Explore Sustainability in Action
Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, in Thomas P. Clement Hall for HCC's 2026 Sustainability Day. Explore the many ways environmental stewardship makes a difference and connect with local organizations and county departments working toward a more sustainable future.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visit informational tables hosted by community partners and learn about their sustainability initiatives. You can also participate in a variety of workshops and presentations to explore sustainability topics in greater depth.
HCC employees who attend may also be eligible to earn professional development credits (check back soon for more information).
Workshop Schedule
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11–11:30 a.m.: Sustainability Can Save You Money as Well!
This workshop will showcase the various programs available to lower your electricity usage and help the environment.
Location: TCH 211
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11–11:45 a.m.: Permaculture 101: Observe & Interact Learning
This beginner-friendly workshop introduces participants to permaculture through its three core ethics — Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share — and its first design principle, Observe and Interact. Rather than learning only in a classroom, participants will use the beautiful native landscape surrounding Thomas P. Clement Hall as a living classroom.
Together, we will walk through the gardens and practice observing plants, wildlife, sunlight, water, microclimates, and the relationships that exist within the landscape. Participants will explore how careful observation can help us better understand and care for a space before deciding how to change it. No gardening or permaculture experience is required.
Location: TCH 111
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12:30–2 p.m.: Dragon Trail Tour
HCC Grounds Supervisor, Eric Wright, will lead a walk on the newly improved Dragon Trail! The Dragon Trail provides a unique opportunity to experience a more natural side of our campus. This is a wilderness trail with an unpaved dirt path, so please plan accordingly. Walkers will encounter uneven terrain, exposed tree roots, and areas that are still being improved.
Location: Meet at the fountain outside of Clark Library
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2–3 p.m.: A Greener Goodbye – Natural Burial Choices & Nature Preserves
Explore the growing movement and field of green burial as a more sustainable and meaningful alternative to conventional practices. Natural burials can positively impact conservation and restoration efforts while positively affecting water quality and habitat!
The session examines common misconceptions about modern end-of-life practices, considers their effects on the environment and our cultural connection to nature, all grounded in historical context. Participants are invited to reflect on death, remembrance, and land stewardship and consider how end-of-life decisions have a lasting impact on the environment.
Location: TCH 109
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2–2:30 p.m.: Take a Step into Climate STEPS
In this workshop, education staff and volunteers will demonstrate how the Conservancy teaches high school students about issues related to climate change and sustainability. The Conservancy is always seeking adult volunteers who would like to participate in this effort.
Location: TCH 211
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2–3 p.m.: Flax Straw to Linen Thread: How You Turn a Plant into a Garment
In this workshop, instructors will demonstrate how bast fibers from plants are turned into linen cloth. They will also teach about sustainable fashion choices and why we need to be mindful about the clothing we choose. Garden to Garment Textile Gardens is a non-profit, 5 organization partnership dedicated to educating people about sustainable textiles and clothing.
Our demonstration gardens, where we grow flax, cotton, dogbane, nettle, and swamp milkweed for textile fibers are at CEI’s Freetown Farm. University of MD Extension Master Gardeners grow the crops. Chesapeake Fibershed does the training. Transition Howard County Repair Cafe volunteers make our equipment. The Chesapeake Region Lace Guild helps with spinning and weaving the fibers into textiles.
Location: TCH 111
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2–3 p.m.: Plastic “Chemical Recycling” Is Not Recycling
In this workshop, we will discuss what “chemical recycling” is and isn’t, the cost-benefit analysis of these purported plastic recycling technologies, the costs to human and environmental health, and the local concern with the W.R. Grace Chemical Company regarding its plastic pyrolysis pilot facility.
Location: TCH 209
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2:30–3 p.m.: Beyond the Thermostat – Switching to Clean Energy
Civic Works will discuss how Howard County residents can save energy from our no cost energy saving programs to our discounted solar offerings, which includes helping people subscribed to community solar or getting discounted rooftop solar.
Location: TCH 205
Volunteers Needed
Help make HCC Campus Sustainability Day a success! Volunteers are needed to help with setup, welcome and direct visitors, and clean up after the event. Sign up to volunteer and help create a welcoming, engaging experience for everyone. Thank you for your support!
Please note that plants, seeds, and other giveaways will be distributed while supplies last.
Event Photography: Howard Community College reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at this event without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. You further authorize the College to use this content in any manner the College so chooses, without restriction as to frequency or duration of use.
Questions? If you have any questions about Sustainability Day, please contact Belinda Green at BGreen@HowardCC.edu.
