Thanks to the collaboration between several different departments, TCC Northwest marked Earth Day with a variety of activities held April 21-23.
A committee comprised of volunteers from Life Sciences, Student Activities, Kinesiology, Horticulture, and Visual and Performing Arts devised a number of activities for the annual event, beginning with a photo contest and Earth Day fest on April 21, continuing with a disc golf tournament on April 22 and ending with a 5K run on April 23. Community partners like the Native Prairie Association of Texas, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Fort Worth Water also hosted booths at the event.
“This event gives us a chance to celebrate natural environments and see how our community, campus and students support the outdoors,” said Greta Bowling, biology professor and Earth Day planning committee co-chair.
This event marked the first in-person celebration of Earth Day since 2019. EarthDay Fest has long been a tradition at Northwest.
“We are just excited to be able to get together in person with hands-on activities,” said Rachel McCloskey, coordinator of student activities.
In addition to the disciplines represented by committee members, the event also featured participation from the Chemistry department, the Walsh Library, and the Marine Creek Land Scholar Senior and Junior Classes.
“Earth care concerns all students and disciplines, and can be integrated into any class for meaningful collaboration and outreach,” said Trish Igo, professor of art. The Visual and Performing Arts department hosted a booth at the event, judged the photo contest, and made air-dry clay for festival guests to make keepsakes.
The Horticulture department also hosted a booth, demonstrating the work of students in the program and providing plants as prizes for the photo contest.
“Our horticulture programs and students are doing amazing things,” said David Cole, horticulture lab manager and adjunct instructor. “We would love for the rest of the Northwest campus and community to know!”
