(schedule will be updated as events are finalized)
Ongoing Events:
Nature Photo Contest— (April 1st through April 30th) SEAD is hosting an Earth Month Nature Photo Contest! To participate, just go out and take pictures of nature. Either tag us on social media or email them to us. We will randomly choose a grand prize winner, and 2nd & 3rd place winners. Location: IN NATURE!
From Pollution to Protection: Water, History, & Indigenous Treaty Rights – Art Exhibition— (April 1st through April 7th – Visiting hours daily from 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM) The Fernald Adaptive Presentation & Performance Environment at the IMRC on the UMaine, Orono campus will host an interactive program featuring Indigenous-led efforts to protect waters, lands, & climate from the Dawnland to the Great Lakes and beyond. For questions, please contact: Sephora McIntyre <sephora.mcintyre@maine.edu> This program is generously funded by the Alton ’38 and Adelaide Hamm Campus Activity Fund. Location: The Fernald Adaptive Presentation & Performance Environment at the IMRC
UMaine Spirit Week— (April 26th through May 2nd) Sponsored by Student Life. In 1935 President Arthur Hauck inaugurated MAINE DAY, a day set aside for “spring clean-up” of our campus. The entire campus community – students, faculty, staff, and alumni – pitches in to spruce up the campus. Historically Maine Day was set on Wednesday of the last week of classes of the Spring semester. Over the decades, the tradition transitioned away from its roots and became a large-scale celebration. In the fall of 2024, the University shifted to “Spirit Week”, a week-long focus on beautification, giving back to campus, and increasing Black Bear school spirit. Various Locations: Click Here for the Schedule
Tuesday, April 1st:
From Pollution to Protection: Water, History, & Indigenous Treaty Rights – Opening Event – Keynote Panel Discussion — (6:00 PM) Penobscot Nation citizens Maria Girouard – historian, film co-writer and co-director, Kathy Paul – Penobscot elder & film consulting producer, and Dawn Neptune Adams – Sunlight Media Collective journalist and film narrator will hold a community discussion prior to the film screening (see below). Location: The Fernald Adaptive Presentation & Performance Environment at the IMRC
12th Annual Human Dimensions of Climate Change Film Series – The Penobscot: Ancestral River, Contested Territory— (7:00 PM) Sponsored by the UMaine Department of Anthropology. This year the film series will be part of a larger interactive program organized by AEP PhD Candidate Sephora McIntyre entitled “From Pollution to Protection: Water, History, & Indigenous Treaty Rights” which features an exhibit, an opening panel discussion (see above), a dissertation defense, and the film series – all of which focus on the connections between water keepers and climate resistance. This program is generously funded by the Alton ’38 and Adelaide Hamm Campus Activity Fund. **For virtual attendance please register here to receive the Zoom link** Location: The Fernald Adaptive Presentation & Performance Environment at the IMRC
Wednesday, April 2nd:
Radical Care in Decolonial Art and Activism – Guest Lecture — (4:00 PM) Visiting Scholar Dr. Amber Hickey (they/them) will provide a lecture focusing on an
interdisciplinary examination of the aesthetics of radical care. **This lecture will be in-person only** Location: The Fernald Adaptive Presentation & Performance Environment at the IMRC
12th Annual Human Dimensions of Climate Change Film Series – Keepers of the Tundra— (6:00 PM) Sponsored by the UMaine Department of Anthropology. Keepers of the Tundra is a documentary film about the inhabitants of the Arctic north of the Republic of Sakha, the Anabar national Dolgan & Evenk uluus (county). The heroes of the film are reindeer herders, folk craftsmen, singers, fishermen, artists etc. Each of them could have chosen a different life, exchanging the harsh Arctic conditions for urban comfort, but they remained true to their national traditions and native land, hoping that their children continue their traditions. Discussants: Producers and directors Sardaana Barabanova & Diana Khudaeva will join virtually to discuss their film and independent documentary film studio “Күн оҕолоро” (Children of the Sun). **For virtual attendance please register here to receive the Zoom link** Location: The Fernald Adaptive Presentation & Performance Environment at the IMRC
12th Annual Human Dimensions of Climate Change Film Series – This River is Our Relative— (6:00 PM) Sponsored by the UMaine Department of Anthropology. This River is Our Relative is a Sunlight Media Collective documentary about the Penobscot Nation’s intrinsic kinship connection to and tireless environmental advocacy for the Penobscot River. The story is told through the voices of 24 Penobscot people, who share their experience of historical, physical, and spiritual connection to place, cultural identity, and survival. Discussants: Dr. Darren Ranco is a Penobscot Nation citizen, Professor of Anthropology, Coordinator of Native American Research, and the Chair of Native American Programs at the University of Maine, Orono. Nolan Altvater (they/them) is Passamaquoddy from Sipayik currently working as the Cultural Projects Coordinator for the Passamaquoddy Cultural Heritage Museum and as an interdisciplinary PhD student at the University of Maine. **For virtual attendance please register here to receive the Zoom link** Location: The Fernald Adaptive Presentation & Performance Environment at the IMRC
Friday, April 4th:
Youth Climate Summit — (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) Sponsored by the Govenors Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. The 2025 Youth Climate Summit is a one-day event for Maine high school students to gather, build community, and learn key skills for planning and implementing climate projects at their school. Please click here for more information. Location: Wells Conference Center, UMaine
Sunday, April 6th:
Terrell House Open Garden — (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Sponsored by the Terrell House Permaculture and Gardeing Club. Come join Terrell House residents for a fun day of garden chores and community building! Location: Terrell House, 491A College Avenue, Orono
Monday, April 7th:
Closing the Loop: Opportunities for Industrial Circular Economy Exchanges in Maine – Sustainability Talk — (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM) Sponsored by the UMaine Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, Ecology & Environmental Science Program, and Advanced Manufacturing Center. In this talk, the research team (Reed Miller, John Belding, Jean MacRae, & Cindy Isenhour) will explore the potential of industrial symbiosis and materials exchanges as solutions for reducing waste in Maine— a key policy priority for climate action and sustainable resource use. By facilitating the exchange of waste, Industrial Symbiosis and Materials Exchanges can cut disposal costs, minimize pollution, and unlock new economic opportunities. This presentation will examine how Maine can create a collaborative network to foster these circular economy solutions and support the state’s climate goals. The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person. Please click here to register for Zoom connection information. Location: 107 Norman Smith Hall, UMaine, Orono
Wednesday, April 9th:
Tool Care, Knife Sharpening, and Clothing Mending — (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM) Sponsored by the Terrell House Permaculture and Gardeing Club. Learn how to de-rust tools, sharpen knives, and mend your clothes to keep everyday items out of the landfill! Location: Terrell House, 491A College Avenue, Orono
Saturday, April 12th:
Bikepacking Diner Ride — (8:00 AM) Sponsored by the UMaine Bikepacking Collective. Join the UMaine Bikepacking Collective for a bike ride leaving from campus to the LaGrange General Store Diner. This bike ride will be around 45 miles total! (20 ish there, 20 ish back). Location: Leaving at 8:00 AM from Mainebound on the UMaine Campus
Sunday, April 13th:
Terrell House Open Garden — (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Sponsored by the Terrell House Permaculture and Gardeing Club. Come join Terrell House residents for a fun day of garden chores and community building! Location: Terrell House, 491A College Avenue, Orono
Thursday, April 17th:
Youth Day of Action — (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Sponsored by the Maine Youth for Climate Justice. Across the globe, young people are leading the fight for bold climate action and climate justice. Maine Youth for Climate Justice, MEEA Changemakers, JustME for JustUS, Maine Youth Power, Community Organizing Alliance, and Young People’s Caucus will be hosting a Youth Day of Action at the State House in Augusta. This event will be a day for youth in Maine to mobilize and present our vision and demands for our future. The day will include a rally, press conference, lobbying, and networking. Transportation to and from Orono will be via carpool – contact Edge Venuti (edgelynn.venuti@maine.edu) for more information. Location: Outside the Maine State House, Augusta, ME
Friday, April 18th:
2025 Maine Wasted Food Solutions Summit — (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Sponsored by the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions. The Maine Wasted Food Solutions Summit is Maine’s statewide event focused on ending wasted food and food loss in our state through solutions that benefit everyone. This virtual Summit brings together our state’s key food system participants: farms, businesses, feeding partners, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations – to discuss best and highest uses for our valuable Maine food resources at every stage… “Maine Food: Too Good To Waste.” Click Here for more information and to register for virtual attendance. Location: On Zoom! Please register by April 8, 2025
Saturday, April 19th:
Celestial Earth — (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM) Sponsored by the Versant Power Astronomy Center and Jordan Planetarium. Celestial Earth: We Are Here….but When? is a special poetry reading set to stunning space visuals at the planetarium. Presented by Barbaria Maria and the SoundBone Media group. This is poetry wanders into the core of who we might become, and a sonic journey to the Big Bang and back, down to the molten center of everything and into our wondering inner selves. Click Here for more information and to purchase tickets ($10). Location: Versant Power Astronomy Center and Jordan Planetarium, UMaine, 167 Rangeley Road, Orono, ME 04469
Sunday, April 20th:
Terrell House Open Garden — (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Sponsored by the Terrell House Permaculture and Gardeing Club. Come join Terrell House residents for a fun day of garden chores and community building! Location: Terrell House, 491A College Avenue, Orono
Earth Day! – Tuesday, April 22nd
Spire Issue #9 Release — Spire: The Maine Journal of Conservation and Sustainability is publishing its ninth amazing issue! Spire issue #9 contains a variety of submissions, including art, poetry, photography, research, and personal stories. Access the latest issue and back-issues by clicking here. Location: Online
Wednesday, April 23rd
Spring Foraging/Tree ID Walk — (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM) Sponsored by the Terrell House and the Maine Outing Club. Join resident stewards from Terrell House and MOC officers for a walk on the campus trails to look for edible mushrooms and plants as well as learn about tree ID. Location: Meet at Nutting Hall at 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 26th
Spawning Run 5K — (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM) Sponsored by the UMaine American Fisheries Society. Spring is here, and soon the alewives will be too! As they begin their journey upstream to spawn, we invite you to lace up your running shoes and join us for the Spawning Run 5K. Join us in celebrating with our own annual migration, connect with fellow fish enthusiasts, and enjoy a day of movement, nature, and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a great way to welcome spring, we encourage all students and community members to participate. Please register in advance here. Race start time is 9:00 AM. Check-in/registration begins at 8:30 AM. Click Here for full details. Location: Race begins at Nutting Hall at 9:00 AM
Celestial Earth — (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM) Sponsored by the Versant Power Astronomy Center and Jordan Planetarium. Celestial Earth: We Are Here….but When? is a special poetry reading set to stunning space visuals at the planetarium. Presented by Barbaria Maria and the SoundBone Media group. This is poetry wanders into the core of who we might become, and a sonic journey to the Big Bang and back, down to the molten center of everything and into our wondering inner selves. Click Here for more information and to purchase tickets ($10). Location: Versant Power Astronomy Center and Jordan Planetarium, UMaine, 167 Rangeley Road, Orono, ME 04469
Sunday, April 27th:
Terrell House Open Garden — (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Sponsored by the Terrell House Permaculture and Gardeing Club. Come join Terrell House residents for a fun day of garden chores and community building! Location: Terrell House, 491A College Avenue, Orono
Tuesday, April 29th:
Maine Day of Service – UMaine Day of Service Projects — (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) Sponsored by the Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism. The University of Maine’s Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism connects students, faculty, and staff with meaningful volunteer opportunities, fostering a culture of civic engagement and community impact. Through a wide array of programs, workshops, and partnerships, the center empowers individuals to address local and global challenges, promoting service-learning and strengthening communities through collaborative action. The Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism coordinates activities for Spirit Week. Sign up to volunteer during Spirit Week and Maine Day of Service at umaine.edu/volunteer/mdos. Location: Projects today will be focused on the northeast side of campus, and tools/supplies will be available at the Bodwell Center (139 Rangeley Road)
Wednesday, April 30th:
Maine Day of Service – Maine Day Meal Packout hosted by the Honors College Advisory Group— (8:00 AM – 2:30 PM) Sponsored by the Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism. Help pack 50,000 meals to be distributed to food pantries throughout eastern and central Maine. The University of Maine’s Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism connects students, faculty, and staff with meaningful volunteer opportunities, fostering a culture of civic engagement and community impact. Through a wide array of programs, workshops, and partnerships, the center empowers individuals to address local and global challenges, promoting service-learning and strengthening communities through collaborative action. The Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism coordinates activities for Spirit Week. To sign up to volunteer during Spirit Week and Maine Day of Service at umaine.edu/volunteer/mdos. Location: Memorial Gym in the UMaine Field House (multiple shifts available)
