Northern Michigan University is celebrating its 12th annual Anderton’s Earth Week, running from April 19 to April 26. The celebration honors the late Dr. John Anderton, a former professor known for his deep connection to the Upper Peninsula and his dedication to experiential learning. By turning the campus and surrounding area into a living classroom, the week seeks to bridge the gap between academic study and the physical environment, encouraging participants to engage with nature as active researchers rather than passive observers.
Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt, Interim Head of the Department of Earth, Environmental & Geographical Sciences, views the week as a vital catalyst for environmental stewardship. She notes that the current campus efforts mirror the original 1970 Earth Day movement, which transformed grassroots social action into significant national policy like the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. For the department, these activities represent a collaborative effort to understand earth systems and find practical solutions to environmental challenges through direct community involvement.
Student leadership is the primary driver behind the more than 30 events scheduled throughout the week. Representatives from campus organizations such as EcoReps, SHINE, and GTU have curated a diverse lineup designed to foster a sense of belonging and well-being. Activities range from traditional ecological pursuits like foraging and maple syrup-making to less conventional offerings, including "embodying earth" yoga at Presque Isle and bouldering sessions paired with shirt upcycling at Wetmore Landing.
Practical sustainability is a major focus, particularly through the "Stuff Swap" held over the final two weekends of the celebration. To combat the waste typically generated during the end-of-semester move-out, student organizers have established drop-off locations across campus to encourage upcycling and resource sharing. This initiative, alongside statewide biomonitoring presentations, highlights the university's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while connecting local efforts to broader regional impacts.
Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Mittlefehldt, along with NMU students Taryn Andersen, Chloe Ravenscraft, and Maya Bubolz, about Anderton's Earth Week:
All Earth Week events are free and open to the public, reflecting a core goal of making environmental education accessible to everyone, regardless of their scientific background. Organizers emphasize that the movement's strength lies in collective action and in finding common ground through shared experiences. Those interested in participating can find the full schedule of events on the NMU Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences website or via posters and QR codes displayed throughout the Marquette community.
