A “Rock to Rock” bike ride, an interactive exhibit about the Quinnipiac River, a Sustainable Purchasing Expo, a bird walk, and talks by renowned environmental leaders will be among the highlights of the Celebrate Sustainability program, to be held Saturday-Friday, April 20-26.
The weeklong series of events, sponsored by Yale’s Office of Sustainability, is designed to raise awareness of and spark conversation about the environmental, social and economic priorities, and accomplishments at the University and beyond.
The theme of this year’s program is “Sustainability Leadership.” Throughout the week best practices in sustainability leadership will be highlighted, as well as the people and groups responsible for successful sustainability-related initiatives.
“Yale is known as a global institutional leader in campus sustainability,” says Julie Newman, director of the Yale Office of Sustainablity. “This reputation stems directly from the creativity and initiative of individuals around campus: students, faculty, and staff of all levels and disciplines. We look forward to celebrating the leadership of these individuals and the work they do during this year’s Celebrate Sustainability events.”
Celebrate Sustainability opens on April 20 with the annual “Rock to Rock Ride,” in which bicyclists can travel various routes between West Rock and East Rock in New Haven. Music and food are also part of the program. To participate, register online or on the day of registration at Common Ground High School, 358 Springside Ave.
Other highlights of the week follow. Unless otherwise indicated, they are free and open to the public.
- An interactive exhibition featuring local artist Fritz Horstman’s work, which draws attention to the availability of resources and proximity to the Quinnipiac River. April 22, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Beinecke Plaza, 121 Wall St.
- A Sustainable Purchasing Expo by OfficeMax, Yale’s office-supply vendor. April 22, 9–11:30 a.m. The Anlyan Center (upper lobby), 300 Cedar St. Open to the Yale community.
- A Citizen Science Bird Walk, in which Yale community members learn to survey and record biodiversity on campus. April 23, noon-1 p.m. Meet at Beinecke Plaza.
- “Ginkgo: An Evolutionary and Cultural Biography,” a talk by Peter Crane, Dean of the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Science. April 24, noon-1 p.m. Kroon Hall, Burke Auditorium, 195 Prospect St. Open to the Yale community.
- Going Solar for Your Home, a lunchtime workshop for homeowners on the benefit of installing solar technology. April 24, noon-1 p.m, 55 Whitney Ave. To RSVP, contact Annie Harper.
- “Climate: Mind and Behavior,” a panel on shifting human behavior to lower human’s environmental impact, hosted by Johnathan F. P. Rose, president of Jonathan Rose Companies, LLC. April 24, 2:30–4 p.m. Kroon Hall.
- “The Ethics and Governance of Geoengineering,” a talk by Andrew Light, the director of international climate policy through the Center for American Progress and director of the Center for Global Ethics at George Mason University; sponsored by the Yale Technology and Ethics Research Group. April 24, 4:15–6:15 p.m. Institution for Social and Policy Studies, Rm. B012, 77 Prospect St.
- “Forest Forum Leadership Seminar,” featuring James Hubbard, deputy chief of state and private forestry at the U.S. Forest Service, who will focus on perspectives on landscape restoration, community protection, and managing for forest benefits. April 25, 12-1 p.m., Marsh Rotunda.
