Opportunities to Get Involved
About This Page
No matter what role you play at DU — from undergraduate students to tenured professors, graduate assistants to senior administrators — there are ways for you to engage with sustainability at DU. Your ability and desire to create change on campus is how we will all succeed, together.
Earth Week 2024 is coming!
Departments all over the DU Campus have come together to put together a fantastic suite of opportunities during the month of April in celebration of Earth Day. Click the links below to see the full calendar of events, get more details, and register to participate.
Earth Week 2024 | Schedule of Events
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Botanic Gardens Earth Day Celebration Event
Saturday, April 21 at 10:00am-3:00pm
Location: Botanic Gardens
Chatfield Farms
- Wander the gardens and get inspired by the natural world and connect with plants, especially plants of the Rocky Mountain region
- “Travel” around the property to different hands-on activity and learning stations, earning stamps in your Earth Day Passport along the way
- Learn about the research, conservation and restoration projects along Deer Creek
- Discover ways you might make different choices in your yard and neighborhood to benefit our native flora and fauna
- Try some art-making activities for the whole family
- Take a tractor ride through our wetlands and see if you can spot plants native to Colorado
York St. Botanic Gardens
- Wander the gardens and get inspired by the natural world and connect with plants, especially plants of the Rocky Mountain region
- Drop in on free tours every hour with an experienced guide
- Learn more about vermicomposting from worm whizzes
- Join a Science Chat about fruit and seed dispersal in the Science Pyramid and Oak Grove
- Enjoy live music in the Freyer – Newman Center galleries
- Learn more about the importance of our plant library in the Kathryn Kalmbach Herbaria of Vascular Plants
- Try a recycled papermaking art activity with the School of Botanical Art & Illustration
- Join a family-friendly seed planting activity
- Attend a special film screening at 2-4 p.m. in the Freyer – Newman Center Sturm Family Auditorium of "Deep Rising," narrated by Jason Momoa, from the Colorado Environmental Film Festival. Separate ticket required. Admission to the Gardens is included with each film screening ticket.
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GAEYA at DU
Sunday, April 21 at 4:30-6:00pm
Location: Hamilton Hall
Date: Sunday, April 21
Time: 4:30pm-6:00pm
Location: Hamilton Hall at DU
Join us for this kickoff Earth Week celebration concert with special guest artist all the way from Sweden, GAEYA where sustainability meets music! This concert features a student ensemble from the Lamont School of Music as well as music arranged by student composers which highlights ideas of the human-environment interaction, climate change, nature, and sustainability. Come to experience a reconnection with nature and hear how music and arts are vital in the fight for a sustainable world!
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Free Day at the Botanic Gardens
Monday, April 22 at 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: York Street and Chatfield Farms
Date: Monday, April 22
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Denver Botanic Gardens and Chatfield Farms Botanic Gardens
Monday, April 22 is Earth Day and an SCFD free admission day at Denver Botanic Gardens on York Street and Chatfield Farms Botanical Gardens. However, you must register to reserve your free tickets!
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Our Health > Cheap Gasoline
Monday, April 22 at 10:00am-11:30am
Location: Community Commons 1700
Date: Monday, April 22
Time: 10:00am-11:30am
Location: Community Commons, Room 1700 at DU
Join us and learn more about important findings regarding toxic exposure and its everyday impact on the individuals and families who live in the country’s most polluted zip code: 80216. Cultivando, a small nonprofit in Adams County is relentlessly fighting to end the environmental genocide that has led to decades of contamination of air, water and soil, in a predominantly Latino and working-class community. The environmental justice work of these warrior advocates shows us what is possible when the sheer power of the community challenges the resident Goliath – Suncor Oil Refinery. Together with our partners at the University of Denver, we are co-hosting a powerful event at this year’s Earth Day. Don’t miss it!
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Las Promotoras Documentary and Panel
Monday, April 22 at 12:00-2:00pm
Location: Community Commons 1700
Date: Monday, April 22
Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Location: Community Commons, Room 1700 at DU
Film screening of the documentary “Las Promotoras,” which tells the story of the fierce advocates from the community –Indigenous, Latina, migrant women– who work with neighbors to bring about social change. Panel discussion will follow screening. Sponsored by Cultivando and IRISE.
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Pollinator Party: Beeswax Wrap Making Workshop
Monday, April 22 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Location: Sturm 334
Date: Monday, April 22
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Sturm Hall, Room 334 at DU
Join us to learn about pollinators and make beeswax wraps! Beeswax wraps are a sustainable and reuasable alternative to plastic wrap and plastic bags. With this event we hope to share knowledge on how to be more environmentally friendly and take care of pollinators. Sponsored by DU Pollination Association.
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Charge Your Soul, Charge the Planet: Travel in a Sustainable-Friendly Way
Tuesday, April 23 at 1:00-2:00pm
Date: Tuesday, April 23
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm
Location: Cherrington Commons at Korbel School of International Studies.
Have you ever wondered if your hotel... offers vegan breakfast? Has the right EV infrastructure for your car? Treats their employees well? Traveling sustainably is not easy, especially with over 150 sustainability labels existing. Which of them can be trusted? In this workshop Korbel graduate student Lilith Diringer will take us through a look at different ways of traveling and the issue from both sides: as a person who wants to move around the world, no matter if for leisure travel or business purposes, and as an accommodation provider whose daily business is to host travelers. Embark on an interactive travel simulation and learn practical life hacks during this gamified trip. Sponsored by Korbel School of International Studies.
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Earth Week Community Celebration!
Wednesday, April 24 at 3:00-5:00pm
Location: Community Commons 1700 & Rooftop
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Community Commons, Room 1700 & Rooftop
Join us in celebrating our planet by exploring local Colorado businesses and internal DU Partners advocating for environmental sustainability!
There will be free food, drinks, raffle prizes, and of course, plants! Learn what you can do to show some care for our Earth. Open to DU students, staff, and faculty. Sponsored by DU Sustainability Council, C+V, Well@DU and DUSF.
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Capturing Rain: Building Water Catchment Systems
Wednesday, April 24 at 4:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Denver Urban Gardens, Barnum Pavilion Learning Lab
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Time: 4:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Denver Urban Gardens, Barnum Pavilion Learning Lab
Workshop to install permanent rain barrels at the Barnum Orchard space, learning while doing.
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Climate Fresk!
Wednesday, April 24 at 5:30-8:30 pm
Location: Dimond Room 195
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Dimond Room 195
The Climate Fresk is an interactive, engaging, and educational workshop that allows participants to develop a deeper understanding of climate change in a card game-style format that makes the science behind climate change accessible to folks with or without an Environmental Science degree! Certified facilitators will lead the workshop in small groups to promote collaboration and community learning. Sponsored by Divest DU, Paul Sutton and Iris Stanfill. We need 7 volunteers for this event please reach out to Sidney at sidney.barbier@abadiadetortoreos.com for more information.
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Transportation Solutions Event
Thursday, April 25 at 8:00am-11:30am
Location: Community Commons 1700
Date: Thursday, April 25
Time: 8:00am-11:30am
Location: Community Commons, Room 1700 at DU
The Road Ahead: Mile High Mobility through Bus Rapid Transit - pay what you can tickets (as low as $1) - includes breakfast buffet. Good networking opportunity and opportunity to learn about sustainable transportation. Please contact Cassy at cassy.zapotocky@abadiadetortoreos.com or Erica at ehine@transolutions.org for more information.
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Let's Talk Trash: Help Conduct a Waste Audit in Community Commons
Friday, April 26 at 11:00am-2:00pm
Location: Community Commons Loading Dock
Date: Friday, April 26
Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
Location: Community Commons Loading Dock at DU
Collect data on what DU's waste stream looks like in the Dining Hall. Come volunteer or view the waste audit!
Earth Week 2024 | Volunteer Opportunities
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Cherry Creek Trail Clean-up
Saturday, April 20 at 7:30am-10:00am
Location: Cherry Creek Trail
Date: Saturday, April 20
Time: 7:30am-10:00am
Location: Cherry Creek Trail
Meet community members at the Downtown Children's Playground (Rothman Children's Playground) located on the Cherry Creek Trail while beautifying our trail, waterway, playground, and public gardens.
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Sun Valley Kitchen + Community Center Clean-Up
Saturday, April 20 at 1:00pm-4:00pm
Location: Fairview Elementary
Date: Saturday, April 20
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Location: Fairview Elementary
Address: 2715 W 11th Ave, Denver, CO 80204
Meet at the check-in booth located in the Fairview Elementary Parking Lot (parking will be provided). Can choose between garden prep and compost spreading, neighborhood trash pickup, or riverside cleanup.
For any questions or concerns, please contact Nora Ballard at nora.ballard@abadiadetortoreos.com, Phone: 206-773-6121.
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Prairie Park Clean-up
Sunday, April 21at 3:00pm
Location: Prairie Park (Clayton St and Columbine St)
Date: Sunday, April 21
Time: 3:00pm
Location: Prairie Park (Clayton St. and Columbine St.)
Trash pick up in Prairie Park from University to Colorado Boulevard.
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Montbello Central Park Work Day
Monday, April 22 at 8:00am-11:00am
Location: Montebello Central Park
Date: Monday, April 22
Time: 8:00am-11:00am
Location: Montbello Central Park
Volunteers will mulch trees, remove debris in the park, weed garden beds, and rake pine needles away from trees. Your efforts will help ensure that Montebello Central Park remains beautiful and well-maintained. We provide supplies, except gloves, and staff will be on site.
Please report to the registration tent, next to the playground to receive your assignment.
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Highline Canal Clean-Up
Tuesday, April 23 at 12:00pm-2:30pm
Location: James A. Bible Park
Date: Tuesday, April 23
Time: 12:00pm-2:30pm
Location: James A. Bible Park, 6802 E Yale Ave, Denver, CO 80224
Originally built in the 19th century for irrigation purposes, the High Line Canal has been and continues to be instrumental in the development of Denver and its surrounding communities. Today, it does more than transport water. It provides a glimpse into our shared history and the opportunity to take in the beauty of our shared state. This opportunity will allow you to contribute directly to that beauty by performing cleanup along the High Line Canal's recreational pathways
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Pollinators' Flower Planting in Wash Park
Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00am-12:00pm
Location: Mt. Vernon Garden at Wash Park Denver
Date: Wednesday April 24
Time: 7:00am-12:00pm
Location: Mt. Vernon Garden located at Washington Park, near 701 S Franklin St. Parking
Work alongside park horticulturalists and other volunteers to ensure the gardens at Wash Park are well maintained and that the flowers for the pollinators are able to flourish.
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Pollinators' Flower Planting in Wash Park
Thursday, April 25 at 7:00am-12:00pm
Location: Big Garden at Wash Park Denver
Date: Thursday April 25
Time: 7:00am-12:00pm
Location: Big Garden located at Washington Park, near Downing St. and E Ohio Ave.
Work alongside park horticulturalists and other volunteers to ensure the gardens at Wash Park are well maintained and that the flowers for the pollinators are able to flourish.
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Revive the Wash Park Pollinator Beds
Thursday, April 25 at 10:00am-1:30pm
Location: Wash Park Denver
This event will give you the opportunity to work alongside the Wash Park horticulturalists and other members of the Denver community, to perform pollinator bed maintenance. Tasks will include cutting back vegetation from last season and removing weeds. This will help set the gardens up for success this year, so that our pollinators will have great quality habitat to thrive!
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South Platte Park Gardening
Friday, April 26 at 9:00am-1:00pm
Location: South Platte Park in Littleton
Date: Friday, April 26
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Location: South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Dr. Littleton, CO 80120
Weeding, planting flowers and trees.
Parking: Turn left into the parking lot w/ the shop--the shop is the building with the garage door. Contact Nathan for more information at nathan.mcnichols@abadiadetortoreos.com.
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Help Wake Up the Bridge Community Garden
Friday, April 26 at 10:00am-2:00pm
Location: Bridge Community Garden at DU
Date: Friday, April 26
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Location: DU Bridge Community Garden, 2320 S Race St, Denver, CO 80210
Get your hands dirty with this Earth Week! Help the DU Bridge Community Garden with garden tasks such as transferring compostable plant materials to a compost dumpster, spreading leaf mulch, digging out and fixing garden beds, weeding, organizing the tool shed, and more!
Sustainability Council
The Sustainability Council is open to everyone in the DU community and is where the larger goals and strategy for sustainability at DU are discussed. The full council meets one time per quarter, with smaller committees meeting monthly — this is “where the work gets done.” The Council is your opportunity to have your voice heard as we move toward a more just and sustainable campus. Leave a lasting mark on campus by helping to craft policies that will drive decision-making at DU, put together action plans that will form the map we follow toward our goals or write goals for the short or long term.
Get Involved
Center for Regenerative Future
Sustainability Initiatives at DU
Earth Week of DU-ing
The Earth Week of DU-ing seeks to immerse the DU community in the school’s vision of a private University for the public good. Organizing with more than a dozen community partners focused on justice and sustainability in Denver, this event sends students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends out into the wider Denver community to make a tangible and meaningful difference in our city’s vibrant neighborhoods.
Inspired by excellent partnerships with organizations in the wider Denver community, this event focuses on building connections between the DU community and the natural world. Through a planning partnership between the Center for a Regenerative Future, the Center for Community Engagement to promote Scholarship and Learning (CCESL), Advancement, Alumni Engagement, Parent and Family Engagement and the Community + Values Initiative, we work to create a truly One DU event.
Spend your Earth Week connecting with nature, learning new ways to live sustainably, getting to know your fellow DU community members, and working with one of our amazing on-campus or community partners.
Interested in hosting a volunteer project for Earth Day of DU-ing? Interested in bringing your whole staff to volunteer together? Email Julia at Julia.Senecal@abadiadetortoreos.com.
Bridge Community Garden
Located at the corner of Race Street and Iliff Ave, the Bridge Community Garden offers a growing green oasis at the south side of campus. DU community members are able to rent a garden plot for a growing season, which makes it possible for people without space at their own homes to garden and produce their own food. Additionally, the Bridge Garden hosts several public workdays to help maintain the garden beds, shared spaces and compost piles during the fall and spring quarters, which serve as a great opportunity to meet others at DU, get your hands dirty and learn more about what the garden is doing.
Interested in renting a garden plot or volunteering at a future garden workday? Email Julie at julie.morris@abadiadetortoreos.com.
Interested in staying up to date with the awesome plants all over campus? Follow the Bridge Garden on Facebook and Instagram.
Sustainability Fairs
Every quarter, the Center for a Regenerative Future hosts a huge sustainability fair intended to offer an array of opportunities to learn, engage, have fun, eat and take home some great sustainability swag. Fall quarter’s event features a Shop and Swap clothing thrift store and the winter quarter features the annual Local Market, which highlights locally and sustainably produced foods by small companies all over Colorado. Spring quarter focuses on the Earth Day of DU-ing and collecting donations during Move-Out. Beyond these larger events, the Center for a Regenerative Future also hosts a variety of smaller events from Mobility Munchies, garden workdays and many more. Follow the Center for a Regenerative Future on Facebook to get the scoop on all the ways to be involved!
Full Event Calendar