Linnea Noeldner-
On Tuesday, April 22nd, at 11:30 a.m. during Chapel break, the Earth Day events will kick off with the official dedication of the Arbor View Solar Field, followed by the third annual Earth Day Campus Clean-Up beginning at 3:30 p.m.
The solar field, located at Arbor View, is a 1-megawatt system that provides approximately 10% of the campus’s electricity. The dedication ceremony will feature President Rebecca Bergman, Mayor Shanon Nowell of St. Peter, campus project leaders, and students. It will also feature a performance from the Justice Choir. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, attendees will also get a chance to view the solar panels up close and learn more about the project, which has been in the works for more than five years.
Later in the day, Gusties can roll up their sleeves and the focus turns to action with the third annual Earth Day Campus Clean-Up, open to all Gustavus students, staff, and faculty. Volunteers will gather at John’s Courtyard at 3:30 p.m. before dispersing for activities such as preparing garden beds at Big Hill Farm, picking up trash around campus and the Arboretum, and sorting plastic recycling indoors.
“The campus clean-up is a fun, easy way to learn more about sustainability efforts and do something tangible to help on campus, as well as enjoy the fresh air and get outside!” Wallin said.
The installation of the solar array marks a major step forward in the college’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. For those involved in the project over the past several years, the launch of the solar field is not just a technical milestone, it’s a symbol of a sustained and community-driven effort.
“This is a pivotal year for sustainability at Gustavus as we bring the solar field online. It’s now the largest source of renewable energy on campus, with 10% of our electricity.” Sustainability Director Kari Wallin said.
This year’s event also introduces a new feature to make the experience even more fun and rewarding. In addition to volunteering with the clean-up, there is another objective for Gusties to focus on.
“New this year, we have a medallion hunt where the winner(s) will get a prize!” Sustainability Intern and Senior Emma Forsyth said.
The event will include a medallion hunt with prizes and will go on rain or shine. Afterward, all participants are invited back to John’s Courtyard for free sandwiches, snacks, and free Earth Day t-shirts that will be handed out.
“We are bringing together the entire campus–students, professors, and employees–together for a community event that will make our campus even more beautiful,” Forsyth said.
Gustavus has taken steps to become more sustainable and environmentally aware with the composting around campus and take-away containers over the years. An Earth Day celebration is another reminder of Gustavus putting their best foot forward and trying. The collective efforts of students, faculty, and staff can make a change both on and off campus.
For many Gusties, participating in the Earth Day Clean-Up can be about more than just service. It’s a way to connect with the land, with friends, and/or with the mission of the College. It can be a reminder that making a difference doesn’t always require grand gestures; sometimes it looks like picking up a plastic bottle, digging into garden soil, or following a trail of clues in search of a medallion.
The Arbor View Solar Field and Earth Day Campus Clean-Up are not just isolated events–they represent a larger cultural shift on campus. Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword but a central pillar of the Gustavus experience. From the introduction of composting and reusable containers in dining halls to student-led projects on campus energy use, environmental stewardship is woven into every corner of campus life.
Whether it’s witnessing the ribbon cutting at the solar field, picking up trash with friends, or learning a new fact at the trivia table, the goal remains simple: honor the planet and come together to make a difference.