On one side of campus, students planted. On the other, they presented research, prototypes and ideas that could shape the future of the planet.
Same day. Same mission. Two distinct ways of making an impact.
Throughout the day, SUNY Morrisville’s Earth Day celebration brought those experience together, offering opportunities for the campus community to take part.
Kicking off the event was a presentation by Bill Kaufman, a Central New York natural beekeeper and founder of It’s All Better Honey Bee Rescue, who specializes in live honey bee removal and relocation.
In the Academic Quad, participants and spectators gathered for the annual tree planting, where a Bur Oak, from Aspinall’s nursery, a family of alumni, was planted.
Inside, the Applied Learning Showcase demonstrated how sustainability takes shape through student-driven projects, from agricultural innovation to environmental research and technology. Posters, demonstrations and presentations gave visitors a closer look at how classroom learning translates into real-world applications.
Among them, horticulture student Beck Helmcamp explored the use of Cannabis sativa (hemp) as a potential wood substitute for small-scale wood working projects, even showcasing a table made from the material.
Shani Hedge and Lucy Dixon presented research examining how different fertilizer inputs affect cannabis plant development, with a focus on seed yield and quality, while Beau Bidwell featured a dynamic, live hydroponics display, highlighting soil-free growing methods using nutrient-rich water.
Activities extended across campus as students, clubs, faculty, staff and community members took part in numerous efforts throughout the day, including a campus cleanup, flower planting, paper-bracelet making and an undergraduate research conference.
Together, the day’s community service projects, hands-on activities and research combined creativity and environmental awareness, offering students, faculty and staff an opportunity to give back through sustainability-focused efforts while reinforcing the importance of protecting the environment.
