4/16-4/22:
- BioBlitz event for UMN Biodiversity
- Use iNaturalist app during Earth Week to collect current biodiversity observations on Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses! Participate to win up to $100 in gift-card prizes. Help UMN improve its protection and promotion of campus biodiversity!
- EcoAppeal Week
- At UMN, our commitment to the environment runs deep. This Earth Week, join the U of M Foundation as they celebrate research and programs that are protecting large and small lakes, transforming how plastics are made, unmade, and remade, and teaching the next generation how to be environmental stewards through storytelling. Don’t underestimate your power to make a difference for our planet. Take action however you can. Pick up litter in your neighborhood, plant a pollinator garden, reduce your consumption of plastic, or support our faculty and students as they shape environmental solutions of tomorrow.
- BioBlitz event for UMN Biodiversity
4/17-21:
- Minnesota Transform Showcase
- A weeklong showcase of MNT projects and partnerships
- 4/17: MNT Showcase Gallery
- 4/18: GRUDGE Report
- 4/19: Indigenous Initiatives and the Department of American Indian Studies
- 4/20: Oral Histories for Racial and Indigenous Justice
- 4/21: MNT Community Celebration
- 2023 IEM Innovation Week
- IEM Innovation Week highlights events that focus on advances and new directions in medical engineering.
- 4/17: 5.10k Fun Run and Road Race
- 4/17-19: Design of Medical Devices
- 4/19: IEM Career Mixer
- Minnesota Transform Showcase
4/21:
- USG Annual Spring Clothing Swap
- 11:00am-3:00pm outside Coffman Memorial Union at the Front Plaza
- Join the Undergraduate Student Government for a clothing Drop & Swap for a chance to donate and exchange your clothes.
- Community Environmental Justice Expo with IonE & Undergrad Leaders Program
- 12:00-3:00pm in the Mondale Commons in the Humphrey School
- The intent of this event is to connect university students with community members and organizations within the greater Twin Cities area focused on environmental justice and climate action
- The Center for Climate Literacy's 2nd Annual Earth Day Fest
- 3:30-4:30pm online via Zoom
- Join the Center for Climate Literacy in celebrating our planet, our work, and all the folks striving to make a difference
- USG Annual Spring Clothing Swap
4/22:
- Earth Day 5k Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup
- 9:00am-12:00pm at Boom Island Park
- The only National Park offering scenic views of the Mississippi River! Bee with the Great River Coalition for their 8th Annual event.
- Earth Day Cleanup with Minneapolis Parks
- 9:30am-12:00pm
- This year’s cleanup takes place throughout the City of Minneapolis and is a collaboration between the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and City of Minneapolis Solid Waste and Recycling.
- BBE Department Open House
- 10:00am-12:00pm at BioAgEng Building
- What is Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering? We would like to show you! Attend the Open House.
- Design Forward Service Project: Hamline Midway Elders Yard Clean up
- 10:00am at Hamline Midway Elders Center
- This semester we will be working with the Hamline Midway Elders group, helping older community members with yard clean up in the Hamline Midway neighborhood area.
- The Great Minnsect Show
- 10:00-3:00pm at the Cargill Building
- Looking for a free family event? Come see the fascinating world of insects and their relatives at the Great Minnsect Show.
- ESA Earth Day Event
- 12:00-4:00pm in Northrop Plaza
- The Environmental Student Association will be meeting outdoors in the Northrop Plaza making seed bombs, playing yard games, and talking about how to support local biodiversity. Come anytime between 12:00 and 4:00 PM!
- Environmental Justice Tour with Medical Students for a Sustainable Future
- 1:00-4:00pm, the Tour will start and end at 1030 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis 55411.
- A 7-stop bus tour highlighting important areas of environmental justice in North Minneapolis. Limited space so RSVP in advance!
- Earth Day 5k Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup
4/23-25: 7th Bi-Annual Nibi miinawaa Manoomin Symposium
4/25: Wellbeing Series- More Than a Body, Building Your Body Image Resilience
- 12:00pm online via Zoom
- In this visual presentation, Drs. Lexie and Lindsay Kite will walk the audience through the life-changing pathway to body image resilience
4/26: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Showcase- OSTEM/CSE
- 3:30pm at the McNamara Alumni Center- by invitation only
4/28: "Advancing Climate Solutions. Now"
- Ecosystem and Planetary Health Cohort
- 9:00-9:45am at the Humphrey School
- Join the Ecosystem & Planetary Health Cohort and learn about the five lenses of planetary health.
- Renewable Energy Cohort
- 9:45-10:30am at the Humphrey School
- Join the Renewable Energy Cohort and learn about "Powering Up: The Interplay of Policy, Economics, and Research in Renewable Energy Implementation."
- Ecosystem and Planetary Health Cohort
4/30: Campus Cleanup Crew event with ESA
- 12:00pm meet at the Knoll (in front of Peik Hall)
- The Campus Cleanup Crew student group is co-hosting a Mississippi River cleanup with the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Student Association. We will start cleaning right away - bags and gear will be provided. We will meet back at the park at around 1:15-1:30pm for lunch and to hear more about the U's Stormwater program!
Ongoing:
- College of Design Exhibition - Biophilia and Wellbeing and Design
- Incorporating natural elements in design and the built environment
- SWAC Wednesday seminars
- 3:30pm at the Soil Science Building and online via Zoom
- International soils, water, and climate perspectives.
- Free Meals on Thursdays- Nutritious U Food Pantry
- 3:00pm at Coffman Memorial Union
- Discounted grocery items sold from a mobile grocery store. Mobile Market is a program of The Food Group, hosted at UMN Twin Cities campus by USG.
- Queer Ecology Hanky Project exhibition
- The Queer Ecology Hanky Project (QEHP) is an ongoing traveling exhibition with over one hundred and twenty artists from across North America—organized by V Adams and Mary Tremonte.
- Health Equity Seminar Series
- 12:00pm online via Zoom
- Join the Medical School Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as they review the state of health equity research across Minnesota and discuss what C2DREAM and partners are doing to advance the field of health equity.
- College of Design Exhibition - Biophilia and Wellbeing and Design
Join and on July 15 from 9-10 a.m. at for the groundbreaking of the first of seven new solar installations planned for the Twin Cities campus. It's an exciting milestone as we continue expanding renewable energy and advancing our Climate Action Plan.
By Sunhari Jacob, Student Engagement Strategy Assistant
The 2026 Campus Conservation Challenge engaged more than 220 students in reducing residence hall energy use, resulting in measurable savings and increased sustainability engagement. The challenge demonstrated how collective action can create meaningful environmental impact on campus.
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has received a STARS® Gold rating! The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS®) Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) recognizes the long-term sustainability goals and performances for all higher education. Read the extended summary.
Check out an EV from HOURCAR and an electric Chevrolet Equinox from Fleet, and test ride bikes from Lime and scooters from Spin. Ice cream from the University Meat and Dairy Salesroom available while supplies last! Wed. May 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lilly Plaza.
Join the University of Minnesota Twin Cities for Bike to Work Day on Tuesday, May 12 from 8 to 10 a.m. and show your support for sustainable commuting! Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the ride, connect with fellow bikers and get rewarded for your pedal power. Stop by these two campus locations for FREE treats, giveaways and services:
- University Bike Center at Oak Street Ramp
- Pleasant Street SE at University Avenue
Upcoming Coffee Chat: Student Project Spotlight
Monday, May 4, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Our Sustainability student staff have been busy this semester! Join us to hear everything about student sustainability work happening at the Twin Cities and University Sustainability offices.
Speakers:
- Diya Shah - Graduate Student & Data Analyst Intern, University Sustainability
- Ella Chilson - Student Sustainability Assistant, University Sustainability
- Giselle Muñoz-Semple - Student Sustainability Assistant, University Sustainability
- Cole Becker - Student Sustainability Assistant, University Sustainability
- Yvonne Mongare - Undergraduate Student & Climate Resilience Public Health Task Force Coordinator, Focus on Vulnerable Communities, Office of Sustainability at Twin Cities
Recording coming soon
As Northrop approaches its centennial in 2029, the University of Minnesota landmark has reached a major milestone: one of the University’s most iconic and historic buildings is now Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) v4.1 Operations + Maintenance (O+M) Gold certified.
Northrop is the first University of Minnesota facility to achieve LEED Gold under this rigorous standard for existing buildings. The certification reflects Northrop’s commitment to honor its historic legacy while building for the future, demonstrating that sustainability is not limited to new construction. Historic buildings can also evolve, improve and lead. Read more about Northrop’s LEED Gold certification and what it means
Today, on World Health Day, University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham signed the Okanagan Charter, making the University a designated Health Promoting Campus.
The signing ceremony took place during the University’s Climate Resilience Teach-In, heralding the organization’s commitment to prioritizing health and sustainability. Read more about the University's commitment to the Okanagan Charter
Explore the future of sustainable transportation at the Fleet EV Test Drive and Car Show! Stop by Maroon Lot to check out electric vehicles available through University Fleet Services, learn more about EV options for departments that purchase or rent fleet vehicles. Wednesday, April 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Maroon Lot, north side of Huntington Bank Stadium
April is Earth Month! Check out our frequently updated list of events to get involved. Check it out.
Have an event to share? Email us.