Skip to main content

Fifty years ago, U-M held the nation’s first “Environmental Teach-In”, which drew more than 15,000 participants. It served as a model for the events of the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Today, concerns about our environment are more urgent than ever. Earth Day at 50 is a special year dedicated to bringing the U-M campus and community partners together to explore the impact we are currently making on sustainability and how we can rise to the challenge of creating a better future for our planet.

Planned highlights include: Earthfest, an LSA Theme Semester, and featured speakers and topics at the Wege Lecture, the culminating Earth Day teach-in and other major university events.

ABOUT EARTH DAY AT 50 »

Events

All Events

News & Features

All news & features

U-M has a longstanding commitment to the environment and sustainability in education, research, operations, and engagement. It is vital that we continue to explore and implement new solutions to address these challenges from every angle.

President Mark S. Schlissel

Learn more about sustainability at U-M and the U-M President's Commission on Carbon Neutrality.

Our History

From the first forestry class to creating a model for the first Earth Day and developing the first academic program in environmental justice, the U-M community has a long history of being pioneers in the field.

The work of these passionate leaders has laid a bold foundation that is now inspiring the next generation.

Historical image from the first 'Earth Day' at U-M