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From landscaping and grounds to transportation, recycling, buildings and energy, Millersville University is involved in sustainability issues. Millersville’s Sustainability Committee, led by Dr. Nadine Garner, meets frequently throughout the academic year to plan events and activities and to identify opportunities to advance campus sustainability. With Earth Day on April 22, we recently asked Garner a few questions.
Tell us about Earth Day events at the ‘Ville –
- River Cleanup on April 23 – Dr. Justin Mando is a member of the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and is helping to organize a river cleanup on April 23. The Student Sustainability Club is planning to attend the event, and the community is invited to participate by signing up at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-birthday-clean-up-tickets-266812382017?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
- New Pollinator Garden on April 19 – Dr. Nadine Garner and Dr. Kathy Schreiber are collaborating on the creation of a new pollinator garden on campus. The group began work on April 19 to transform an empty space where a building was demolished into a thriving garden for pollinators and wildlife. The location is on Ann St. across from the bookstore, next to the Community Garden.
- Sustainability Olympics – The Student Government Association is holding a month-long series of events in April around sustainability.
Tell us about sustainability initiatives at Millersville –
The Sustainability Club (co-advised by Dr. Kaitlin Mondello and Dr. Nadine Garner) has relaunched itself this year after its dormancy during COVID. Students can join on the Get Involved page. The Sustainability Club is an energetic group of students who have been planning events this semester. They can also be found on Instagram @mu.sustainability
There are two permanent installations on campus of sustainability initiatives that people can visit anytime. Across the street from the bookstore, on Ann St., are the Rain Garden and the Community Garden. Both gardens have colorful, informational signage that describes what makes each feature sustainable. One of the goals of the installations are to inspire visitors to consider creating these features in their homes and communities.
Is there anything else you would like to add about Earth Day?
Every day is Earth Day. There is devastating damage globally that causes climate change or is the result of climate change. People may feel defeated by the enormity of the situation and wonder if the small personal actions that they take will make a difference. The answer is that every positive action contributes to regenerating the health of the planet.
The Sustainability Committee is a university-wide committee that collaborates to educate people about sustainability and engage the community in hands-on projects that can instill hope in the power of each person to contribute to an Earth that is a healthier place for us and future generations to inhabit.
