Earth Week celebrated at Western Nevada College campuses in Carson City, Fallon

Two free lectures by science experts - one about the violent geologic history of Lake Tahoe, another concerning global warming, will highlight the many free activities at Western Nevada College during Earth Week, April 22-27.
Renewable energy exhibits, an organic gardening lecture, alternative fuel vehicles and a tree planting ceremony will also be featured.

“Many diverse and interesting activities will be offered,” said Valerie Andersen, WNC public service librarian and college Earth Week event coordinator. Students, faculty and the public are invited to attend.

WNC Carson City and Fallon campuses are planning a number of activities to celebrate Earth Week while educating students and the public about the many ways to learn about and protect Mother Earth.

Carson City Campus activities:

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1 PM
Tree Planting -Dedication
A tree planting ceremony at the Carson City campus on Earth Day, Monday, April 22, sponsored by the Associated Students of Western Nevada. ASWN Senator and Student Ambassador Alan Carsey said a Spring Snow Crab tree will be planted outside the south end of the Bristlecone Building, near Student Services.
“It’s cool to have the power and chance to landscape at your college,” Carsey said. “The tree is really, really pretty and will bloom white flowers.”

TUESDAY, APRIL 23
Renewable Energy Exhibits/Alternative Fuel Vehicles Display
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
A variety of energy exhibits will be on the Carson City campus, west of the Dini Library & Student Center, next to the Child Development Center. WNC's renewable energy students will demonstrate different types of solar electric
systems, along with a solar oven. NV Energy's Renewable Generations trailer will be on campus with information about their renewable energy incentive programs, and solar, wind and solar hot water systems. Renewable energy exhibits will include Bently Biofuels, Sustainable Energy Solutions’ thermal hot water heaters, and TLC Integration Systems daylight harvesting systems (a more energy efficient type of skylight).

In addition, alternative fuel vehicles will be on display. Local car dealers will showcase their newest hybrid and electric vehicles, including the Chevy Volt, Ford Fusion, Toyota Prius and the Nissan Leaf.

Sustainability Related Exhibits
4:30 to 6 p.m.
Carson Nugget Community Hall Lobby
Expected exhibitors include WNC’s Sustainability and Recycling committees, The Greenhouse Project, Friends of Nevada Wilderness, Sierra Club, Muscle Power and Carson City Open Space, and more.

Science Lecture on Global Warming:
“Adapting in the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin “
6 p.m. Free Admission (Exhibits at 4:30 pm, doors open 5 pm)
Carson Nugget Community Hall - Aspen Building, Second floor.

Features Dr. Michael Dettinger of the U.S. Geological Survey National Research Program and Research Associate of Climate, Atmospheric Sciences at Scripps Institute. Sponsored by Sierra Nevada Forums and WNC Office of Student Life. Afterward, interested participants may meet the scientists at a $10 VIP wine reception. RSVP to Valerie Andersen at 445-3222 for wine reception.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25
Science Lecture: “Volcanoes, Earthquakes, and Tsunamis: The Violent History of Lake Tahoe” - 7 to 8:30 p.m., Marlette Hall, Cedar Building,
Free Admission
Have you ever wondered if Lake Tahoe could be affected by a destructive earthquake or volcanic eruption? Is a massive landslide and tsunami possible?

Western Nevada College Geology Professor Winnie Kortemeier will share the most recent scientific insight into the formation and history of Lake Tahoe. Bonus! Visit the recycling/sustainability booth for giveaways and a door prize ticket beforehand.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26 – 10 am - Noon
Local Food Tour: Carson City Community Garden and The Greenhouse Project
WNC students and staff will tour local public gardening projects in Carson City. Participants will carpool from the Çarson City campus. Free, but participants must preregister and sign liability forms. Contact Valerie Andersen at 445-3222 or Valerie.andersen@wnc.edu.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27 – 6-9 pm
Jack C. Davis Observatory – Carson City campus
Star Party, Lecture and Telescope Prize Giveaway

WNC students, staff and the public are invited to visit the observatory, enjoy warm drinks and snacks, courtesy of the Associated Students of Western Nevada College. The student association will also give away a 6” Dobsonian
reflector telescope with a beginner’s kit and a Barlow lens.

Alan Carsey, a WNC astronomy student and student senator/ambassador, said the group wants to encourage other WNC students and the public to learn about astronomy at the Jack C. Davis Observatory. He is also really excited that the students are giving away a telescope to someone who in turn can learn more about science and the stars.

“It’s something that if I was the recipient of the telescope, I would love to be able to have it,” Carsey said. “It’s a great piece of equipment. Reflector telescopes gather in a lot of starlight and it makes a great image. It’s also light and portable.”
Only those who attend the event are eligible to win the telescope.

Fallon Campus activities:
At the Fallon Campus, a number of activities on Friday, April 27, will focus on reusing and recycling to reduce waste. The day will begin with a campus cleanup. Later, WNC Professor Emeritus Bill Mewaldt will speak at 11 a.m. about organic gardening. Following the lecture, the Associated Students of Western Nevada will plant a tree on campus.

Throughout the week, the student government will encourage recycling of cans, bottles and plastics. Drawings for gift cards will take place at the scheduled events.
“We want our activities to symbolize our commitment to a greener world, and to reducing our carbon footprint,” said Edward Stahi, a Fallon campus student and ASWN representative who is organizing the events. “We’ll be talking about what we can do on a personal level in our daily lives.”