Earth Month

Each year, in the weeks leading up to Earth Day (April 22) CEJS, in partnership with various Seattle University departments and student groups, encourages action and participation in initiatives that focus on the collective imperative for environmental justice, sustainable development, and climate solutions. Join us for the many events and initiatives organized during Earth Month 2026 at Seattle University.

More events will be added over the coming weeks. Check back regularly for updates.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY WITH COMMUNITY PARTNER: Collect Data on Bird Collisions at Seattle University

When: Multiple days throughout April and May
Where: Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation
Description: Be a volunteer community scientist with the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring Project (SBCMP) which conduct surveys for dead and injured birds along routes in Capitol Hill and Downtown Seattle, including at Seattle University campus. As a community scientist, you will play a key role in identifying the ‘where’ and ‘when’ of bird-window strikes to provide critical evidence needed to make cities safer for birds. April 1 is a virtual volunteer orientation, April 4 is an onsite training, and monitoring shifts are once a week from April 15-May 29. Register to volunteer.
This event is hosted by Birds Connect Seattle.

Potted Spikes - Hosted by Residence Hall Association (RHA)

When: Tuesday, April 7th, 2026, 4:30-6pm
Where: TBD
Description: Take a break and get creative with RHA! Come decorate a pot, plant your own cactus, and take it home as a fun addition to your room. All supplies are provided; just bring yourself!
This event is hosted by Residence Hall Association (RHA).

Pets & Petals - Hosted by SEAC

When: Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, 1pm-3pm
Where: Library Plaza
Description: To welcome the Spring Quarter and celebrate Earth Day, SEAC is hosting Pets & Petals! There will be native flower bouquet making, seed paper making, free matcha, and more.
This event is hosted by SEAC.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY WITH UNIVERSITY MINISTRY AND CEJS: Westcrest Park Restoration Day

When: Saturday, April 11th, 2026, 10am-1pm
Where: Westcrest Park, meet at Seattle University
Description: Students, staff, and faculty are invited to participate in a celebration of Earth Day by taking care of a section of the West Duwamish Greenbelt led by Dirt Corps. We'll be learning about some of the early spring plants in this unique forest ecosystem in Westcrest Park. We'll then be caring for the restoration area by applying mulch around the native plants and trees and removing weeds. University Ministry and the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability will provide vans from SU to the park, snacks, and lead an eco-examen at the end of the event. Registration details coming soon.
This event is hosted by University Ministry and the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability (CEJS).

Clothing Drive - Hosted by Environmental Law Society (ELS)

When: April 13th-17th, 2026
Where: Sullivan Hall Court Level
Description: More details coming soon.

The New Progressives: A Conversation with Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay - Hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences

When: Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, 4-5pm
Where: Pigott Auditorium
Description: Seattle University’s College of Arts and Sciences presents the Spring 2026 Conversations program with King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson. Zahilay and Wilson have been in office only a few months. This conversation, sponsored by the SU Department of Public Affairs and Nonprofit Leadership, presents a unique opportunity to hear from both leading progressives about how they plan to guide the city and county in the coming months and years. What changes will they make? What changes have they already achieved? Will their visions prevail — or be derailed? Listen in as they discuss what they are doing - listening, learning and taking pragmatic steps to deliver services throughout the region. Topics covered may relate to transportation and other areas relevant to sustainability. This event is free and open to the public; please RSVP.
This event is hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences and sponsored by the Department of Public Affairs and Nonprofit Leadership.

EVENT & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY WITH COMMUNITY PARTNER: Black Earth Day

When: Saturday, April 18th, 2026, 10am-3pm
Where: Genesee Park & Playfield
Description: Black Earth Day is an annual community celebration that brings together residents, organizations, and advocates to uplift environmental justice and connect people with resources that support healthy communities. Now in its 5th year, Black Earth Day highlights the leadership of Black, Brown, immigrant, and overburdened communities in advancing environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and community health. Hosted by the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle’s Environmental Justice program, the event will feature community organizations, educational workshops, youth activities, outdoor games, and environmental resources. ULMS is looking for community volunteers to help support this year’s Black Earth Day celebration. If you're interested in volunteering, please email cejs@seattleu.edu for more details and to connect with the event organizers.
This event is hosted by the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle.

Bosanko Public Lecture on Sustainability and Growth in Developing Economies: India’s Energy Transition - Hosted by Albers School of Business and Economics

When: Monday, April 20th, 2026, 4-6pm
Where: Casey Commons (Casey 530)
Description: In this academic public lecture, Aparna Sawhney, Professor at the Centre for the Study of the World Economy in the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (India), will examine India’s clean energy transition through the lens of sustainability, economic growth, and energy security in a developing-economy context. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and home to nearly 1.5 billion people, India faces the complex challenge of expanding energy access while reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development. Attendees will gain insight into how policy design, market mechanisms, and international trade intersect with climate goals in developing countries. The lecture will be followed by a moderated Q&A session. This event is open to students, faculty, researchers, policy professionals, and members of the public interested in climate policy, sustainable development, and global energy transitions. See lecture details
This event is hosted by the Albers School of Business and Economics.

An Evening with Amy Cordalis - Hosted by Indigenous Peoples Institute (IPI)

When: Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, 4pm-5pm
Where: Oberto Commons (SINE 200)
Description: Join an evening with Amy Bowers Cordalis, a Yurok mother, fisherwoman, attorney, and nationally recognized leader in Indigenous environmental advocacy. Amy has served as General Counsel of the Yurok Nation and now leads the Ridges to Riffles Indigenous Conservation Group, where she works to advance sovereignty and protect cultural and natural resources, including the undamming of the Klamath River. She is also the author of The Water Remembers (Hachette, 2025) and will have copies of the book available for purchase at the event. Open to the public at no cost, this event offers an opportunity to engage with a powerful voice for land, water, and Indigenous futures. Early registration is encouraged, as space and tickets are limited.
This event is hosted by Seattle University's Indigenous Peoples Institute (IPI) and co-sponsored with the Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture (ICTC) and the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability (CEJS).

Earth Talks at Seattle University - Hosted by the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability (CEJS)

When: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026, 12-1:30pm
Where: Le Roux Room (Student Center 160)
Description: Join us for the 7th edition of “Earth Talks,” Seattle University’s annual Earth Day celebration showcasing inspirational 5-min talks on “Care for our Common Home” by students, faculty, and staff from across schools and programs at SU. Presentations will cover advocacy, research, and service projects related to environmental justice and sustainability. Join us and support fellow students and colleagues presenting. Registration is encouraged. See list of presenters and topics at www.seattleu.edu/earth-talks.
This event is a Laudato Si’ Action Platform initiative sponsored by the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability (CEJS), Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture (ICTC), and the Indigenous Peoples Institute (IPI).

Spring Garden Meditation - Hosted by Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement

When: Thursday, April 23rd
Where: TBD
Description: More details coming soon

Clothing and Gear Swap - Hosted by Stoke

When: Friday, April 24th, 2026, 1-2:30pm
Where: Pigott 109
Description:  Bring any outdoor gear or clothing that you are ready to get rid of and find gear and clothing you like! It is not required that you bring something in order to take something but the more items we have the more gear can be spread around.
This event is hosted by Stoke, Seattle University's outdoors club. 

Annual Earth Day Summit: Finding Common Ground - Hosted by the Laudato Si’ Movement Washington chapter (LSM-WA)

When: Saturday, April 25th, 2026, 8:30am-4:30pm
Where: Le Roux Room (Student Center 160)
Description: The Laudato Si’ Movement Washington chapter (LSM-WA) invites you to attend the annual Earth Day Summit – Caring for Creation: Finding Common Ground. Join us for a day of building bridges through love for creation with a diverse group of presenters from across Washington State. The keynote, "Our Sacred Earth: The Care of Creation as a Spiritual Imperative" will be presented by Sr. Mimi Maloney, SNJM (Spokane), and Sr. Mary Ellen Robinson, SNJM (Yakima), and Ms. Eleana Pawl (Seattle). The summit also features special guests, including Lynda Mapes, retired Pulitzer Prize-nominated Environmental Reporter for the Seattle Times and National Outdoor Book Award Winner. Registration is required for the summit, and all are welcome to attend this free event.
The summit is sponsored by Laudato Si’ Movement Washington (LSM-WA), Seattle University’s Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture (ICTC), the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center (IPJC), the Archdiocese of Seattle, St. James Cathedral and the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM).