Natural Resources Days will take place this year from April 15 to May 2, and Warner College of Natural Resources is inviting the CSU community to learn about and celebrate the vital elements that make up the planet we call home.
NR Days were originally created as a weeklong celebration of Earth Month. This year, Warner College plans to expand its duration and incorporate over 15 fun and educational activities for students, faculty and staff to come together and celebrate.
Events will take place nearly every day in the Michael Smith Natural Resources Building, Sherwood Forest and across campus. Participants can test their natural resources knowledge at trivia at the Ramskeller and learn through research pop-ups, lightning talks and lunch-and-learns.
A closer look: Annual awards, scientific illustration and a nature film festival
A hallmark of NR Days is the annual All-College Awards Reception, which will take place 6-8 p.m. April 22 at the Lory Student Center Theatre. This event recognizes and commends exceptional faculty, staff, students and research within the College.
“Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily academia, these ceremonies serve as vital reminders to pause and celebrate the remarkable successes that enrich our community. I have never seen so many awards given anywhere else I’ve been – it is truly inspiring!” said Alonso A. Aguirre, dean of the Warner College of Natural Resources.
Awards will be presented by Aguirre, Warner department heads and Warner College Council. Warner faculty, staff and students are invited, and refreshments will be served.
The involvement of student organizations is integral to the success of NR Days with clubs hosting various activities throughout the month. Warner College Council will provide a pancake breakfast, community cleanup and makers market, while the Biological Illustration Guild will host a scientific illustration workshop.
“The scientific illustration workshop serves as an opportunity to brush up on skills such as field sketches that could be applied to labs or projects in class at Warner,” said Eli Crocker, an undergraduate student in the Department of Geosciences.
This hands-on event will be 3:30-5:30 p.m. April 25 in MSNR 142 and will provide instruction, specimens and supplies for students.
“Don’t be intimidated about coming, even if you have zero experience in art because this session is introductory, low-stakes and is meant to help rather than hurt,” reassured Crocker.
Marking the last day of NR Days is the Nature Fair & Film Festival, which will take place 12-3:30 p.m. May 2 in the Lory Student Center Theatre and Sutherland Garden.
Attendees will watch short films created by their CSU peers. The two categories for this nature-inspired film festival are Adventure and Natural Wonder. A winner from each category will be recognized with a prize of $1,000.
“The event is completely free and open to anyone,” said David Knight, a professor in the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and founder of the film festival. “We’ll be watching the finalists at noon in the Lory Student Center Theatre before heading outside into the courtyard to enjoy live music, free food (while supplies last!) and raffle prizes while interacting with 30+ nature organizations.”
NR Days symbolize the fundamental principles and ambitions upheld by Warner College of Natural Resources. The College is dedicated to nurturing a cohesive community, and initiatives such as NR Days represent both a testament to its heritage and a commitment to further growth.
NR Days schedule
College Council Pancake Breakfast
Monday, April 15, 9-11 a.m., Sherwood Forest
Research Pop-up: Super (Skills for Undergraduate Participation in Ecological Research)
Monday, April 15, 1-2:30 p.m., MSNR Atrium
Tuesday, April 16, 9:30-11 a.m., MSNR Atrium
Wednesday, April 17, 9:30-11 a.m., MSNR Atrium
Geospatial Science Career Day
Wednesday, April 17, 1-4 p.m., Morgan Library Room 173
Meet the Dean!
Wednesday, April 17, 5-6 p.m., MSNR 109
Natural Resources Trivia at Ramskeller Pub
Thursday, April 18, 5-7 p.m., Ramskeller Pub (Lory Student Center, Level 100)
Tree Campus Arbor Day Planting
Friday, April 19, 12-1 p.m., Corner of College & University
Happy Earth Day! Snack Bar
Monday, April 22, All day, MSNR Atrium
2024 Warner All-College Awards Reception
Monday, April 22, 6-8 p.m., Lory Student Center Theater
SDPS (Student Diversity Programs and Services) Office and Diverse Community Organizations
Tuesday, April 23, 5-6 p.m., Sherwood Forest
Women and Minoritized Genders Forest Congress Celebration
Tuesday, April 23, 5-8 p.m., MSNR 345
Makers Market
Wednesday, April 24, 5-6 p.m., MSNR 140
Scientific Illustration Workshop
Thursday April 25, 3:30-5:30 p.m., MSNR 142
Non-Traditional Student Social
Thursday, April 25, 5-6 p.m., Ramskeller Pub (Lory Student Center, Level 100)
What’s Up, Warner? Research Lightning Talks
Monday, April 29, 5-7 p.m., Avogadro’s Number (605 S. Mason St.)
Strategic Plan Open House
Tuesday, April 30, 1-3p.m., MSNR Atrium
Musk Ox Lunch & Learn With Dr. Joel Berger
Wednesday, May 1, 12-1 p.m., MSNR Atrium
CSU Student Nature Videos Film Festival & Nature Fair
Thursday, May 2, 12-3:30 p.m., Lory Student Center Theater (12-1 p.m.) and Sutherland Garden (1-3:30 p.m.)
Click here to view the full schedule and event details.
