Earthstock Returns to Stony Brook to Celebrate Earth and the Environment

Earthstock, Stony Brook University's annual Earth Day celebration, will take place from Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24, bringing together students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community to highlight sustainability, environmental awareness, and climate action.

Through interactive events, educational programs and campus-wide initiatives, Earthstock showcases Stony Brook's commitment to environmental stewardship while inspiring everyday sustainable practices. The event reflects the university's broader sustainability efforts, from energy conservation and recycling to research, education and community engagement, all aimed at building a more sustainable future.

The week begins Monday, April 20 with the keynote address delivered by Distinguished Service Professor of Anthropology and Herrnstein Professor of Conservation Biology Patricia Wright, the founder and director of the Centre ValBio Research Station in Madagascar and the founder and director of the Institute of Conservation of Tropical Environments.

Wright will be speaking on "Resilience in a Changing World," at 5 pm at the Charles B. Wang Center Theater. RSVP online.

Madagascar, an island nation rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, stands as a powerful example of resilience in a changing world. Facing challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and economic pressures, the country continues to adapt through community-driven conservation, sustainable agriculture, and innovative development strategies, but as conditions reach the tipping point, can Madagascar and its lemurs persevere? Wright outlines her journey from discovering new species of lemurs, establishing a national park, and going into the deep fossil history in Madagascar, to where we are today.

Water Fest 2026 will take place Wednesday, April 22, from 12:30-2 pm at the Academic Mall Fountain. This campus-wide celebration, hosted by the Provost's Office along with Student Affairs Vice President Rick Gatteau, is dedicated to exploring, celebrating, and deepening our understanding of water as an ecological, cultural, artistic, and social force.

The Earthstock Festival, Stony Brook's annual celebration of Earth Day, will wrap up the week's festivities on Friday, April 24 from 11 am to 3 pm on the Academic Mall. The Street Fair is the heart of Earthstock-a vibrant, festival-style celebration featuring student clubs, campus organizations, academic departments, live entertainment, interactive exhibits, and more.

View the full list of Earthstock events.