SESE & Environmental Sustainability Earth Day 2026
Celebrate Earth Day with Us!
Join the School of Earth, Society & Environment, the Program on Environmental Sustainability, and other campus partners as we celebrate Earth Day all week long through creativity, learning, and community action.
Title
April 22 - Earth Day on the Quad
11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
The Main Quad (Rain location: NHB Core, 3rd Floor)
Interactive activities include:
- Seed Bomb Making (ISee)
- “What’s in Our Recycling Bin?” activity
- Spin-the-Wheel sustainability trivia
- Make-Your-Own T-Shirt Bag station
- Canning Made Easy demo
- Popcorn & treats
- Musical Instruments of Nature (live & streamed sound experience)
- SESE & ISee information tables
Upcycled-Recycled Art Contest
Show your creativity by transforming materials destined for the recycling bin or landfill into original artwork!
Eligibility: University of Illinois students
Entry Deadline (for contest consideration): April 1, 2026
Ad Hoc Submissions (non-contest): April 15–22
Artwork Requirements:
- Minimum 80% recycled or discarded materials
- Maximum size: 2’ x 2’ x 2’
- No sharp edges or perishables
- Must be secure and labeled
Artwork Drop-Off:
April 6–13, 2026
Natural History Building, Room 3086
Artwork On Display:
Artwork will be on display in the Natural History Building from April 15-22 and on The Quad on April 18 as part of Sustainapalooza, and on Earth Day.
Awards Presented:
Afternoon of April 22 (Time TBA)
Awards will be presented on The Quad (rain location, The Core in NHB).
Title
Join Us For A Powerful Film!
The Way of the Rain: Hope for Earth – A Symphony for Our Planet
2:00–4:00 p.m., April 22
The Core, NHB