Vanderbilt University will celebrate Earth Month throughout April with a series of hands‑on activities, tours and campus collaborations designed to highlight sustainability efforts and engage students, faculty, staff and community members.
Organized by the Division of Real Estate, Facilities and Development and campus partners, this year's Earth Month events aim to increase awareness of Vanderbilt's sustainability initiatives, foster collaboration with student organizations and inspire campus engagement.
April 1 | Build a Home for Wildlife
Time: 12-3 p.m.
Location: Vanderbilt Community Garden (rain date April 8)
Visit the Vanderbilt Community Garden to help decorate bird and squirrel houses and learn how the garden supports pollinators and biodiversity. The drop‑in event encourages students to get their hands dirty while using art supplies from Turnip Creative Reuse to decorate one-of-a-kind habitats. A select few bird houses will support campus's vibrant ecosystem when they are installed in the native smart meadow on the Peabody campus.
Although registration is not required, if you plan on attending, please fill out this form so the organizers know how many people to expect.
Sustainability student groups will be at the event to share information about what they do and how to participate.
April 7 | Sustainability Tour
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at Fleming Yard outside Rand Hall
A guided sustainability tour will take attendees to hidden sustainability gems on campus, including the Fleming Yard, Kinetic Tiles and the West End Neighborhood. This tour will share insight on how sustainable, resilient ideas become a reality on campus.
Although registration is not required, if you plan on attending, please fill out this form so the tour guides know how many people to expect.
For Personify Health users, this event is worth 250 points.
April 14 | Rand Farmers Market
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Rand Patio
The popular Rand Farmers Market returns with local produce, handmade goods and sustainability‑focused vendors. Students are encouraged to stop by, shop local, grab a bite, and learn about sustainable food systems.
April 16 | Highland Energy Plant Tour
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Highland Energy Plant (across the street from Highland Quad)
Join Vanderbilt's campus engineers for an inside look at the Highland Energy Plant, one of the key hubs powering the university's daily operations. During this guided tour, you'll learn how the team maintains and operates critical utility systems, from hot and chilled water to electricity distribution. Discover how the plant and its infrastructure are strengthening reliability, building resilience, and supporting a more sustainable future for the entire campus community. This is a unique opportunity to look behind the scenes and understand how essential utilities keep Vanderbilt running.
Although registration is not required, if you plan on attending, please fill out this form so the tour guides know how many people to expect.
For Personify Health users, this event is worth 250 points.
April 24 | Tree Planting + Pin Drop Event + Arboretum Tour
Tree Planting and Pin Drop Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Tour Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Bishops Common on Main Campus
This culminating Earth Month celebration invites students to explore Vanderbilt's arboretum, plant trees and participate in a commemorative pin drop to mark the growth of the campus canopy. The event highlights Vanderbilt's national recognition as a Tree Campus USA and its long-term commitment to green spaces.
For Personify Health users, this event is worth 250 points.
How You Can Get Involved
Community members are encouraged to:
- Attend events with friends and colleagues.
