BEMIDJI, Minn. (April 11, 2011) — Bemidji State University’s Sustainability Office will host a week of activities for Earth Week, beginning Monday, April 18, with additional special events to celebrate Earth Day on April 20.

“Pre-Earth Week” – Friday, April 15
4 p.m. – Marc Huot, research and policy analyst from Pembina Institute, Alberta, Canada, presenting on Alberta tar sands. Hagg-Sauer 100; free admission.
7 p.m. – Panel discussion on North American energy options for the next 50 years. Huot leads a panel discussion with nine energy experts from across Minnesota, including energy specialists, policy analysts, researchers and industry leaders. The discussion will feature opportunities for public discussion. Hagg-Sauer 100; free admission.

Monday, April 18
11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Learn gardening tips from a master gardener. Scandanavian Room, lower Hobson Memorial Union.
5 p.m. – Bike ride around Lake Bemidji departs from Diamond Point Park boathouse. Helmets required. Helmets and bikes available if needed. Riders under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
7 p.m. – Bemidji City Council meeting; agenda includes discussion of addition of solar panels to Bemidji’s Sanford Center. Meeting will be held at City Hall in Bemidji; open to the public.

Tuesday, April 19
9 a.m. – garden project at Berg Property, south of BSU’s Laurel House by the parking meters.
6:30-8:30 p.m. – Traditional Skills workshop. Learn how to make your own soy milk, flatbread and noodles. Linden Hall, $7 for materials. Sign up in the Sustainability Office in BSU’s lower Hobson Memorial Union or call (218) 755-2560.

Wednesday, April 20 – Earth Day
Earth Day celebration in the courtyard between BSU’s upper and lower Hobson Memorial Unions from 5-8 p.m. Activities include free Henna tattoos, free buffalo burgers and food, $3 and free for all students with valid IDs, games, bike tune ups, live music and a farmer’s market.

Thursday, April 21
7 p.m. – Film screening, “Green Fire.” The film is a documentary exploring the life of Aldo Leopold, widely considered to be one of the 20th century’s more important conservationists. Leopold is the author of “A Sand County Almanac,” a 1949 book recounting his experiences as a park ranger and regarded as a keystone of the conservationist movement. “Green Fire” explores his personal journey of observation and understanding, revealing how his ideas for conservation resonate today with people across the entire American landscape, from the inner city to the most remote wildlands. The film will be shown in Ed-Arts 115; admission is free.

Friday, April 22
“Honor the Earth” celebration

Monday, April 25
5-7 p.m. – Lake Bemidji shoreline cleanup. Participants can meet at either the boathouse in Diamond Point Park or the Paul and Babe statues downtown, and will work their way toward campus. Trash bags and gloves will be provided, and a group photo will be taken after the cleanup.

Bemidji State’s Earth Week activities are sponsored by Bemidji State’s Sustainability Office, Students for the Environment and by funds generated by the University’s student green fee.

For more information, contact Erika Bailey-Johnson, Bemidji State University sustainability coordinator, at (218) 755-2560.