Earth Day is April 22, 2026
The Institute for Stewardship of the Natural World (ISNW), whose mission is to coordinate the collaborative efforts of the university to promote environmental stewardship and a broader sense of citizenship, invites you to participate in meaningful activities and events throughout the month of April in celebration of Earth Day. The featured activities explore some of JMU’s contributions to environmental sustainability, and exemplify JMU’s ethos of environmental stewardship, demonstrating tangible efforts to address pressing local and global issues.
Featured Activities
The Buzz on Campus and Beyond Event
Documentary film screening and outdoor pollinator identification tour
April 7, 2026 | 2:15pm-3:30 pm | EnGeo 1302
Enjoy a screening of the PBS documentary by acclaimed wildlife filmmaker Martin Dohrn, My Garden of a Thousand Bees, followed by a tour of the pollinator habitat on the East Campus Hillside to learn about the bees and other pollinators that inhabit our campus. Q&A and the tour will be led Dr. Amy Goodall, Professor Emeritus and Ali Sloop, JMU Stormwater Coordinator.
5th Annual Student Sustainability Summit
April 11, 2026 | Eastern Mennonite University
Witness the passion and innovation of students from five regional higher education institutions as they present projects aligned with the Sustainable Develpment Goals, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among peers. Resistration required by April 4: Student Sustainability Summit 2026 Website
Hosted by Eastern Mennonite University this year in partnership with Sustainable Shenandoah Valley, this summit brings together students, educators, and community members to explore undergraduate research, innovative initiatives, and real-world solutions. Transportation from JMU to EMU is available and may be requested as part of the registration.
CISE Student Showcase
April 17-18 | King Hall and EnGeo buildings
Learn how College of Integrated Science and Engineering (CISE) students are advancing sustainability when students present their projects at the 2026 Showcase. The CISE Showcase highlights the culmination of capstone projects and features the innovative work of students in a number of majors, including the Geography, Intelligence Analysis, and Integrated Science and Technology programs. The event is held throughout King Hall and the EnGeo buildings. Event schedule.
Trees of James Madison University Tour
A self-guided walking or virtual tour of the diverse trees on JMU's campus.
Welcome Spring by learning about some of JMU's trees in this in person or online self-guided tour. The tour begins and ends on East Campus between the Bioscience and Physics/Chemistry buildings, creating a loop that goes around the Quad and Newman Lake, through the Village, and around King Hall. The tour is 3.26 miles, with 46 points representing each tree, but participants are welcome to start or end the tour wherever they please, without doing the whole loop.
Get On Board the Bus to Campus
Contribute to campus environmental stewardship by riding the bus to/from campus.
One of the most impactful ways students can help the environment is to replace single occupancy vehicle trips to/from campus by taking the bus, walking, or bicycling. For Earth Day this year, get on board the bus to campus! The Dukes Ride campaign promotes the benefits of commuting on the bus, including cost savings, convenience, and reducing environmental impact compared to driving and parking on campus.
- The bus is fare-free
- HDPT color lines (Green, Black, Yellow, Purple, Pink and Blue Lines) serve the off-campus apartments between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- Weeknights and Saturday service are provided by the Gold Line and Silver Line.
- Most JMU trips are under 15 minutes - often faster than driving.
- Off-campus to campus routes are usually under capacity - not crowded like the ICS.
