Earth Week kicks off April 20 with weeklong celebration on and around WWU
Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22, with celebrations all week long. From work parties to walking tours, there will be a variety of events on or around Western Washington University. All are welcome and are encouraged to attend. Earth Week events are subject to change at the discretion of the host groups. To learn more about individual events, visit the Sustainability Engagement Institute's Earth Day 2026 website.
Mark your calendars and get ready for a week-long celebration of the planet we all call home.
Monday, April 20
Earth Week Fair
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Red Square
Kick off Earth Week with the annual Earth Week Fair with 21 campus and community partners. Pick up some swag, play games, and learn about some of the groups pushing for sustainability in our community.
More info about the Earth Week Fair here.
Fast and Free Transit Teach In
6:30-7:30 p.m. in Miller Hall 131
Learn how you can make our transit system fast, frequent and accessible for all. Hosted by Students for Climate Action, Students for Renewable Energy, YDSA
Wednesday, April 22
Carbon Grand Challenge
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room (MPR)
Teams of WWU students will compete for the best decarbonization proposal to a panel of judges (Bellingham civic leaders, industry experts, and business leaders). Cash prizes for first- and second-place teams and free food. Hosted by the Institute for Energy Studies.
More info about the Carbon Grand Challenge here.
Skagit Land Trust Earth Day Work Party
1-4 p.m. at Utopia Conservation Area in Sedro-Woolley
Celebrate Earth Day with Skagit Land Trust at Utopia Conservation Area in Sedro-Woolley. Volunteers and staff will work together to remove invasive species from previous years' plantings and along walking paths. Please stay after for a walk to the wild and scenic Skagit River. Hosted by Skagit Land Trust.
Sign up for the work party here. Signups close at 5pm the day before the event.
Campus Sustainability Walking Tour
2 p.m. Meet at the PAC Plaza.
Looking for new WWU factoids to keep in your back pocket? Learn about ways our campus is saying "We see you and we hear you" to Mother [Nature] from the grounds crew to student-led initiatives. Be prepared for a ~1-mile walk through campus, rain or shine! This tour will be fully physically accessible. Hosted by the Sustainability Engagement Institute.
Thursday, April 23
You Can Grow a Garden!
4-6 p.m. at City Sprouts Farm
Join your friends at City Sprouts Farm and the Birchwood Food Desert Fighters for an introductory gardening event designed to help you get growing — no experience needed! Hosted by City Sprouts Farm and Birchwood Food Desert Fighters.
Sign up for the gardening workshop here.
The Great Earth Week Thrift Swap
4-6 p.m., at Alma Clark Glass Hall
Bring one or two items such as clothing, books, or plants (please nothing larger) to swap with other students or just stop by and peruse what others have brought. Hosted by University Residence, Zero Waste Western, Waste Operations and the Sustainability Engagement Institute.
Fourth Annual SRE Forest Bath
4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Meet in Red Square
Join a relaxing walk in the Sehome Arboretum with forest meditation and time for reflection. Forest baths are a proven method for stress reduction and are a great way to celebrate Earth Week. Optionally, feel welcome to bring a blanket, jacket, or anything else that will make this experience more comfortable for you. Please expect to go on a short uphill walk up to the Watchtower in the Arboretum. Wear trail appropriate shoes. This event will happen rain or shine. Hosted by Students for Renewable Energy.
Learning from the Land
3-5 p.m. in VU 735
Service project by Jennifer of the Lummi Nation to make teabags out of local plants for the nation’s elder and personal self-care product creation out of essential oils. Hosted by Community Service Center.
Friday, April 24
On Campus Restoration Work Party
3-5 p.m. Meet in Red Square
Removing invasive plants and enhancing a forest island on WWU's south campus. Expect to do hands-on work, getting slightly dirty. Tools, gloves, instructions, and snacks will be provided. This is a great place to meet new people who care about sustaining our planet for future generations. Hosted by the Ecological Restoration Club.