The Austin Community College District invites the college and community to take part in events that promote environmental awareness during the month of April.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate what the planet does for us – it makes life possible – as well as educate ourselves about how to be responsible caretakers for the Earth,” says Dr. George Staff, chair of the Department of Environmental Science and Technology.

This month’s events include:

Sustainability Fair

Thursday, April 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Rio Grande Campus (1212 Rio Grande St.), main building student lounge

Students for Environmental Outreach will host a Sustainability Fair focusing on sustainable living, food, and gardening. The event will feature trivia and information booths.

ACC Professor Brings Clean Water to Africa

Friday, April 15, 6-8:15 p.m.

Northridge Campus (11928 Stonehollow Dr.), Building 4000 auditorium

Dr. Bruce Darling, adjunct associate professor of geology, will discuss his recent trip to Africa, where he scouted safe, sustainable water sources for villagers in rural Kenya (presentation 7-7:45 p.m.). Attendees can visit booths with information about water resources (event hosted by Students for Environmental Outreach and the Department of Physical Sciences).

Earth Fair

Monday, April 18, 6-8:30 p.m.

Eastview Campus (3401 Webberville Rd.), Room 8500

ACC’s Center for Public Policy and Political Studies, Center for Student Political Studies, and the Department of History are sponsoring an Earth Fair with a variety of speakers and exhibits. Participants can find out steps they can take to positively impact the environment.

Star Party

Friday, April 29, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Round Rock Campus (4400 College Park Drive), Room 2131/Building 3000

This event provides an opportunity to check out the wonders of the sky. Austin Planetarium staff will demonstrate the “Discovery Dome,” a digital mobile planetarium, and Professor Jim Heath will talk about extraterrestrial life and answer questions. Telescopes will be set up on the new observation deck atop ACC Round Rock’s Building 3000, for viewing of planets and other celestial objects (provided the sky is clear).