MESA, Arizona – April 13, 2026 – Mesa Community College invites the community to celebrate Earth Week with an expanding lineup of free, interactive events at both of its campuses. Open to the public, these free activities offer opportunities to engage with nature in new ways, participate in clothing swaps to refresh wardrobes and clean out closets, and learn practical tips on what and how to recycle. Events are designed to bring community members, students and employees together to connect and learn together. Activities will take place at the Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave., and the Red Mountain Campus, 7110 E. McKellips Road.

Friday, April 17,  8-11 a.m.
Southern and Dobson Campus: Greenhouse, Wildflower + Pollinator Garden
Pollinator Patrol: Participants will help maintain the Monarch Waystation and pollinator habitat. Tasks vary, and may include: weeding, planting, cleaning, labeling and recording data. Volunteer registration is requested. 

Saturday, April 18, 8-11:50 a.m.
Southern and Dobson Campus: Greenhouse, Wildflower + Pollinator Garden
Wings and Wonders Open House: Explore the Monarch Waystation and discover what’s flowering this season and learn how native plants support bees, beetles, butterflies and other essential pollinators. The Garden is located near the east side of the Health and Wellness building.  

Monday, April 20- Thursday April 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.,
Red Mountain Campus, Saguaro building lobby 
Clothing Swap: Trade your gently used men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories for new wears.

Monday, April 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Southern and Dobson Campus: Kirk Student Center Lobby
Seed Ball Making: Support pollinators and grow native gardens by making your own seed balls.

Tuesday, April 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Southern and Dobson Campus: Clocktower lawn
Trash-Ure Hunt: Join others in sorting MCC collection bins in support of the college's Recycling program. There will be music and giveaways. 

Wednesday, April 22, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Southern and Dobson Campus: Library
Free Electronics Recycling: Join us as we launch MCC’s eWaste Collection Bin in partnership with AZStRUT – making it easier than ever to recycle old electronics responsibly. Visit mesacc.libguides.com/sustainability_studies/ewasteto learn more about this new program.

Wednesday, April 22
Southern and Dobson Campus: 9-11 a.m., meet at clocktower 
Red Mountain Campus: 8:30-10:30 a.m., meet at Mesquite Building stairs
Campus Clean Up: Help us beautify our campuses.  

Thursday & Friday, April 23-24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Southern and Dobson Campus: Kirk Student Center lobby
Bags2Beds:  Help turn grocery bags into mats and pillows to donate to organizations supporting unhoused individuals.

Additional details about these events and others may be viewed online at mesacc.edu/about/sustainability/upcoming-events.

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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.