A few of the 25 volunteers who collected trash along the Rio Grande bordering the campus on April 21. EARTH Coordinator Dr. Jared Beeton is at far left.
"Save the Planet" was the theme of the ninth annual Earth Week celebration at Adams State University. Activities included a river clean-up, tree-planting, bake sale, Save the Planet Festival, talent show, and concert, in addition to two lunchtime lectures. Earth Week events are presented by Adams State’s sustainability group, EARTH (Environmental Action for Resources, Transportation, and Health).
"The purpose of EARTH is two-fold. First is to provide education on sustainability on campus, and the second is to actually do things on campus," said Dr. Jared Beeton, professor of earth sciences and coordinator of EARTH. "Earth Week was great this year. ASU Community Partnerships, and ASU Facilities Services collaborated with us, and we had a lot of participation by students and community members."
Keynote speaker Auden Schendler displays a map indicating areas experiencing the most dramatic temperature increases.
The keynote speaker on April 18 was Auden Schendler, vice president of Aspen Ski Company and author of Getting Green Done. He discussed the realities and challenges of climate change, as well as potential solutions. His appearance was presented by Adams State Community Partnerships, with support from Sodexo, AS&F (student government), and EARTH.
Arnold Valdez describes the SLV Hemp Projects efforts to refine hemp growing procedures.
"The SLV Hemp Project," was the topic addressed April 20 by Adams State alumnus Arnold Valdez. Adams State has been collaborating on the project with Valdez’s Resolana Institute in San Luis, Colo., and Fibershed, a California firm working to develop a regenerative textile system. Two primary hemp products are fiber for clothing, paper and more; and hemp bricks for construction.
Kids from Trinity Lutheran School watch as ASU students plant a new tree near McDaniel Hall.
On Earth Day, April 22, EARTH coordinated planting of two spring snow crabapple trees to replace some of the aged trees that were removed in December. North River Greenhouse discounted the trees, which were contributed to the campus by EARTH and ASU Grounds. Joining the event was the K-1 class from Trinity Lutheran School, as well as Marilyn Loser, Adams State alumna and emeritus professor, who chairs the City of Alamosa Tree Board.
Everyone pitches in to help Grounds Supervisor Kevin Ruybal (on tractor) to complete planting of new trees.
Kevin Ruybal, grounds supervisor, said Adams State is beginning the process required to be designated a Tree Campus USA. Planting trees and developing a tree maintenance plan are part of the requirements. Three more trees will be planted on campus in coming weeks.
