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“SEA — Students for Environmental Action — are the founders of FIU Earth Fest and Earth Week,” says Carrie Kashar, assistant director of FIU’s new Office of University Sustainability. “With the opening of our office, the club reached out to us and other clubs this year to make it a cooperative event. That’s reflected in the calendar of events, which include everything from celebrations to learning opportunities to eco-action projects.”
I.D.E.A.S., Farmer’s Market, SGA, the Yoga Club and the Garden Club, among other organizations, helped plan this year’s Earth Week. Leaders at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus were so inspired they planned FIU Earth Month — four weeks of events. All events are open to everyone unless otherwise indicated (some events have minimum age requirements), and organizers hope to see lots of new faces turn out.
Below is the entire list of events being offered through clubs and organizations at Modesto A. Maidique Campus and Biscayne Bay Campus.
April 1-15: EcoArt Installation
10 a.m.-2 p.m., BBC, flagpole in front of WUC
Monday through Friday for two weeks, join participants in creating an artistic representation of the amount of waste that’s created on BBC.
Sat., April 2: BBC Work Day
9 a.m.-noon, BBC, beach behind the pool (between WUC and the Marine Science Building)
Help clean up trash and invasive species taking over campus mangroves.
Sat., April 2: Seine-sational
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve at Pelican Harbor, 1277 N.E. 79th Street Causeway, Miami
Discover what lives in the bay with biologists from Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves. Collect fish and marine animals using a seine net and other gear. Reservations required; availability is limited. Call 305-795-3485. For more information click here.
Sat., April 2: Miami Riverday
11 a.m.-4 p.m., 250 N.W. North River Drive, Miami
Enjoy the free 15th Annual Miami Riverday Festival, which celebrates the history of the Miami River and features fun-filled, family-oriented activities throughout the day. Enjoy free boat tours along the Miami River, live music and historical re-enactments at Lummus Park.
Sat.-Sun., April 2-3: Backyard Paradise Home & Garden Festival
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest
Featuring plants, garden structures, workshops and lectures, food, children’s garden station, lady bug release, and food demos by “La Diva” Laura Lafata and celebrity executive chef Michael Altman. $5 per person, children 13 years of age and younger get in free. For more information click here.
Sun., April 3: A.D. Barnes Park Bird Walk
7:30-11:30 a.m., 3401 S.W. 72nd Avenue, Miami
Gigi Pardo will lead this bird walk. Enter the park on S.W. 72nd Avenue, just north of Bird Road, turn left at the “T” intersection and park in spaces on either side of the road. For more information click here or call 305-667-7337.
Mon., April 4: Great American Cleanup of FIU
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Women’s Park (next to Engineering Campus)
National nonprofit Keep America Beautiful (KAB) is encouraging people of all ages to rekindle their pride in their communities by volunteering for KAB’s 2011 Great American Cleanup. This year, FIU will revitalize Women’s Park on Flagler Street, next to the FIU Engineering Campus. Shuttle buses will run from MMC to the park in the morning. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt and lunch. If you are interested in helping out, send an email to SEA@fiu.edu.
Mon., April 4: DERM’s Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program
9 a.m.-noon, Camp Matacumbe Pineland Preserve, 13841 S.W. 120 Street, Miami
EEL schedules volunteer workdays to remove non-native plant species, plant native species, and clean up trash in protected ecosystems in Miami-Dade. Educational activities such as a nature hike or bird watching are also typically included. Please pre-register by calling 305-257-0933, ext. 227, or via email at eel@miamidade.gov. For more information click here.
Mon., April 4, 11, 18, 25: Meatless Mondays
BBC
Panther Dining and the School of Environment, Arts and Society (SEAS) present Meatless Mondays throughout the month of April. Find out how delicious eating sustainably can be when Panther Dining offers a meatless Hot Meal Special for $6.29, including a drink. April 4, baked ziti with cheese; April 11, oriental vegetable lo mein; April 18, gourmet veggie lasagna; and April 25, lentil stew over white rice.
Tues., April 5: Office of University Sustainability Launch & Eco-Fair
9-11 a.m., MMC, Panther Lawn
Distinguished faculty and President Rosenberg will unveil the new Office of University Sustainability. A light breakfast and an Eco-Vendor Fair will follow the president’s speech, as well as tours of the newly created office and many fun giveaways. This is going to be a great event and the perfect way to meet and greet the staff that will bring FIU into a much greener and more sustainable future.
Tues., April 5: Make Your Own Recycled Jewelry
10 a.m.-2 p.m., BBC, patio in front of WUC/Panther Square
Participants will learn how to make beautiful and unique jewelry out of recycled magazines.
Wed., April 6: FIU Organic Farmer’s Market and Yoga
Noon-3 p.m., MMC, Green Library Breezeway
The best and easiest way to start going green is to literally go get some greens. The FIU Organic Farmer’s Market is a student-run consortium dedicated to delivering fresh and sustainable produce. Beautiful stands of organic fruits and vegetables are there for the picking. There are also local vendors selling fresh-baked goods, local honey and hand-made soaps. Yoga classes will also be conducted for those looking to heal both body and mind. This casual event is a great way to relax.
Wed., April 6: Biscayne Bay Investigation
11 a.m.-1 p.m., BBC, patio in front of the WUC/Panther Square
The Marine Biology Club will have a series of “touch tanks” so visitors can get an up-close and personal look at some of the bay’s inhabitants.
Wed., April 6: Virginia Key Clean Up and Restoration
9 a.m.-noon, 4201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami
Participate in the restoration of an endangered South Florida habitat. Join BBC staff and City of Miami naturalists in planting Florida native plants. Learn about this beautiful habitat on a guided nature walk. Call 305-648-0000 for reservations. For more information click here.
Thurs., April 7: Nature Preserve Service Day and U.S. Dept. of Energy Green Jobs Lecture
2-5 p.m., MMC, Nature Preserve
The Nature Preserve, located on the southwest side of the Modesto A. Maidique Campus, is one of the most unique and enduring spaces on FIU’s original campus. Now you can help clean and touch up this one-of-a-kind location. At 6 p.m., U.S. Department of Energy Senior Policy and Communication Specialist Scott Minos will be speaking. His presentation will discuss green jobs and cover the latest environmental developments in Washington, D.C.
Thurs., April 7: BBC Garden Group
3:30-5 p.m., BBC, flagpole
Join BBC staff and students as they maintain BBC’s butterfly gardens. Help weed and transplant beautiful plants that attract butterflies. Gloves, shovels and other gardening materials will be provided.
Fri., April 8: Sunset Yoga and “Bike-In” Movie
Sunset (approx. 7:30 p.m.), MMC, Nature Preserve (near the organic garden)
Looking to loosen up a few kinks or relieve some stress from studying for finals? Join the Yoga Club’s yoga class to stretch and relax over-worked muscles. Yoga will be set to the beautiful backdrop of FIU’s Nature Preserve and a golden Florida sunset. After yoga, stay around and watch the movie Carbon Nation around 9 p.m. Bring your bike and blanket, and join everyone for some popcorn and a fun and educational movie.
Fri., April 8: Reusable Bag Giveaway
10 a.m.-2 p.m., BBC, patio in front of Panther Square
Stop by and receive a unique reusable bag and learn how to reduce your waste.
Sat., April 9: Shake A Leg 5K/EcoWalk
9-11 a.m., MMC
A great ending to the week is the Panther EcoWalk/Run 5K. The closed-off course is designed to showcase the nature and beauty of MMC. Come early for prizes and giveaways.
Sat., April 9: DERM’s Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program
9 a.m.-noon, Black Creek Forest Preserve, S.W. 112th Street, south of S.W. 211 Street, Miami
EEL schedules volunteer workdays to remove non-native plant species, plant native species, and clean up trash in protected ecosystems in Miami-Dade. Educational activities such as a nature hike or bird watching are also typically included. Please pre-register by calling 305-257-0933, ext. 227, or via email at eel@miamidade.gov. For more information click here.
Sat., April 9: Butterfly Gardening
Miami-Dade Public Library System, 3443 Segovia Street, Coral Gables
Celebrate Earth Day by learning the basics of creating your own butterly garden. For more information click here or call 305-442-8706.
Sun., April 10: Biscayne National Parks Family Fun Fest – Bioblitz Rewind
1-4 p.m., 9700 S.W. 328 Street, Homestead
Come relive the amazing Bioblitz event and practice observation, identification and mapping skills. Fun, hands-on activities for kids. For more information click here.
Sun., April 10: Pinecrest Earth Day Festival
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest
Pinecrest Gardens (the former site of Parrot Jungle) will host this free event featuring a green farmer’s market, green vendors, workshops, demonstrations and performances. For more information click here.
Mon.-Fri., April 11-15: Recycling Drive
10 a.m.-3 p.m., BBC, patio in front of WUC/Panther Square
Bring old electronics, cell phones, ink cartridges, light bulbs, batteries, shoes and clothes to the patio to properly recycle these items.
Tues., April 12: Marine Invertebrate Identification Class
6-9 p.m., Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve at Pelican Harbor, 1277 N.E. 79th Street Causeway, Miami
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Coral Reef Conservation Program. This course will introduce you to the most common sea sponges, octocorals (soft corals), crustaceans, echinoderms and mollusks that you’re likely to encounter when diving or snorkeling on southeast Florida coral reefs. A test will be administered at the end of class and all participants will receive a resource CD of images from the course. To register send an email to Coral@dep.state.fl.us with the name and date of the class you are interested in. Available to people 13 years of age and older. For more information call 305-795-1222.
Wed., April 13: Marine Invertebrate Identification Class
1-4 p.m., Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve at Pelican Harbor, 1277 N.E. 79th Street Causeway, Miami
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Coral Reef Conservation Program. This course will introduce you to the most common sea sponges, octocorals (soft corals), crustaceans, echinoderms and mollusks that you’re likely to encounter when diving or snorkeling on southeast Florida coral reefs. A test will be administered at the end of class and all participants will receive a resource CD of images from the course. To register send an email to Coral@dep.state.fl.us with the name and date of the class you are interested in. Available to people 13 years of age and older. For more information call 305-795-1222.
Thurs., April 14: Film showing No Impact Man
6 p.m., BBC, H1 (LIB 150)
No Impact Man follows the Manhattan-based Beavan family as they abandon their high consumption 5th Avenue lifestyle and try to live a year while making no net environmental impact.
Fri., April 15: Moonlight Kayak
7 p.m., BBC, beach behind the pool (between WUC and the Marine Science Building)
Enjoy a moonlit excursion under the stars as expert staff guide participants on an excursion into the mangrove trails of Oleta State Park or to the Biscayne Bay sandbar or to the tropical beach known as Sand Spur Island. This excursion caters to more experienced kayakers. FIU students can participate free of charge with a valid Panther ID card. FIU faculty and staff and other guests (people who are not FIU students) may purchase a Day Pass to the BBC Recreation Center for $7. Those individuals must be accompanied by someone who is a student at FIU. For more information, contact BBC Recreation Department at 305-919-5678.
Sat., April 16: Baynanza — Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day
9 a.m.-noon, various locations
Join thousands of volunteers for the largest shoreline cleanup in Miami-Dade County. There are 31 cleanup sites to choose from, so pack a lunch and bring your friends and family for a great day by the bay. Space at each of the cleanup sites is limited so register as soon as possible. For more information call 305-372-6784. Register online by clicking here.
Sat.-Sun., April 16-17: Zoo Miami — Party for the planet
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Zoo Miami, 12400 S.W. 152 Street, Miami
The Tropical Flowering Tree Society will host the world’s largest flowering tree annual plant show and sale. There will be green activities for the entire family as well as animal enrichment. During the event, guests can gain free admission if they turn in a cell phone to the ECO-CELL phone recycling program. Cell phones include coltan, a mineral extracted in the deep forests of Congo in central Africa, home to the world’s endangered lowland gorillas. Fueled by the worldwide cell phone boom, Congo’s out-of-control coltan mining business has in recent years led to a dramatic reduction of animal habitat and the rampant slaughter of great apes for the illegal bush-meat trade. By turning in your cell phone, the need for additional coltan can hopefully be reduced… and you can help protect the gorillas.
For more information click here.
Sun., April 17: Earthfest
11 a.m.-6 p.m., Crandon Park, 400 Crandon Boulevard (Parking Lot #2), Key Biscayne
Fun for the whole family with hands-on nature workshops, organic and vegetarian food, EcoAdventure Tram Tours and nature walks, and a Kids Corner. Families can bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the outdoor concerts, and any electronics and computer equipment for recycling. Parking at Crandon Park is $6.
Sun., April 17: Earth Day Celebration
11 a.m.-4 p.m., Barnacle State Park, 3485 Main Highway, Coconut Grove
The event will feature green businesses and groups and environmental activities for the kids. Bring your own picnic or buy burgers, hot dogs and veggie dogs. Live music by Lenny Batista from noon to 3 pm. No alcohol or pets allowed. Fee is $2 for ages 6 and up, free for children younger than 6 years of age.
Tues., April 19: PADI Project Aware
6-9 p.m., Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve at Pelican Harbor, 1277 N.E. 79th Street Causeway, Miami
This a formal but fun introduction for divers and non-divers alike to the plight of the world’s ecosystems. It is offered to anyone who wants to learn more about, and take responsibility for, marine and freshwater environments. To register email Coral@dep.state.fl.us with the name and date of the class you are interested in (ages 13 and up). For more information call 305.795.1222.
Tues.-Wed., April 19-20: Water Conservation Day
10 a.m.-2 p.m., BBC, patio in front of WUC/Panther Square
Learn how to conserve water inside and outside your home. The Florida Yards & Neighborhood program and Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department will share information about how to reduce water consumption and use Florida-friendly plants for landscaping. Bring in your showerhead and exchange it for a water efficient showerhead.
Wed., April 20: PADI Project Aware
1-4 p.m., Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve at Pelican Harbor, 1277 N.E. 79th Street Causeway, Miami
This a formal but fun introduction for divers and non-divers alike to the plight of the world’s ecosystems. It is offered to anyone who wants to learn more about, and take responsibility for, marine and freshwater environments. To register email Coral@dep.state.fl.us with the name and date of the class you are interested in (ages 13 and up). For more information call 305.795.1222.
Wed., April 20: Composting 101
10 a.m.-2 p.m., BBC, patio in front of WUC/Panther Square
Learn how to create a simple composting bin that can be used in your backyard to dispose of your produce scraps and reduce your contributions to the landfill.
Thurs., April 21: BBC Tree Planting
3:30-5 p.m., BBC, gazebo adjacent to the library
Help add native trees to BBC!
Thurs., April 21: MiaSci Goes Green
7-10 p.m., Miami Science Museum, 3280 S. Miami Avenue, Miami
The Miami Science Museum Young Patrons challenge visitors to an Energy Happy Hour. Join the group for networking an interactive challenges to see who the greenest young professionals in Miami are. The event will also feature acoustic music and sustainable art. $15 fee, ages 21 and older.
Fri., April 22: Celebrate Earth Day
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Miami-Dade Public Library System, 6699 Windmill Gate Road, Miami Lakes
Celebrate Earth Day creating crafts using recycled materials. For more information, click here.
Fri, April 22: Earth Day Celebration
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami
Come help Miami Children’s Museum celebrate Earth Day and learn what it means to be “green”. There will be a conservation game, organic taste testing, recycled art and more. $12 admission fee.
Fri., April 22: Hispanic Earth Day Celebration
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Common Ground for Conservation, 7400 North Kendall Drive, Suite 404-A, Miami
This family-oriented event will teach people of all ages how they can be better stewards of the environment. There will be hands-on and fun-filled activities for children and adults. Hispanic Earth Day celebration also showcases the creative talents of the Hispanic community through culinary, cultural, commercial and educational exhibits. For more information click here or call 786-250-1718.
Fri., April 22: Earth Day at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables
Enjoy free admission to the garden, indulge the little ones in educational activities, eat gourmet food from local food trucks gastroPod and MexZican Gourmet, and learn about local non-profit environmental organizations. For more information click here.
Fri., April 22: DERM’s Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program
9 a.m.-noon, Nixon Smiley Pineland Preserve, S.W. 124th Street and S.W. 127th Avenue, Miami
EEL schedules volunteer workdays to remove non-native plant species, plant native species, and clean up trash in protected ecosystems in Miami-Dade. Educational activities such as a nature hike or bird watching are also typically included. Please pre-register by calling 305-257-0933, ext. 227, or via email at eel@miamidade.gov. For more information click here.
Sat., April 23: MiaSci Great Energy Challenge
2-6 p.m., Miami Science Museum, 3280 S. Miami Avenue, Miami
Want to be the Green Champion? Grab your friends and join the Miami Science Museum’s First Annual MiaSci Great Energy Challenge. Teams will compete in events on exhibits throughout the museum, and winners take home a grand prize! $25 per person, ages 8 and older.
Sun., April 24: Deering Estate Butterfly Walk
12:30 p.m., Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 S.W. 72 Avenue, Miami
Butterflies abound at the Deering Estate at Cutler. Walk with a Deering education and interpretive staff member along historic roads and trails, through sunny pineland, tree-shaded forest, manicured grounds and other habitats. Participants are likely to encounter graceful Giant Swallowtails, lively Ruddy Daggerwings, rare Atalas and more. Free with estate admission. For more information click here.
Sun., April 24: Fern Forest Nature Center
1 p.m., 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek
Join a naturalist-guided tour of the beautiful and serene Fern Forest Nature Center and trails. $3 per person. For more information click here.
Tues., April 26: Movie & a Meal
7 p.m., BBC, WUC 155
Watch Carbon Nation, an optimistic, solutions-based film that shows tackling climate change boosts the economy, increases national and energy security, and promotes health and a clean environment. Participants are asked to bring a favorite dinner dish to share with other moviegoers.
Wed., April 27: Green Your Office
10 a.m.-2 p.m., BBC, patio in front of WUC/Panther Square
Learn how you can “green” your office and become a more sustainable member of BBC. Visitors will be provided with tips and materials to help them start reducing their impact on the environment.
Thurs., April 28: BBC Restoration Tour
10 a.m. & 2 p.m., BBC, meet at the gazebo adjacent to the library
Join BBC staff for a tour of campus and learn about the initiatives FIU is taking to be more sustainable and reduce its impact on the environment. The tour will include visits to the areas where invasive plant species are being removed to prepare for restoration into native wetlands and mangrove forests. The tour will take about one hour.
Friday, April 29: 7th Annual School Fair
10 a.m.-1 p.m., 10205 S.W. 194 Street, Miami
This annual environmental event educates elementary students about Earth literacy and the importance of becoming good stewards of the environment. Live entertainment, storytelling, pledging, eco-friendly gifts and more. Vendors from all environmental sectors will interact with youth to promote their cause and mission. Appropriate for children ages 5-10.
Sat., April 30: BBC Kayak Trip
10 a.m., BBC, beach behind the pool (between WUC and the Marine Science Building)
BCC’s expert staff will teach participants the basics of kayaking and lead them on an excursion into the mangrove trails of Oleta State Park, Biscayne Bay sandbar and the tropical beach known as Sand Spur Island. Registration is at the Campus Recreation Membership Services Desk (WUC 160). No experience necessary and all equipment is provided. FIU students can participate free of charge with a valid Panther ID card. FIU faculty and staff and other guests (people who are not FIU students) may purchase a Day Pass to the BBC Recreation Center for $7. Those individuals must be accompanied by someone who is a student at FIU. For more information, contact BBC Recreation Department at 305-919-5678.
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