Every April, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action. At Chico State, this month is a reflection of who we are. It’s where students step up as leaders, tackling real-world challenges from sustainable agriculture to community resilience. It’s a chance to strengthen our bonds with the local community, from the banks of Big Chico Creek to the farms and families of the North State. And it all happens here, in one of the most beautiful and inspiring places to learn. Throughout April, we invite you to roll up your sleeves, connect with fellow Wildcats, and discover how you can be a part of the solution.
Take Action Near You
Earth Month is about inspiring lasting change. Here are a few simple, impactful actions you can take right here in Chico to make every month Earth Month:
- Be a Catalyst for Change: Ditch the car and try commuting by bike or bus once a week. It’s an easy way to reduce your impact and practice sustainability.
- Build Connections Beyond Campus: Shop local! Support our community and reduce your footprint by visiting the Chico Farmers Market or the University Farm Store.
- Strengthen Our Culture of Belonging: Join a volunteer day at the Gateway Science Museum or with the Butte Environmental Council. Working side-by-side with fellow community members is a fantastic way to meet people and make a tangible difference.
- Learn in Our Captivating Backdrop: Get outside! Explore Bidwell Park, walk along Big Chico Creek, or simply learn about the native plants in the campus arboretum. The first step to protecting our environment is appreciating it.
We hope to see you throughout April as we celebrate our beautiful planet and build a more sustainable future, together.
Earth Month 2026 Event Calendar
Week 1 (March 30 - April 5): Kicking Off Our Commitment
Book in Common Author Talk: Rosanna Xia(opens in new window)
Thursday, April 2 | Time: 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Location: Laxson Auditorium
Host: The Book in Common
Description: Join us for a public lecture with Rosanna Xia, author of the 2025-26 Book in Common, California Against the Sea. Her talk explores the history of human alteration of the California coastline and the challenges it faces with climate change and sea level rise. This event embodies our commitment to civic and global engagement, inviting the entire Chico community to grapple with one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century.
Ecological Scavenger Hunt(opens in new window)
Saturday, April 4 | Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Alumni Glen
Hosts: Green Campus
Description: Explore the beauty of our campus along Big Chico Creek! Students will go on a guided walk with a leader who has a unique specialty. It’s a chance for hands-on learning in our captivating educational backdrop. All participants will receive a free houseplant, and the winning group gets a larger prize. Snacks and drinks provided.
Week 2 (April 5-11): Transportation Week
Bicycle Lock Exchange Tables
Monday, April 6 – Wednesday, April 8 | Time: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: Bicycle Parking at Langdon & O'Connell
Hosts: Parking Services | Partners: Butte County Public Health
Description: Ride safe and secure! Exchange your old or unsafe bike lock for a brand new U-Lock with cable, completely free of charge. This event supports sustainable commuting, making it easier and more affordable for everyone to get around.
What About Wednesday: Earth Month Edition(opens in new window)
Wednesday, April 8 | Time: 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Gateway Science Museum
Hosts: Gateway Science Museum
Description: Experience the museum after hours! This month's bonus Wednesday hours feature activities that encourage visitors to see the world around them through photography, scopes, and their own powers of observation—a perfect example of how we foster curiosity in state-of-the-art learning spaces.
B-Line Ride to the Movies(opens in new window)
Friday, April 10
Location: Meet at the Wildcat Statue in front of BMU
Hosts: Parking Services
Description: Learn how to use the B-Line public transit system and be rewarded with a free movie! This event builds connections beyond campus, showing students how to easily access and engage with the wider Chico community.
Bicycle Commuter Safety Class(opens in new window)
Saturday, April 11 | Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Hazel Lot (2nd & Chestnut)
Hosts: Parking Services | Partners: Butte County Public Safety
Description: Gain the confidence and skills to navigate traffic safely on your bicycle. This class prepares students with real-world skills for lifelong success, promoting both wellness and sustainable transportation.
Week 3 (April 12-18): Hands-On Learning & Community
Environmental Board Games with OTR(opens in new window)
Friday, April 17 | Time: 3:00 - 5:30 PM
Location: Office of Tribal Relations
Hosts: Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) | Partners: California Climate Action Corps
Description: Unplug and have fun in a welcoming space! Join the Office of Tribal Relations for an afternoon of environmental-themed board games. This event is all about building a culture of belonging through shared fun and community-building.
Gateway Gardens Volunteer Day(opens in new window)
Saturday, April 18 | Time: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: Gateway Science Museum
Hosts: Gateway Science Museum | Partners: California Climate Action Corps
Description: Get your hands dirty for a good cause! Help tend native and edible plants, trim trails, or learn about composting. This is direct community service and climate action that makes a tangible difference in our local landscape.
Week 4 (April 19-25): Celebrate & Explore
University Farm Trolley & Walking Tours(opens in new window)
Tuesday, April 21 | Time: 1:30 - 4:30 PM
Location: Meet in front of Whitney Hall along Legion Avenue
Hosts: Parking Services | Partners: AS Sustainability, Center for Regenerative Agriculture & Resilient Systems, College of Agriculture
Description: Come explore the Chico State University Farm, a living laboratory for cutting-edge research and learning! Join a guided trolley tour led by Student Ag Ambassadors to see sustainable agriculture in action. You'll see how students are solving the unprecedented challenges of the 21st century in the fields, barns, and orchards. Guests will also receive a free food basket from the North Valley Food Hub (while supplies last). See where learning grows!
Earth Day Festival(opens in new window)
Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!) | Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Trinity, Glenn, Gauntlett, and Bohopki Lawns
Hosts: AS Sustainability
Description: Join the Associated Students for our annual Earth Day celebration! This collaborative event features campus partners, student organizations, and interactive activities. It highlights how environmental, social, and economic sustainability work together—a perfect reflection of our commitment to developing well-rounded, career-ready graduates who understand complex systems. This is vibrant student life in action.
Featured Earth Day Project: Chico Mosaic Project(opens in new window)
Description: Be a part of a lasting piece of community art! Stop by the Earth Day Festival and contribute to the Chico Mosaic Project, adding your piece to a collective work that celebrates our community.
Community Climate Action Day(opens in new window)
Saturday, April 25 | Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Chico State Campus (along Big Chico Creek)
Hosts: California Climate Action Corps, Office of Tribal Relations
Partners: Keep California Beautiful, California Volunteers
Description: Be a catalyst for change! Join us for a day of ecological restoration along Big Chico Creek. We will be planting native plants, discussing their ecosystem and cultural relevance, and constructing native bee "hotels." This service project is part of a larger statewide initiative and is a powerful way to make a difference in our local community while learning about traditional ecological knowledge and honoring the land.
Week 5 (April 26 - May 2): Reflection & Action
The Great Wildcat Bike Count(opens in new window)
Tuesday, April 28 | Anytime between 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Office of Sustainability, SSC 336
Host: Green Campus
Description: Become a campus citizen-scientist and help Green Campus take a one-day snapshot of bicycling at Chico State. Groups of volunteers will go out and count all the bikes in their assigned zones. This count will help improve bike parking, guide future infrastructure, and support sustainable transportation at Chico State! To learn more and sign up to volunteer, contact Green Campus.
Endangered Species Faire(opens in new window)
Saturday, May 2 | Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Cedar Grove, Middle Bidwell Park
Hosts: Butte Environmental Council
Description: Celebrate wildlife at this beloved Chico tradition! The Endangered Species Faire features live animal presentations and environmental education. It’s a perfect example of our connection beyond campus, bringing the University and community together in our shared captivating educational backdrop of Bidwell Park.