This October, Lees-McRae joins colleges and universities around the world in celebrating and advocating for sustainability practices.

Campus Sustainability Month is sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), a group that empowers faculty, students, and staff to drive change at their institutions. The goal of AASHE is to inspire higher education to lead the way in creating a more sustainable world. At Lees-McRae, Campus Sustainability Month ties into a long history of conserving and stewarding the local environment.

“We have a deep-rooted past of sustainability and resiliency at Lees-McRae,” said Katie Wall, the program coordinator for Outdoor Recreation Management. “This is part of what makes us distinctive. I'm thrilled that we are continuing our commitment to sustainability at Lees-McRae and learning about ways we can improve and grow.”

The celebration starts on Friday, Oct. 1 with the Project Green Challenge kickoff. From 11 a.m.–1 p.m., interested students, faculty, and staff can visit the information table in Swank Park to register for the challenge. Registered participants will receive an email every day with a specific challenge to complete. At the end of the month, the 16 participants from across the county who have earned the most points will be invited to a four-day eco-summit in San Francisco.

Groups from around campus, including Green Team, W.O.K.E, C.R.A.N.K Crew, Counseling Services, and the Office of Student Affairs, will be hosting activities all month long on topics like alternative transportation; bicycle safety; diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable shopping and cooking; and environmental appreciation. Wednesday, Oct. 13, is also the fall Mountain Day of Service, where the entire campus partners with local organizations to complete service projects.

Participating in Campus Sustainability Month is one more way the college can give back to the community and fulfill its motto of In the Mountains, Of the Mountains, For the Mountains.

Learn more about sustainability at Lees-McRae

Campus Sustainability Month Schedule

For more information about each event, visit The Den.

Friday, Oct. 1

Kick-off to Project Green Challenge and Sustainability Month Info Table
11 a.m.—1 p.m.
Swank Park

Saturday, Oct. 2

Watauga County Farmers' Market
9 a.m.–noon
Boone Shuttle Departs from Cannon Student Center

Monday, Oct. 4

National Voter Education Week Kick-off and Info Table
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
The Summit

Maintenance Monday: Commuter Basics
2:30–4:30 p.m.
Swank Park

Wednesday, Oct. 6

W.O.K.E.* Workshop Wednesday
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Swank Park
*(Wearing Our Kulture Eminently)

Thursday, Oct. 7

SafeZone Training
6:30–8 p.m.
Shelton Learning Commons Room 120

Mini Pumpkin Painting
4–6 p.m.
Swank Park

First Thursday Faculty Slow Roll
5 p.m.
Leave from Swank Park

Tuesday, Oct. 12

Wily's Wild Alleycat Race
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Leave from Swank Park

Wednesday, Oct. 13

Mountain Day of Service
8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Meet on Nebel Green

Outdoor Yoga
4–5 p.m.
Community Garden

Mountain Day Celebration
5–9 p.m.
Swank Park and Nebel Green

Thursday, Oct. 14

Campus Litter Pick-up
4–5 p.m.
Community Garden

Saturday, Oct. 16

World Food Day and Recipe Sharing
1–2 p.m.
Community Garden

Wednesday, Oct. 20

W.O.K.E. Workshop Wednesday
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Swank Park

Is Diversity "Green"?: The Inextricable Link between DEI and Environmental Sustainability with Vice President for Student Affairs Melanie Hulbert
2–3 p.m.
Outdoor Classroom (above Nebel Green)

Thursday, Oct. 21

Campus Flora & Fauna Identification Walk
Noon–1 p.m.
Meet outside Rock House

Monday, Oct. 25

Maintenance Monday: Gears and Drivetrain Basics
2:30–4:30 p.m.
Swank Park

Wednesday, Oct. 27

W.O.K.E. Workshop Wednesday
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Swank Park

Saturday, Oct. 30

Getting Creepy on the Creeper: Beginning Biking Trip
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Virginia Creeper Trail