The UNMC Office of Sustainability will hold a variety of educational opportunities and events throughout October for Campus Sustainability Month – and everyone is welcome to participate.
Kelly Johnson, director of engineering in the UNMC Office of Sustainability, is looking forward to strengthening the campus culture of sustainability this October.
“Campus Sustainability Month is a reminder that the small habits we practice — like saving energy or recycling—are part of something much bigger,” Johnson said. “What excites me is how these everyday choices ripple outward, creating a culture of sustainability that grows stronger each year. It’s about caring for our community today while shaping a healthier, more resilient campus for the future.”
- Fall “plog”
Monday, Oct. 6, 5:30 p.m. outside the college of pharmacy
Join the UNMC Healthy Earth Alliance and UNMC Run Club for a fun and active way to keep the campus clean. Participants will jog, walk or run along the Field Club trail while picking up litter. All supplies including vests, gloves and trash grabbers will be provided. No sign up required.
- Campus prairie work party: seed collection and woody plant removal
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 5-6 p.m., UNMC Lot 16 at 39th and Jones streets
Join the LiveGreen Ambassadors for an hour of hands-on prairie management. This event is an opportunity to learn about prairie restoration and seed collection techniques, contribute to a healthier and more diverse prairie on campus and connect with other campus community members and prairie enthusiasts. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Participants can bring gloves or loppers, but extra gloves and tools will be provided.
- Grand rounds with Elizabeth Ryznar, MD: “Shrinkwrapped: How Plastics Harm Brain Health”
Wednesday, Oct. 8, noon-1 p.m., Sorrell Center Room 3001 or virtually
Dr. Ryznar is an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences with Johns Hopkins and is affiliated with the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry. Lunch will be provided to the first 50 in-person attendees. The LiveGreen Ambassadors will be working with the UNMC Department of Psychiatry to make this a zero waste event.
- Tree planting ceremony
Wednesday, Oct. 15, noon-1 p.m., green space east of Durham Research Center
Join the UNMC Healthy Earth Alliance, LiveGreen Ambassadors and UNMC grounds staff to plant a tree. Participants have a chance to name the new tree.
- Volunteer seed collection at Glacier Creek Preserve
Oct. 9 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Oct. 12 from 1-3:30 p.m., Oct. 15 from 1-3:30 p.m.
Volunteer to collect prairie plant seeds and redistribute them throughout other areas of the preserve. Wear long pants, a long sleeve shirt, closed toed shoes and a hat; work supplies provided. Email Allison Anderson with any questions. RSVP to this email address or call 402-554-6300.
Can’t join in the events? Take action this October by:
- Signing up to be a LiveGreen Ambassador.
- Signing up (for students) for the UNMC Healthy Earth Alliance.
- Commuting with the TravelSmart program.
- Reviewing the med center’s sustainability goals.