Southern Miss Plans Series of Events in Conjunction with Earth Week

The Office of Sustainability at The University of Southern Mississippi is planning a series of interactive events in conjunction with Earth Week (April 16-22).

The festivities begin on Monday, April 16 with an Eco-Eagle Lecture from noon-1 p.m. in Room B of the R.C. Cool Union Building. Dr. Carol Connell, associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Systems, will present a lecture on food security and access. She will also discuss her latest research regarding food security among children and food availability/access in the Lower Mississippi Delta Region.

“The Earth Week Celebration is primarily focused on bringing further awareness of environmental stewardship and sustainability to our campus populations and the surrounding communities,” said Haley McMinn, manager of sustainability at Southern Miss. “It’s important for people to participate because it creates a higher level of engagement for the participant, the Office of Sustainability, surrounding local and state organizations doing their part, and the communities we all can serve through leadership and forward thought.”

Other activities/events scheduled:

• Earth Fair– Wednesday, April 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Weathersby Lawn and Shoemaker Square. This event will bring together several on-campus and off-campus groups, organizations and companies that have an interest or play a part in sustainability and/or environmental initiatives.

• Workshop: Repurposing Products– Wednesday, April 18, 5:30 p.m. and April 19, 5:30 p.m. At a site on campus to be determined. The workshops will teach attendees how to convert things one would normally throw away into fun, useful and decorative ideas.

• Clean Water Project– Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sponsored by the Office of Community Service Learning. Volunteer service to clean up the Okatoma Creek. For information call 601.266.5074.

• Wild Eagle Challenge– April 20-22, sponsored by Rec Sports Outdoor Adventures. Eight teams will camp out on Pride Field and compete through various mental and physical challenges as they survive to become the ultimate Southern Miss Wild Eagle. For information call 601.266.5405.

For more information about these events or the Office of Sustainability, call 601.266.5687 or visit: http://www.usm.edu/green/