MTSU Center for Energy and Sustainability to host full slate of Earth Month activities in April
Middle Tennessee State University is going green throughout April to celebrate Earth Month, featuring a dozen environmentally focused events hosted by the Center for Energy and Sustainability and campus partners.
The initiative is designed to engage students while promoting eco-friendly resources and highlighting the university’s commitment to sustainable practices. Kristin England, sustainability manager for the Center for Energy and Sustainability, said the goal was to create events that are both enjoyable and impactful while showcasing MTSU’s environmental efforts, including programs like MTSU Recycles.
One of the featured events is a keynote appearance by renowned conservationist Doug Tallamy on April 13. Tallamy, an author and founder of the nonprofit Homegrown National Park, is known for his work encouraging individuals to plant native species and support biodiversity. His presentation will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Keathley University Center Theater, beginning with a reception, followed by the keynote and a book signing. The first 10 students in attendance will receive a free copy of his book, Nature’s Best Hope. Registration is required due to limited space. During his talk, Tallamy will focus on how individuals can make meaningful environmental changes starting in their own yards by helping restore ecosystems and strengthen the connection between plants and wildlife.
Another major highlight of the month is the official unveiling of the MTSU Arboretum on April 16 at 1:30 p.m. in Walnut Grove, located between Peck Hall and the Cope Administration Building. MTSU was originally designated a Level I Arboretum in 2015 by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council, requiring at least 30 labeled tree species. A decade later, the campus has achieved Level II status with 73 trees now tagged and mapped across its 500-acre grounds. This designation makes it the only Level II arboretum in the city.
The reclassification was a collaborative effort involving Center for Energy and Sustainability staff, faculty from the Biology Department, and campus grounds services. Following a brief ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a guided tour highlighting several tree species, including sweetgum, cedar, catalpa, oak, maple, and cherry. Organizers say the arboretum offers more than just scenic landscaping, serving as an outdoor learning space where students can engage with course material in a real-world setting.
Earth Day will be celebrated on campus April 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Union Commons. The event will feature more than 45 campus and community organizations, along with food, music, and giveaways. The goal is to provide students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to connect with groups working toward sustainability and learn how they can contribute.
In addition to campus events, the Center for Energy and Sustainability will participate in the 2026 Middle Tennessee Electric Earth Day Celebration on April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Murfreesboro Public Square.
Several other Earth Month activities are scheduled throughout April. These include an Earth Pledges event with the Student Government Association on April 2, a Paint and Plant popup on April 7, a recycling awareness game on April 9, and a drug and vape takeback event on April 23. The Center for Energy and Sustainability will also partner with MT Dining to compost food waste during the Bolt Awards on April 14 and Exam Jam on April 30.
A full list of Earth Month events is available on the Center for Energy and Sustainability website. Visitors attending daytime events can purchase a daily parking pass for $4 through the university’s Parking and Transportation Services. For more information, individuals can contact the Center for Energy and Sustainability directly or visit its website.
