Towns of Rockland County, NY

(SPARKILL, N.Y. — April 19, 2022) In just four days, St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) will host “STAC Springs to Life: An Earth Day Celebration” on Saturday, April 23 from 12 PM – 6 PM to celebrate Earth Day 2022. This free event is open to the public of all ages.

Led and organized by STAC students from the School of Business and the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the event will showcase STAC’s commitment to the importance of sustainability, the environment, and respecting our planet through the creation of innovative experiences that fuel dialogue and inspire change. 

“Our students are increasingly aware of environmental issues, such as the effects of plastic waste, threats to water quality and availability, global climate change and associated extreme weather events,” said Dr. Bianca Wentzell, STAC Dean of the School of STEM. “They recognize that we cannot solve these issues without clear and respectful communication, compromise, and culture change. One of the first steps toward finding solutions is bringing members of the community together to learn, hear each other’s perspectives, concerns, and get inspired by what we all bring to the table.”

There will be activities for all ages that will highlight four key areas:

• Discovery World – Discover many fascinating things about our planet through various organizations, clubs, students and faculty. Our world will showcase the following – The Sparkill Creek Watershed Alliance, The Rockland Conservation and Service Corps (RCSC), and STAC faculty member, Dr. Dent. Dr. Dent will showcase how the carbon dioxide acidifies our waterways which has a direct effect on wildlife.

• Flora and Fauna – Featuring nature-themed activities such as pot painting/seed planting and a chance to learn more about reptiles during Erik’s Reptile Edventures Show. Join the Dean of the School of STEM, Dr. Bianca Wentzell in a plant identification demonstration. Take a nature walk and learn how to keep yourself and your family safe, while learning to appreciate the flora found throughout the area we call home.

• Tinkerland – A place where kids of all ages can come get creative. Get your free STEM kits, make your own headphones and grow your own crystal garden. Paint and decorate bird feeders and wind chimes. Bach to Rock will be there with their Instrument Petting Zoo.

• The Pantry – Here you can touch, taste, and see locally sourced produce and enjoy food and beverages from local vendors. We will also have a cooking demonstration from Executive Chef Jack Kiggns who will talk you through how to source local grown food and avoid waste when cooking. NJ Composting Council will share the benefits of composting. A dietician will also be on hand to talk us through the many benefits of healthy eating and the plant-based diet. Rockland Bee Club will also be here with an observation beehive and a sample bee hive. 

To view a full list of events, please visit https://www.stac.edu/earth-day. This event will be held on the front lawn on STAC’s Sparkill campus located at 125 Route 340.