Skip to main content

Summer Series

The Sustainability Summer Series is a chance to learn more about SCU’s sustainability programs.  Each session is about 1 hour throughout the months of July and August and involves a behind-the-scenes view of a specific campus initiative. Sessions will explore initiatives such as SCU’s waste stream, landscaping/water, the Forge Garden, and renewable energy initiatives. 

Summer 2018 Schedule

Thursday, 8/16 - Tree Psychology

With Brian McGovern, 10-11 a.m. (Meet at Varsi Hall entrance, Mission Gardens)

Did you know SCU is a 'Tree Campus USA'? The Arbor Day Foundation recognizes our commitment to foster healthy, urban forests and engage our students in campus forestry efforts. Arborist Brian McGovern, a member of SCU's Campus Tree Advisory Committee, will share insight into the secret life of SCU's trees. We'll also check on trees planted at our recent volunteer planting events in spring quarter.

Friday, 8/17 - Landscaping Tour

With Facilities, 10-11 a.m. (Meet at Bronco Statue)

Learn about SCU’s efforts to integrate sustainable practices into our landscaping program. Tour our new succulent gardens and see native grasses you might not have noticed. Learn about recycled water use on campus, and our plans for converting low-use lawns into lower water-use areas.
 

Monday, 8/20 - Climate Neutral by 2020

With Lindsey Kalkbrenner, 10-11 a.m. (Location TBA)
Learn about SCU's energy efficiency programs and our plans for reaching carbon neutrality by 2020. You'll hear about the campus' efforts to reduce energy use and get up-close-and-personal to our rooftop solar. This session is limited to 15 participants.
group of people on roof with solar panels during summer

Tuesday, 8/21 - Follow Our Food Scraps (off-site tour)

With Mission Trail, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (Meeting location on-campus to carpool - TBA)

Tour Mission Trail Waste Systems’ Sustainable Alternative Feed Enterprises (SAFE) facility. Mission Trail collects SCU’s food scraps and processes them for use as animal feed. This session is limited to 20 participants. Confirmed attendees will be given instructions for carpooling to the off-site facility.
 

Wednesday, 8/22 - Follow our Compostable and Landfill Waste (off-site tour)

Off-site tour, 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Meeting location on-campus to carpool - TBA)

Visit our landfill and commercial composting facility in Milpitas. See how SCU’s commercial composting process works. Confirmed attendees will be given instructions for carpooling to the off-site location.

Thursday, 8/23 - Forge Garden Tasting Tour

With Katharine Rondthaler, 10-11 a.m. (The Forge Garden)

Tour the Forge Garden with Garden Manager Katharine Rondthaler. You will get a chance to sample the best of the summer's fruits and vegetables and get behind-the-scenes insight into a working urban garden.
Learn more and RSVP