Office of Sustainability, MVP to Host 'Rock the Campus' event


The University of Houston community is invited to help celebrate Arbor Day with a special “Rock the Campus” community service event Friday, Nov. 6.

The event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be hosted by the Metropolitan Volunteer Program in conjunction with the Office of Sustainability, Facilities Services, the UH Homecoming Board and Citizenship Month Houston. Volunteers can assist in gardening, landscaping, planting trees, tree mulching and cleanup projects at several locations throughout campus. All volunteers will receive lunch and a “Rock the Campus” T-shirt.

“This is our second year in partnering with the Office of Sustainability for this event, and we’re very excited,” said Chris Pinto, director of the Metropolitan Volunteer Program. “We hope this will provide a unique experience to the campus community, reflecting on service learning and awareness.”

This year’s Rock the Campus event is also part of a campaign led by the Office of Sustainability for Tree Campus USA certification by the Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree Campus USA program recognizes colleges and universities that effectively manage their campus trees, strive to engage students in pursuing learning opportunities centered on community forestry efforts and work with the community beyond campus to foster healthy urban forests.

“Trees provide shade, beauty, carbon sequestration and reduced energy demand. It’s vital to properly care for these gifts from nature to ensure lasting benefits,” said Sarah Kelly, program manager for the Office of Sustainability. “Universities certified through the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus USA program ensure that tree resilience and engagement are institutional priorities. Becoming certified through the program will solidify UH’s commitment to tree care and nature education.”

Kelly will host a discussion about the importance of Arbor Day and the Tree Campus USA certification at noon. The Office of Sustainability will also have a table at the event where they will perform recycle-sorting demonstrations.  

To sign up, visit the “Rock the Campus” event page online. Volunteers may also register the day of the event at the check-in tent at Butler Plaza, but online registration is encouraged. Volunteers can sign up for the following shifts:

  • 9 to 11 a.m. – mulching live oaks at the Student Center
  • 10 a.m. to noon – planting lemon trees at the Campus Community Garden
  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – weeding beds at Butler Plaza

Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing, close-toed shoes and bring a reusable water bottle. Bug spray, sunscreen, gloves and tools will be provided.

MVP will also host a block party during the event from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lynn Eusan Park.