disability Justice

    Date: Monday, September 14, 4:30 p.m.
    Location: Weinstein Hall, Brown-Alley Room

    Jen Deerinwater
    Founder of Crushing Colonialism
    "Decolonized Eats: Recipes for Food Sovereignty & Climate & Disability Justice" 
    4:30 p.m.
    Weinstein Hall, Brown-Alley Room
    Co-Sponsored with will+GSS Speaker Series and Disability Services

     

  • September 18: Weeks of Welcome (WOW) - Westhampton Lake Cleanup

    Date: Friday, September 18, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
    Location: Westhampton Lake Gazebo

    Join us for a volunteer day at Westhampton Lake! This session is part of our regular volunteer opportunities held every week.

    Help us beautify Westhampton Lake by picking up litter. This makes the lake cleaner and safer for all the flora and fauna on and around the lake. Please meet at the Westhampton Lake Gazebo.

    Gloves and snacks will be provided. Please wear protective clothing and bring a water bottle. Thanks for donating your time!

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.

  • September 19: Volunteer at the Rethink Waste Football Game

    Help Rethink Waste divert waste at the football game! This session is part of our regular volunteer opportunities held every week.

    Every helping hand makes a difference! Volunteer to help us make the football games as close to zero-waste as possible.

    As the Spiders take on Georgetown, volunteers will help participants correctly sort their waste, pick up litter, recyclables, and compostables after the game, and even help sort at the very end. You can choose how you contribute! We need help during all parts of the game.

    Thanks for donating your time!

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.

     

  • September 23: Herbalism Session with Spiritual But Not Religious (SBNR)

    September 23, 6:00 p.m.
    Eco-Corridor - Abby’s Garden

    Please join Spiritual But Not Religious (SBNR) for a grounding herbalism session on Wednesday, September 23, 6:00 p.m. in Abby’s Garden.

    We will spend time together in the Eco-Corridor learning about different plants and their meanings, led by local artist Suzanne Vinson. Registration is required. Spots are limited, so if you can’t attend, please message SBNR. If you have any questions, please reach out to Olivia.rosenblum@richmond.edu.

    Registration required - sign up now!

     

  • September 25: Swap Meet with Rethink Waste

    September 25, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Multicultural Center

    Have some clothes that don’t fit or that you haven’t pulled out of the closet in a while? Join Rethink Waste for the Swap Meet to refresh your wardrobe by exchanging clothes with others on campus! No need to bring clothes to participate in the swap. If you would like to bring clothes, please arrive at 1:30 p.m. to set up and only bring quality items (no holes or stains).

     

  • September 26: Volunteer at the Campus Race to Zero Waste - Rethink Waste Football Game

    Help Rethink Waste divert waste at the football game! This session is part of our regular volunteer opportunities held every week.

    Every helping hand makes a difference! Volunteer to help us make the football games as close to zero-waste as possible.

    As the Spiders take on Furman, volunteers will help participants correctly sort their waste, pick up litter, recyclables, and compostables after the game, and even help sort at the very end. You can choose how you contribute! We need help during all parts of the game.

    Meal and drink vouchers will be provided. Thanks for donating your time!

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.

     

  • October 2: Bird Walk + Museum Exhibition Tour

    Date: Friday, October 2, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
    Location: Eco-Corridor

    Join Assistant Professors of Biology Priscilla Erickson and Allison Cornell, with students from Dr. Cornell’s Ornithology class, for an hour-long bird walk focused on birding and identifying the birds we spot in the eco-corridor. Binoculars encouraged. Following the bird walk, join us at the Harnett Museum to tour the exhibition Shubigi Rao: All Our Elephants Are in Rooms. Drawing inspiration from birds, communication, and nature. Co-sponsored by the Faculty Hub and Department of Biology. Registration required.

    Free and open to everyone! 

    We will meet at the Eco-Corridor trailhead at the entrance to UR Drive.

  • October 2: Queer Extinctions; or Learning How to Last

    Date: Friday, October 2, 12:00 p.m.
    Location: Humanities Commons

    Sarah Ensor
    Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
    "Queer Extinctions; or Learning How to Last"
    12 p.m.
    Humanities Commons
    Co-Sponsored with will+GSS Speaker Series, Hub for Student Inclusion and Belonging, and the Department of English

  • October 5: Club Meeting - Ecology and Conservation Organization

    Gottwald Science Center A100
    Monday, Oct 5, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

    Description: UR ECO general club meetings to discuss our events, biodiversity plan, and committees

  • October 6: Nutrition Event: From Farmette to Table

    11:00 AM - 1:30 PM

    University of Richmond, Heilman Center, Center Dining Room
    410 Westhampton Way
    University of Richmond, VA 23173

     

    This year, NOURISH is teaming up with the Office of Sustainability to feature produce grown fresh right here on campus at the Farmette on the Eco-corridor! Visit the center dining room during lunch to try small plates made with sweet potatoes and learn more about their dietary benefits.

  • October 8: Young Grad Eco-Corridor Planting Event

    Date: Thursday, October 8, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
    Location: Eco-Corridor

    Join fellow Spiders for an evening of service and sustainability to help maintain one of the University’s beautiful natural spaces!

    We will rotate through three planting stations throughout the Eco-Corridor, to help support local wildlife, improve biodiversity, and strengthen this unique natural space on campus. It’s a fun, hands-on opportunity to make a lasting impact while connecting with fellow students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who share a passion for giving back. 

    All are welcome, bring a friend and help us make a lasting impact on campus! Gloves, drinks, and snacks will be provided. Please wear comfortable, protective clothing and closed-toe shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle. Registration required.

    Register now!

  • October 9: Volunteer in the Eco-Corridor

    Meet at the North Trailhead of the Eco-Corridor

    Participants will help with planting butterfly weed in the meadow of the Eco-Corridor. To get more details on this week’s scheduled activity, contact our Natural Areas Steward at Joseph.Day@richmond.edu. 

    Please bring a water bottle, closed-toe shoes, and protective clothing. Volunteers are welcome to join for the whole session or part of the session. 

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.

  • October 9: Alumni Outdoor Movie Night

    Celebrate the arrival of fall with our 5th annual Outdoor Movie Night in the Greek Theatre! Gather your family and friends, grab a cozy blanket and your favorite movie snacks, and settle in for a fun, family-friendly evening under the stars.

    Enjoy a special screening of Hotel Transylvania (PG), surrounded by fellow Spiders and the beautiful sights and sounds of the season. From crisp fall air to a little Halloween fun, it’s the perfect night to connect with our Spider community and make memories together.

    Bring the whole family and join us for an evening of fall fun, friendship, and a little spooky-season magic!

    Friday, October 9  
    @ sunset  

    Jenkins Greek Theatre  
    422 Westhampton Way  
    University of Richmond, VA  

    REGISTER ONLINE or call Alumni Engagement at (804) 289-8030.

    This event is complimentary.

    Non-alum guests are welcome. Fresh popcorn is included. Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks ARE allowed. You may bring food and snacks. Outside alcohol is NOT allowed. Beer and wine will be available for purchase on-site. Bring a photo ID. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol. RMC Events will be on-site, checking bags & IDs.

    Bring your friends and family! Everyone is welcome at UR alumni events. 

    entbrite page.

  • October 14: A glacial-geologic approach to understanding past climate change and ice-sheet stability

    Date: Wednesday, October 14, 5:00 p.m.
    Location: Gottwald Auditorium

    Maraina Miles
    Visiting Assistant Professor of Geography, Environment, & Sustainability
    "A glacial-geologic approach to understanding past climate change and ice-sheet stability"
    5 p.m.
    Gottwald Auditorium

  • October 16: Volunteer in the Eco-Corridor

    Date: Wednesday, October 16, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Eco-Corridor

    Meet at the North Trailhead of the Eco-Corridor

    Participants will help with planting. To get more details on this week’s scheduled activity, contact our Natural Areas Steward at Joseph.Day@richmond.edu. 

    Please bring a water bottle, closed-toe shoes, and protective clothing. Volunteers are welcome to join for the whole session or part of the session. 

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.

     

  • October 19: GreenUR Art Build Meeting

    THC 321, 346, 348
    Monday, Oct 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

  • October 24: Volunteer at the Rethink Waste Football Game

    Date: Saturday, October 24, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
    Location: Robins Stadium

    Help Rethink Waste divert waste at the football game! This session is part of our regular volunteer opportunities held every week.

    Every helping hand makes a difference! Volunteer to help us make the football games as close to zero-waste as possible.

    As the Spiders take on Colgate, volunteers will help participants correctly sort their waste, pick up litter, recyclables, and compostables after the game, and even help sort at the very end. You can choose how you contribute! We need help during all parts of the game.

    Thanks for donating your time!

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.

  • October 29: Forest Therapy Walk

    Date: Saturday, October 29, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
    Location: Eco-Corridor, Outdoor Classroom

    Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, Forest Bathing has been scientifically proven to boost immune strength, reduce stress, and improve cognitive functioning. But beyond these physiological changes, Forest Bathing also offers us the opportunity to deepen our relationship with the natural world. By slowing down and carefully observing with all our senses, we may notice incredible things that may have eluded us for our whole lives. In escaping the rapid pace of our daily routines, we may find unparalleled beauty in the moment and in doing so, relax into the beauty all around us.

    On your walk, Linda Pierce, a certified forest therapy guide, will offer a series of invitations to assist you in finding your own authentic way of interacting with the land. The end of each walk features a tea ceremony where you will enjoy tea made from plants foraged on site and some healthy snacks. The walk lasts around 1.5 hours. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, and it’s great for all ages; just come and be yourself. It’s all welcome in the forest.

    All that you need is comfortable clothing (layers are best) and shoes for a slow half-mile or so walk, something to sit upon (a blanket or stool - we will have a few extras), water or other hydration, and perhaps sunglasses and bug spray. Some people like to bring along a journal for writing.

     

    Registration is required, and spaces are limited! Please register through Eventbrite.

  • October 30: Volunteer at the Spider Exchange

    Date: Friday, October 30, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Spider Exchange

    Meet at the Spider Exchange.

    Participants will help with invasive species removal. To get more details on this week’s scheduled activity, contact our Natural Areas Steward at Joseph.Day@richmond.edu. 

    Please bring a water bottle, closed-toe shoes, and protective clothing. Volunteers are welcome to join for the whole session or part of the session. 

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.

     

  • October 30 - November 1: Camping Trip

    Date: October 30 - November 1

    Description: Register for a weekend camping trip with UR Outdoor Adventure & Recreation! Registration required.

  • November 3: Volunteer at the UR Farmette

    Date: Friday, November 3, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Location: UR Farmette (In Abby’s Garden)

    Join us for a volunteer day at the Office for Sustainability’s Farmette! This session is a part of our regular volunteer opportunities.

    Help natural areas steward Joseph Day harvest root vegetables from the new Farmette, located within Abby’s Garden. Please meet in Abby’s Garden.

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.

  • November 6: Tree Planting for Richmond Tree Week

    Date: Friday, November 6, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Eco-Corridor

    Meet at the North Trailhead of the Eco-Corridor

    On November 6, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m., join the Office for Sustainability in the Eco-Corridor for a native tree planting event! The 18-acre Eco-Corridor is a revitalized, natural area of campus that contains Little Westham Creek, Abby’s Garden, the UR Orchard & Food Forest, a new Farmette, pollinator meadows, an accessible paved walking path, and plenty of spaces to rest and relax.

    To get more details on this week’s scheduled activity, contact our Natural Areas Steward at Joseph.Day@richmond.edu. 

    Please bring a water bottle, closed-toe shoes, and protective clothing. Volunteers are welcome to join for the whole session or part of the session. 

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.

     

  • November 12-15: The Tempest

    Date: Friday, November 12-15
    Location: Alice Jepson Theatre

    UR Free Theatre & Dance

    By William Shakespeare
    Directed by Ashley White

    A shipwreck. A deserted island. A magician with unfinished business.

    When Prospero conjures a violent storm to bring his enemies ashore, what follows is a spellbinding tale of betrayal, romance, revenge, and ultimately redemption. Filled with mischievous spirits, political intrigue, and one of Shakespeare’s most lyrical passages, The Tempest blurs the line between illusion and reality. At once intimate and epic, The Tempest invites audiences into a world shaped by imagination, where storms reveal truth and forgiveness holds the greatest power of all.

    Join us. Let the island transform you.

    The Department of Theatre & Dance offers a dynamic lineup of performances, including black box productions, staged readings, dance concerts, and musicals. Each production brings together students, faculty, alumni, and guest artists, creating a collaborative space where audiences can connect, explore new perspectives, and experience engaging, live performance.

    All performances are free with ticket and seating is general admission.

     

  • November 14: Volunteer at the Rethink Waste Football Game

    Date: Friday, November 14, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
    Location: Robins Stadium

    Help Rethink Waste divert waste at the football game! This session is part of our regular volunteer opportunities held every week.

    Every helping hand makes a difference! Volunteer to help us make the football games as close to zero-waste as possible.

    As the Spiders take on Lehigh, volunteers will help participants correctly sort their waste, pick up litter, recyclables, and compostables after the game, and even help sort at the very end. You can choose how you contribute! We need help during all parts of the game.

    Meal and drink vouchers will be provided. Thanks for donating your time!

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.

     

     

  • November 16: Sweden Week: Rethink Waste 101

    Date: Monday, November 16, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
    Location: Zoom - https://urichmond.zoom.us/j/83897961179 

    Join Rethink Waste on Zoom to learn more about waste reduction here on campus in comparison to our focus country, Sweden! In this presentation, Jacob will share more about campus waste goals, how to properly sort your waste, new initiatives like textile and contact lens recycling, and some fun facts about recycling and composting in Sweden.

    Register for updates. 

     

  • November 16: Sweden Week: Swedish Refill Rendezvous: Candy, Glogg, and More!

    Date: Monday, November 16, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
    Location: Spider Exchange

    Candy refills and a zero-waste way to do it. What could be more Swedish?

    In the spirit of Swedish Simplicity, we’re hosting all the zero-waste enthusiasts at the Spider Exchange for a Swedish Refill Rendezvous!

    Jump into the Swedish tradition of indulging in a weekly candy-fueled sugar rush at our candy refill bins, brought to you by Trolley Car Candy. Then, don’t forget to bring your favorite mug to fill up on a favorite Swedish drink, Glogg. And lastly, grab your compostable Swedish dishcloth so you can keep the reuse-life going strong (first come, first served)!

    Register for updates. 

     

  • November 17: Sweden Week: "Swede" Harvesting in Abby’s Garden

    Date: Tuesday, November 17, 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.
    Location: Abby’s Garden

    In celebration of Sweden Week, we will be harvesting "swedes" or rutabagas from the Farmette.

    Join us to learn about the history of "swedes" or rutabaga, and help us harvest the produce for the International Dinner on November 18!

    Please meet in Abby’s Garden. Register for updates.

     

  • November 19: Sweden Week: Westhampton Lake Cleanup

    Date: Friday, November 19, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
    Location: Westhampton Lake Pavilion

    Join us for a volunteer day at Westhampton Lake! This session is part of our regular volunteer opportunities held every week.

    Help us pick up litter around Westhampton Lake (please meet at the Westhampton Lake Gazebo). This event is also a part of the Sweden Week Ecochallenge. Join us to beautify campus and make it a better place for flora and fauna to flourish.

    Students, faculty, staff, and community members are all welcome to register. Please register the names and email addresses of everyone who will be joining.

    Gloves and snacks will be provided. Please wear protective clothing and bring a water bottle. Thanks for donating your time!

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.

     

  • November 21: Volunteer at the Rethink Waste Football Game

    Date: Friday, November 21, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Location: Robins Stadium

    Help Rethink Waste divert waste at the football game! This session is part of our regular volunteer opportunities held every week.

    Every helping hand makes a difference! Volunteer to help us make the football games as close to zero-waste as possible.

    As the Spiders take on William & Mary, volunteers will help participants correctly sort their waste, pick up litter, recyclables, and compostables after the game, and even help sort at the very end. You can choose how you contribute! We need help during all parts of the game.

    Meal and drink vouchers will be provided. Thanks for donating your time!

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.

  • December 4: Volunteer in the Eco-Corridor

    Date: Friday, December 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Eco-Corridor

    Meet at the North Trailhead of the Eco-Corridor

    Participants can assist in a variety of activities including mulching, pulling invasives, working in the garden, and more. To get more details on this week’s scheduled activity, contact our Natural Areas Steward at Joseph.Day@richmond.edu. 

    Please bring a water bottle, closed-toe shoes, and protective clothing. Volunteers are welcome to join for the whole session or part of the session. 

    Registration required. Please sign up through our Eventbrite page.