Community Corner
Your Guide to Sustainability Week at UM-Dearborn
The campus EverGreen Team will host a week of events centered around living sustainably.
For the fifth year, the 's EverGreen Team–comprised of students, staff, and Dearborn community members who care about green living–is hosting a Campus Sustainability Week. Here's a look at all the ways attendees can learn more about green living.
Monday, Oct. 17
Water Expose, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Kochoff Hall: How important is water to our everyday life? There will be lots of information pertaining to Rouge River water improvements, the flora and fauna that depend on our watershed, and our own interactions and need for water. Presenters will include , the Environmental Interpretive Center, the Sierra Club, the League of Women Voters - Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, and more.
Water Trivia Scavenger Hunt, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Start at the Water Expose and answer questions for chances to be entered in a drawing for one of several great prizes, including a $100 Barnes & Nobel gift card, dinner and a movie from Red Robin, or a Dearborn Patch goodie bag. You’ll receive your first location to search for, along with entry slips and a bonus card. There will be seven locations throughout campus. Winner will be drawn at 11 a.m. Tuesday in 1030 CASL.
Find out what's happening in Dearbornwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Fracking Presentation (Hydraulic Fracturing), 3:30-5 p.m., 1500 SSB: Fracking is a process in which a fluid is injected at high pressure into oil or methane gas deposits to fracture the rock above and release the liquid or gas below. The process has generated controversy because of potential harm to drinking water and our ecosystems. Used in Colorado and New Mexico, the use of fracking is expanding to New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and now Michigan. Lynna Kaucheck of Food and Water Watch and UM-Dearborn professor Kent Murray will share their knowledge of the process and impacts of fracking.
Tuesday, Oct. 18
Sustainable Fisheries, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., 1030 CASL: Interested in fresh water recreation and fishing? Professor Michael Twiner is currently investigating biomarkers in fish as a diagnostic marker of toxic algal exposure and disease. A professor of biology, he joined UM-Dearborn from Marine Biotoxins Program, NOAA Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research and will relate the importance of fresh water to our ecosystem.
Find out what's happening in Dearbornwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Fishing Exposition, 3-5 p.m., Rouge Gateway Path: Sponsored by the City of Dearborn, Sustainability Coordinator Dave Norwood will lead participants down to the Rouge for an afternoon of catch-and-release fishing to talk about the clean-up efforts and recreational possibilities of the Rouge. Bring your own equipment, or use what's provided.
Wednesday, Oct. 19
Sierra Club Water Presentation, 10-11 a.m., 1030 CASL: Melissa Damaschke, the Great Lakes Regional Representative of the Detroit chapter of the Sierra Club will be talking about the state of water in Michigan.
Health & Hydration, 12-1 p.m., Fairlane South: MHealthy’s Holly Sheer and professor Megan Moore will explore the relationship of hydration to human health.
Costume Party and "Green Drinks," 5-7 p.m., Environmental Interpretive Center: Make a recycled, sustainable costume that portrays a theme about the "state of fresh water" and come enjoy some sustainable, local refreshments. Winner of the costume contest will receive a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card.
Thursday, Oct. 20
Southern Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, 8-10 a.m., 119 EIC: The group's monthly meeting coincides with Sustainability Week. This month features a presentation from Laura James of Michigan Saves, a nonprofit organization in the state of Michigan, that helps the efforts of the energy commission to create and launch an innovative financing program for energy efficiency and small-scale renewable energy technologies.
John Hartig Author Presentation, 10-11 a.m., 1030 CASL: Hartig will speak about his book, Burning Rivers: Revival of Four Urban-Industrial Rivers that Caught on Fire. John is the manager of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, and believes that people have the power to affect change.
Eco-Theology Presentation, 4:30-6 p.m., EIC: This event is being sponsored by Students for Environmental Awareness. Join in as people of different faiths each discuss the ecosystems of the world and Michigan, and how they are intertwined in the world of their individual beliefs.
Learn more about Sustainability Week by visiting the Campus Sustainability webpage.
