Mars Hill University Celebrates Earth Week with Film Festival, Outdoor Yoga, and Ecological Education
Events run April 21-26 and are free and open to the public
Mars Hill, NC (04/15/2025) — Mars Hill University will mark Earth Week 2025 with a diverse lineup of events from April 21 through 26, blending environmental education, outdoor experiences, and creative expression. The week is hosted by the university's Environmental Action Club, with support from the Appalachian Studies and Environmental Studies programs.
Among the highlights: a free environmental film festival, an Arbor Day tree dedication tied to NASA's Artemis I mission, and a guided walk exploring plants and lichens on Bailey Mountain.
"Many students on campus, especially in the environmental club, have worked hard to bring this broad range of free events to share with the community. We hope we are offering the chance to connect-with the natural world, with each other, and with ideas that inspire both action and reflection," said Laura Boggess, Ph.D., a biology professor and coordinator of the environmental studies program, who is leading several of the week's activities.
Earth Week 2025: Event Highlights
Outdoor Yoga in the Sunken Garden
Monday, April 21, 5 p.m.
This grounding flow class welcomes all experience levels and will honor our roots in the natural world. Participants are encouraged to bring a mat (extras available). In case of rain, the session will move indoors to The Breathing Room (Marshbanks 101).
Earth Day Celebration: Rock Painting & Pot-a-Plant
Tuesday, April 22, 12:30-2 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day with rock painting and "Tiny Sprouts," a pot-your-own-plant activity, outside the arbor near Marshbanks.
Sunset Plant & Lichen Walk on Bailey Mountain
Wednesday, April 23, 7 p.m.
Explore the nature trail loop (approximately 1 mile) with a sensory-focused walk led by Dr. Boggess, a lichenologist and naturalist and MHU professor. Wear good shoes, and bring a notebook and bottle of water.
Earth Week Mini Film Festival & Panel Discussion
Thursday, April 24, 6 p.m.
Ferguson Health Sciences Center, Room 306
Two films will anchor this free community event:
- "The Last Dragons" (10 min): A visually striking look at the eastern hellbender, North America's largest salamander.
- "Paradise" (71 min): A new documentary by Garrett R. Martin about Joe Hollis, founder of Mountain Gardens in Yancey County, home to the largest collection of native Appalachian and Chinese medicinal herbs in the Eastern U.S.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Will Ternes, hellbender biologist, and Janet Kent and Dave Meesters, herbalists and co-chairs of the Mountain Gardens board of directors.
Arbor Day Moon Tree Ribbon Cutting
Friday, April 25, 2:30 p.m.
Celebrate Arbor Day with a special ceremony inaugurating MHU's Moon Tree, grown from seeds that traveled aboard NASA's Artemis I mission. Located near the Carter-Humphrey Guest House (near the intersection of Athletic Street and Bailey Street).
Roan Mountain Service Trip
Saturday, April 26, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Volunteers will support local conservation efforts on Roan Mountain, including red spruce restoration. Open to MHU community only; participants should meet in the Wall parking lot. Contact Dr. Boggess for details.
All events except the Roan Mountain trip are free and open to the public.
Media Attachments
Laura Boggess