Earth Month Opportunities
Featured Event
UM-Dearborn's Sustainability Fest
Celebrate Earth Month at UM-Dearborn's 3rd Annual Sustainability Fest between 1 and 3:30pm on Thursday, April 10 in the James C. Renick University Center - Kochoff Hall C! This year, we have a whole bunch of activities and perks to offer attendees who join us, including a mending station run by Detroit Repair Cafe, a book swap hosted by the Student Sustainability Coalition, a panel on environmental health and advocacy, and, of course, the opportunity to connect with many different local sustainability-focused orgs who will be tabling!
Join us at 2pm in room 1227 in the RUC to join a discussion about environmental health and community-centered action. Panelists will share their personal organizing experiences, inform the audience about prominent environmental health and justice issues we must grapple with, and share upcoming opportunities for involvement.
Panelists include:
- CASL Sustainability Fellow Leah Williams from the Environmental Interpretive Center
- Maricela Gutierrez from Industrious Labs
- Kathryn Savoie from Clear the Air Coalition
- Victor Jimenez from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Moderated by Dr. Natalie Sampson
Contact pba-dearborn@umich.edu if you have questions.
Local Off Campus Events
A great way to work toward a friendlier and safer home for birds is to roll up your sleeves, put on your work boots, and help us out at one of our Detroit Bird City meadows. Together we will clear trash, invasives, and clean up the sidewalks so others can more easily enjoy these beautiful green spaces (and watch the birds!).
2025 Detroit Bird City April Volunteering Events
- Sun, April 6th from 2pm-4pm
- Sat, April 19th from 10am-12pm
Hosts: Detroit Bird City, City of Detroit, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Detroit Bird Alliance
Get inspired and give back to the planet at Greenfest!
This free, family-friendly event is packed with exciting eco-friendly activities, outdoor adventures and opportunities to protect our planet. Dive into participatory science initiatives that help protect our waterways and connect with local conservation experts through engaging demonstrations that showcase the power of sustainability. Don’t miss this chance to go green!
Visit the Greenfest Events webpage
Hosts: Belle Isle Nature Center, Detroit Zoo, Detroit Zoological Society
Interested in learning about rain gardens? This workshop is for you! Come learn about rain gardens and how you can build one in your yard! This one-hour introductory workshop is free and open to the public - everyone is welcome.
Rain gardens reduce neighborhood flooding and basement backups, while adding beauty to your yard. Learn how you can protect your home and your Rouge River with a rain garden. There are four opportunities to attend:
- Thurs, April 3, 6-7pm at Southfield Public Library
- Sat, April 5, 11-12pm at Redford Twp. Public Library
- Sat, April 26, 10-11am at Plymouth Twp. Hall
- Sat, May 3, 2-3pm at Dearborn Performing Arts Center
Learn More and Register Today!
Host: Friends of the Rouge River
The Greening of Detroit is planting trees in Detroit all month long. Visit the Greening of Detroit's Event Calender to see what volunteering events work with your schedule.
Keep Growing Detroit (KGD) has awarded fruit trees and berries to 8 different community and market gardens through its 2025 Little Orchard Project.
KGD is looking for volunteers who can lend a hand with planting at awardee sites. This is a great opportunity for volunteers who want to learn more about perennial fruit installation and care while getting to know community gardens in their area. Tools and gloves provided.
Photo Gallery of Past Events
Become a Planet Blue Ambassador!
The Planet Blue Ambassador Program is your entry point to sustainability at UM-Dearborn. The program is designed to cultivate community that is rooted in wellness, environmental justice, activism, and environmental stewardship. To be a Planet Blue Ambassador (PBA) is to be a leader in working toward sustainability at UM-Dearborn and beyond. All faculty, staff, students, and alumni are welcome to join! Complete the self-paced training to become a certified Planet Blue Ambassador, or sign up for a live group training.