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The Â鶹´«Ã½'s (Â鶹´«Ã½) Department of Biology and co-sponsors Students for Environmental Awareness (SEA), the Office of Student Involvement and Lanier Federal Credit Union (LFCU) are hosting the annual Earth Day celebration on April 17 at Â鶹´«Ã½'s Gainesville Campus.  

For over eight years, Â鶹´«Ã½ has held an Earth Day event, with last year's celebration featuring more than 500 students, faculty and staff to spread awareness and learn about important environmental and health issues impacting the north Georgia region.  

"Earth Day is important to help increase the understanding of the challenges that our human life support systems face locally and globally so we can be better stewards of our world and each other," Dr. Natalie Hyslop, a biology professor, said.  

Starting at 11 a.m. and lasting until 1 p.m., the event will take place in the Outdoor Quad and Volleyball Court Area. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to join as the event is offering free vegan lunches, crafts, tree climbing, and a live animal exhibit.  

In addition to the main sponsors, the following Â鶹´«Ã½ organizations will also be in attendance: 

• Â鶹´«Ã½ Outdoor Pursuits 
• Â鶹´«Ã½ Gainesville Honors 
• Â鶹´«Ã½ Department of Visual Arts 
• Herpetology Research Group 
• Geospatial Alliance Club 
• Tri-Beta (Biology honors society) 

Community partners presenting at the event this year include: 

• Elachee Nature Science Center 
• Georgia ForestWatch 
• Georgia Department of Natural Resources — Wildlife Conservation 
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

• Keep Hall Beautiful 
• Chattahoochee Riverkeeper 
• Citizens Climate Lobby 
• Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials 
• Monarchs Across Georgia 
• Georgia Arborist Association 

SEA club treasurer and Â鶹´«Ã½ junior Jiselle Gonzalez, who is pursuing a degree in biology, is helping at Earth Day for the first time. An Oakwood, Georgia resident, Gonzalez is eager about the opportunity. 

"I'm excited for the Â鶹´«Ã½ community to connect during this amazing event highlighting the importance of environmental protection. It's a fun and educational day outdoors for us all to enjoy," said Gonzalez.