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 2025 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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January 24: Eco-Crafting for As You Like It
January 24, 11:00 a.m. - 5:0 p.m. | Spider Exchange
Swing by the Spider Exchange this January 24, anytime from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to help attach magazine leaves or cardboard bark to the tree that is being created for the upcoming play, As You Like It!
The entire set is made of reclaimed materials, and the UR community has been a big help in building set pieces. Come by, hang out, or make a quick pit stop and make your contribution to this sustainable event. Then, make sure you grab your tickets to the play on February 7 or February 8. -
January 28: Let’s Go Stargazing!
January 28, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Gottwald Center for the Sciences, Physics Lounge D114L
Join the Science Belonging Committee and the Department of Physics for an evening of stargazing with the Gottwald Center for the Sciences telescope and hot cocoa. Gather in the Physics Lounge Gottwald D114L by 7 p.m. Rain/cloud date: Thursday, Jan. 30.
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February 11: Green Basketball Game - Mens
February 11, 6:00 - 9:45 p.m. (several shifts available) | Register to Volunteer
Volunteer to support our waste diversion efforts on February 11, as the Spiders take on the Loyola Ramblers! We are competing in the Campus Race to Zero Waste competition, a national challenge between several schools across the country to have the greatest trash diversion. Last year we won first place in the nation at the basketball game thanks to amazing volunteers.
Throughout the game, volunteers will help fans sort concessions waste and any other waste generated into compost and recycling bins. After the game, we will go through the stands and collect and sort any waste left behind.
What we’re able to do depends on how many volunteers help out, so sign up today and invite your friends! -
February 16: Green Basketball Game - Womens
February 16, 2:00 p.m.
Volunteer to support our waste diversion efforts on February 16 with the Spiders Womens Basketball Team! We are competing in the Campus Race to Zero Waste competition, a national challenge between several schools across the country to have the greatest trash diversion.
Throughout the game, volunteers will help fans sort concessions waste and any other waste generated into compost and recycling bins. After the game, we will go through the stands and collect and sort any waste left behind.
What we’re able to do depends on how many volunteers help out, so sign up today and invite your friends! Email rethinkwaste@richmond.edu for more info. -
February 26: Babylon Micro-Farm Demo
Wednesday, February 26, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Demo & Sampling at the UR Micro-Farm in the Business School
Did you know that UR Micro-Farm uses zero pesticides and significantly less water than traditional farming methods?Join the Office for Sustainability interns at the Business School on February 26, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. to learn more about the UR Micro-Farm. This farm is one of the installations from the larger Babylon Micro-Farms business located in downtown Richmond, started by graduates of the University of Virginia. The produce from the UR Micro-Farm now goes to meals served at Lou’s! Swing by to learn more and try some delicious samples from Lou’s. -
February 2 - March 29: Campus Race to Zero Waste
February 2 - March 29
Campus Race to Zero Waste (formerly RecycleMania) is a two month, nationwide recycling competition. During CR2ZW, you’re invited to reduce waste, recycle more, attend events, and volunteer at the Rethink Waste Basketball Games.
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February 28: UR Invasive Species Awareness Event
Invasive Species Awareness Week | March 3 - 7, 2025
- February 28, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
- March 5, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
As you may already know, it takes a village to keep invasive plant species under control! This week is an opportunity to learn more about the invasive species that we are currently battling in the Eco-Corridor and throughout other natural areas across Virginia. Then, we’re going to do something about it!
Join our UR Invasive Species Awareness Event on February 28, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. in the Eco-Corridor. We will start by hearing from some local experts on invasive species management around Richmond. Then, participants will kick off Invasive Species Awareness Week by pulling some invasive plants from the Eco-Corridor!
OR
Join for a community invasive species removal at North Bank Trail in Richmond through the Friends of the James River Park! We will leave UR at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5.
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March 2 - 9: Invasive Species Awareness Week
Invasive Species Awareness Week | March 2 - 9, 2025
- February 28, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
- March 5, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
As you may already know, it takes a village to keep invasive plant species under control! This week is an opportunity to learn more about the invasive species that we are currently battling in the Eco-Corridor and throughout other natural areas across Virginia. Then, we’re going to do something about it!
Join our UR Invasive Species Awareness Event on February 28, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. in the Eco-Corridor. We will start by hearing from some local experts on invasive species management around Richmond. Then, participants will kick off Invasive Species Awareness Week by pulling some invasive plants from the Eco-Corridor!
OR
Join for a community invasive species removal at North Bank Trail in Richmond through the Friends of the James River Park! We will leave UR at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5.
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March 5: Community Invasive Species Awareness Removal at North Bank Trail
Invasive Species Awareness Week | March 3 - 7, 2025
- February 28, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
- March 5, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
As you may already know, it takes a village to keep invasive plant species under control! This week is an opportunity to learn more about the invasive species that we are currently battling in the Eco-Corridor and throughout other natural areas across Virginia. Then, we’re going to do something about it!
Join our UR Invasive Species Awareness Event on February 28, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. in the Eco-Corridor. We will start by hearing from some local experts on invasive species management around Richmond. Then, participants will kick off Invasive Species Awareness Week by pulling some invasive plants from the Eco-Corridor! Register for the event and to volunteer.
OR
Join for a community invasive species removal at North Bank Trail in Richmond through the Friends of the James River Park! We will leave UR at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5. Register here.
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March 18: Career Services - A Slice of Science
March 18, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. | Gottwald Center for the Sciences, Atrium
Tuesday, March 18 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Career Services will host A Slice of Science, a panel discussion for science students exploring career options. Hear from and network with alumni panelists working in fields such as life science, data science, sustainability, and physical sciences.
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March 20: St. Patrick’s Day Potato Planting
March 20, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Abby’s Garden
Join the Office for Sustainability in Abby’s Garden to help us plant some potatoes! Learn more about the garden, our orchard project, and how you can get involved as a student, faculty, and staff.
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April 15: Sustainability Banquet
April 15, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Each year, the Office for Sustainability and leaders of campus sustainability groups host a Sustainability Banquet to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and to recognize University of Richmond community members for their outstanding contributions to sustainability. Food is provided. More information on registration coming soon!Sustainability leaders are nominated by their peers and at the dinner, Sustainability Leadership Awards are presented. -
April 18: A&S Student Symposium
April 18, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Join the School of Arts & Sciences for the A&S Student Symposium, an annual showcase of over 250 student-led research projects from nearly 30 disciplines in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. -
April 24: Outdoor Film Screening
Grab a blanket or lawn chair and join us for an awesome outdoor movie night! We will be screening Wild Robot and cookies will be provided from Insomnia Cookies. What better way to spend a Thursday night?
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April 25: Arbor Day Tree Therapy Walk
Friday, April 25, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Join us for a Forest Therapy Walk through the green spaces on campus. Relax and rewind by surrounding yourselves with beautiful trees and wildlife on campus.
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April 25: E-Waste/Shredding/Composting Event
Friday, April 25 | 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Parking Lot C66On April 25, join Rethink Waste for all your recycling, document shredding, and compost needs!