Five Ways Knox Students Celebrated Earth Month

April is recognized as Earth Month—a time to celebrate our planet and raise awareness about environmental protection. Throughout this month, Knox students, staff, and student organizations scheduled a variety of events and activities aimed at educating the community on the importance of safeguarding our environment. 

“We offered a variety of events for people to engage,” said Tina Hope, director of sustainability and Knox Farm. “The events went well, largely due to an amazing group of sustainability and resiliency leaders and many great volunteers, who planned and collaborated on events that invited participation in these compelling topics in fun ways. The events were enjoyable and educational; during the community clean-up, students divided into teams and examined all the waste we put in the landfill that could be recycled or composted. It helps us revisit these crucial topics.” 

Here are five of the many events that took place during April: 

1. Earth Day Festival

The month's highlight was the Earth Day Festival, held on Saturday, April 26, on the Gizmo Patio. 

Sponsored by Students for Sustainability, the event featured live music, activities, project displays from student orgs, arts and crafts, and more. The festival also celebrated Knox College’s commitment to becoming a more sustainable campus. 

2. Community Cleanup

On Sunday, April 13, Students for Sustainability, along with members of Prairie Fire athletics, fraternities, and sororities, participated in a community cleanup effort. 

Together, the groups collected over 70 pounds of landfill waste, recyclables, and organic material from around town that were separated and disposed of responsibly.

3. Environmental Career Panel

On Wednesday, April 23, the Ferris Lounge hosted the Alumni Environmental and Sustainable Career Panel. Sponsored by Students for Sustainability, the Center for Career Success, and the Office of Advancement, the event welcomed back three Knox alumni working in environmental and sustainability fields. 

“The panelists shared their stories and experiences… and offered possible pathways that can be explored from what they had learned during their time at Knox. It is so fun to welcome back the alumni as they shared their experiences and demonstrated how they continue to carry the values that were embodied at Knox into their lives,” Hope explained. “The event was a fun way to connect current students and keep alumni engaged with Knox.” 

4. Plant a Tree

On Friday, April 25, students had the opportunity to plant a tree at the Knox Farm. This event, hosted by the Office of Sustainability and the farm crew, allowed students to create a new perennial fruit tree and herbal guild at the farm. 

Participants planted a peach tree and elderberry shrubs, in addition to propagating medicinal plants throughout the grounds. 

“We discussed cultivating resilience and living in a more biodiverse community. We aim to cultivate community while also becoming more self-reliant,” Hope stated. “By learning what we can regenerate here without purchasing or relying on other sources, we can appreciate local resources and work with them. There are so many ways we can share this work and engage in enjoyable activities. It’s important to keep it fun; the effort itself can be enjoyable when done together. It’s not just about the work but creating shared experiences.” 

5. Yoga Under the Stars

Students for Sustainability, the Knox Outdoor Adventure Club, the Knox Physics Club, and the Knox physics department collaborated to host "Night Under the Stars," which featured sunset yoga. Although stargazing was originally planned, it was postponed due to cloudy skies, and is now rescheduled for May 9 at 8:30 p.m. 

“We’re always looking for different ways to engage various groups,” Hope said. “With rooftop yoga and the community clean-up, we had more involvement from athletics and many other clubs, and we received strong participation. During our Dare to Care initiative, we aimed to collaborate so that we achieve their goals and find we share similar objectives. It’s about finding ways we can support each other while also taking care of the Earth.” 

For more information on Knox’s efforts to maintain a sustainable and clean campus, refer to the Office of Sustainability website.