Annual Earth Day celebration returns
Article By: Agnes Hina
The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Department of Biology and co-sponsors Students for Environmental Awareness (SEA), the Office of Student Involvement and Lanier Federal Credit Union (LFCU) are hosting the annual Earth Day celebration on April 17 at UNG's Gainesville Campus.
For over eight years, UNG has held an Earth Day event, with last year's celebration featuring more than 500 students, faculty and staff to spread awareness and learn about important environmental and health issues impacting the north Georgia region.
"Earth Day is important to help increase the understanding of the challenges that our human life support systems face locally and globally so we can be better stewards of our world and each other," Dr. Natalie Hyslop, a biology professor, said.
Starting at 11 a.m. and lasting until 1 p.m., the event will take place in the Outdoor Quad and Volleyball Court Area. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to join as the event is offering free vegan lunches, crafts, tree climbing, and a live animal exhibit.
In addition to the main sponsors, the following UNG organizations will also be in attendance:
- UNG Outdoor Pursuits
- UNG Gainesville Honors
- UNG Department of Visual Arts
- Herpetology Research Group
- Geospatial Alliance Club
- Tri-Beta (Biology honors society)
Community partners presenting at the event this year include:
- Elachee Nature Science Center
- Georgia ForestWatch
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources — Wildlife Conservation
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Keep Hall Beautiful
- Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
- Citizens Climate Lobby
- Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials
- Monarchs Across Georgia
- Georgia Arborist Association
SEA club treasurer and UNG junior Jiselle Gonzalez, who is pursuing a degree in biology, is helping at Earth Day for the first time. An Oakwood, Georgia resident, Gonzalez is eager about the opportunity.
"I'm excited for the UNG community to connect during this amazing event highlighting the importance of environmental protection. It's a fun and educational day outdoors for us all to enjoy," said Gonzalez.
Event encourages girls to enter STEM careers
Dr. Betsy Grunch served as the keynote speaker for the American Heart Association's second annual Northeast Georgia STEM Goes Red event for high school girls.