The Student Center was filled Tuesday with students participating in Earth Day activities.

Over 50 booths were lined up across the second floor, including several Kent State programs and volunteer organizations. Some of the tables quizzed students on sustainability-related facts, while others had activities such as seed planting.

The Earth Fest event was organized by the Earth Month Planning Committee and the Office of Sustainability and included booths from the Akron Zoo, Herrick Conservatory and Sustainability Club, Summit Metro Parks and many more.

Set up near the entrance was the Socially Responsible Sweatshop, a non-profit focused on turning landfill-destined materials into hand-crafted items.

“We give 100% of the money to food insecurity projects, like Kent Social Services, we gave them $70,000 dollars last year,” said Mary Ann Kasper, one of the representatives at the booth today. “If you buy something from us, you know the money’s going to help feed someone.”

Kasper added that everyone is welcome to volunteer, and current members participate in the non-profit because they love the community and helping those in need.

One row down, Cuyahoga Valley National Park shared information from their booth regarding rivers, wetlands and forests, as well as what makes the national park special.

“We are kind of unique as a national park in that we are around some populated areas,” said Kelsie Hengle, a representative for the park.

They offered different options for participation at the booth, including questions to students about where they feel most comfortable or the most relaxed in the park.

For Emily Pellegrini, one of the reserve managers at the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, the Earth Fest event was important to spread the word about the programs offered.

“We have all sorts of information, pamphlets, trail maps for some of our local ones in Portage Country, and statewide maps,” Pellegrini said. “We’ve got information on some of our events that are coming up too, such as the guided wildflower hikes.”

The booth offered the option for interested students to check the Cuyahoga Valley National Park newsletter for more information on programs, as well as encouraged volunteering from students.

Kayla Gleason is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].