Every Day is Earth Day at The Ecology School! A Week Long Celebration
Every day is Earth Day at The Ecology School! From the programs we run, to the buildings that house the people who come to them, The Ecology School models what it looks like for the environment to be front and center each and every day.
During the week of April 19 through April 24, we will be hosting virtual and small on-site events* to showcase the work that we do. In addition to spotlighting our incredible programming, we’ll be celebrating the opening of our new home at River Bend Farm. And talk about an Earth-friendly place! As you’ve probably heard by now (if not, click here!), our new buildings—a Dormitory and Dining Commons—are built the highest measure of Earth-friendliness in the construction industry. This certification is called the Living Building Challenge. You can learn all about it here. (We’re also driving hard towards obtaining Living Community Challenge certification. AND we’re the first in the world—yes, the world!—to submit a full scale action plan to get there.)
We hope you’ll join us online or in-person during “Earth Week” to learn a little more about what we do here at The Ecology School and join us as we jump for joy (so, so much joy!) at the opening of River Bend Farm!
Without further ado, here’s a schedule (subject to change!) for the week!
P.S. Keep an eye on our social media channels for even more The Ecology School action during the week! We’re on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter.
Monday - April 19, 2021
Ecology is for Everyone
On Monday, we will focus on introducing The Ecology School to folks who may not be familiar with our organization. We will also unpack the science of Ecology. What does it really mean? How it is part of our everyday “living and learning” at River Bend Farm?
Schedule of Events
10 a.m. Ecology is for Everyone! A Virtual Welcome Message from Drew Dumsch, President & CEO of The Ecology School (Watch on our social media channels! Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.)
11 a.m. The Teacher Institute for Watershed Science and Conservation is open for applications! (Click Here to Apply)
12 p.m. In-Person Tour of River Bend Farm (Click Here to Register)
2 p.m. Guided Online Tour of EcologyOnline (Click Here to Learn More)
2:30 p.m. Virtual Q&A with Alex Grindle, Director of Programs at The Ecology School (Click Here to Learn More)
Tuesday - April 20, 2021
The Living Building Challenge
On Tuesday, the buildings and campus at River Bend Farm will take center stage! We’ll dive into the “why” of choosing the Living Building Challenge with Drew Dumsch, The Ecology School’s President & CEO and go on a live tour of the buildings.
Schedule of Events
9 a.m. Coffee & Conversation with Drew Dumsch, President & CEO of The Ecology School (Click Here to Learn More)
10 a.m. Premiere of Film “The Ecology School: The Ecology of Place, Materials, and Architecture” A collaboration between Portland Society for Architecture, Zachau Construction, and The Ecology School (Click Here to Learn More)
12 p.m. In-Person Tour of River Bend Farm (Click Here to Register)
3 p.m. Livestream Tour of The Ecology School at River Bend Farm (Watch on Instagram/IGTV!)
Wednesday - April 21, 2021
Food is Ecology
Food System education has always been a central part of The Ecology School’s curriculum. Now, we can focus on it even more! River Bend Farm has acres of lush Maine farmland that will be the home of our working agroecology farm!
Schedule of Events
10 a.m. Coffee & Conversation Drew Dumsch, President & CEO of The Ecology School, and Rich O’Brien, Operations Manager & Chef (Click Here to Learn More)
12 p.m. In-Person Tour of River Bend Farm (Click Here to Register)
2 p.m. Fruit Tree Planting
3 p.m. Livestream Tour of the Farm Fields (CANCELLED due to weather!)
Thursday - April 22, 2021
Earth Day
Happy Earth Day! On April 22 we’ll host a special event to “Flip the Switch to a Carbon Neutral Future”! In addition to turning on our 712 solar panels, we’ll showcase why River Bend Farm is modelling, right now, a carbon neutral future for all the world to follow suit.
Schedule of Events
10 a.m. Virtual Message from Governor Janet Mills (Video will be on our YouTube channel April 22!)
10 a.m. Flip the Switch to a Carbon Neutral Future Event (Watch on Facebook Live!)
12 p.m. In-Person Tour of River Bend Farm (Click Here to Register)
Friday - April 23, 2021
Making Every Day Earth Day
On Friday join The Ecology School Educators to learn how you can make every day Earth Day! A few easy changes in your day-to-day activities can make a real difference for the environment. Won’t you join us?
Saturday - April 24, 2021
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is a private celebration for key stakeholders and partners. This event will include an address from Ryan Fecteau, Speaker of Maine’s House of Representatives.
Schedule of Events
10 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
*Please note all on-site events are planned with strict adherence to the Maine CDC’s guidelines and recommendations for COVID safety.