Salem State University Launches Month Of Earth Days Events

SALEM, MA — Salem State University's month of Earth Day events and exhibitions begins this week as the programs explore the threat that climate change poses to ecosystems on Earth and the biodiversity those ecosystems protect.

Events begin with a reuse-themed art exhibit in the Winfisky Gallery. The month follows a theme spotlighting the ways climate change reshapes ecosystems, alters species abundance and diversity, and disrupts the critical functions that organisms provide.

A week of free public events are planned from April 7 to April 11, offering lectures, celebrations and awards tied to Earth Day and its observances.

Events include:

• Climate Change and Seaweeds, a session exploring how humans affect marine ecosystems, led by Professor Lindsay Green-Gavrielidis of Salem State’s Marine Ecology Lab.
• A Just Energy Transition in Salem and Salem's Coalition Success Story, two talks bringing together several local influencers in the realm of environmental justice.
• Frontiers of Climate Resiliency, a talk exploring research projects on the forefront of climate resilience efforts.
• Salem State's annual Arbor Day Celebration and Earth Days Award Ceremony.

There are also three contests for students that include a judged research poster competition, an art exhibition and competition, and a writing contest where students were tasked with writing a 500-word reflection essay directed toward a student starting college 50 years from now, in 2075.

"This year's theme focusing on climate change and biodiversity is critical, because it spotlights a very significant connection that is too often overlooked in society," said Tara Gallagher, assistant director of sustainability and environmental health and safety at Salem State. "Earth Days provides an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and community members to learn about these issues regardless of your area of study.

"These issues touch all of us."

Trash Transformed is a Binational Perspective on Art and Sustainability, in the Ellison Campus Center's Winfisky Gallery. The exhibit will be on display from March 31 to April 18.

The project connects Salem State with Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico, engaging students from both sides of the international relationship in repurposing discarded materials into meaningful artworks.

Trash Transformed will also be the subject of an artist talk and reception in the gallery on April 10 from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Beginning April 7, a week of events includes A Just Energy Transition in Salem, MA, a moderated panel discussion headlined by members of Salem Alliance for the Environment, the city of Salem, and more. On April 9, the event will spotlight and explore Salem's growing role in ensuring that the state meets its climate goals.

Also scheduled for April 9 is Cities at the Frontiers of Climate Resiliency, a presentation spotlighting two research projects at the forefront of climate resilience efforts.

On April 10, the university's annual Arbor Day Celebration will take place in front of the Sullivan Building on North Campus at 11 a.m. The day closes with the annual Earth Days Award Ceremony, where winners of the three contests will be crowned. Winners of which will also read their
works.

The final day — April 11 — will kick off with Climate Change and Seaweeds, a presentation exploring how climate change and its associated impacts, including warming sea surface temperatures, affect the distribution and abundance of seaweeds.

Most events will be held in the Ellison Campus Center's Martin Luther King, Jr. room on North Campus. Visit here for more information on the Earth Days events.