Saint Michael's College

"No Farm {Workers}, No Food"
2025-10-06 17:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Roy Room, Dion Family Student Center
Wondering about how much you impact the lives of undocumented immigrants? Anthropologist Teresa Mares will speak at SMC on Oct. 6 about the role of migrant labor in our economy, how deeply the food industry depends upon immigrants, and the lived experiences of migrant families here in Vermont.
This talk is sponsored by the Institute for the Environment, the Institute for Global Engagement, The Center for Diversity, Empowerment & Community, and MOVE.

Goodnight Garden
2025-10-22 14:00 - 17:00 | Teaching Gardens
Join the Ecological Restoration Crew as they put the Teaching Gardens to bed for the winter! Come enjoy fresh air and fall snacks!

Goodnight Farm & Garlic Planting
2025-10-24 14:00 - 17:00 | The Farm
Join the farm crew as they put the farm to bed for the winter and celebrate the 10th growing season with a delicious meal!

Community & Networking Event: Dale Bell and the Journey of the Black Farmer from Sharecropping to Black Farmer Prosperity
2026-01-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Pomerleau Alumni Center
Dale Bell is the Associate Programs Director for Comprehensive Community Development at Edmundite Missions in Selma, Alabama. He invites the Vermont farming and food community to gather to build connections and support the Black Farmer Initiative in Rural Alabama.
Dale will speak on “Planting New Seeds: the Journey of the Black Farmer from Sharecropping to Black Farmer Prosperity.”
This presentation traces the transformation of Black farmers from the era of sharecropping – where many worked land they did not own under exploitative conditions – to the modern pursuit of land ownership, agricultural independence, and economic stability. Grounded in the teachings of Dr. King and the work of the Edmundite Missions, it examines the challenges Black farmers have historically faced, including limited access to resources, discriminatory lending practices, and generational barriers to ownership. Despite these obstacles, the narrative emphasizes the resilience, skill, and determination of Black agricultural communities as they reclaim their agricultural legacy. New initiatives, including impact grants, heirs property workshops, entrepreneurship training and community programs, are helping to support and empower Black farmers by expanding access to equipment, education, capital, and land. Through these efforts, Black farmers are planting new seeds of opportunity – transforming historical hardship into modern prosperity and building a stronger, more equitable future in agriculture.

Branching Out Symposium
2026-01-29 17:30 - 20:30
The Leahy Institute for Environment is hosting the inaugural Branching Out Symposium—an evening of presentations and celebration focused on Teaching, Learning, and Leadership in, for, and about the environment. The event will be held January 29th from 5:30–8:30 p.m. in the Roy Room.
The goal of the event is to uplift the work of students, faculty and staff, and highlight the many ways we learn about and care for the environment —across fields, disciplines, and lived experiences. The Leahy Instittue for the Environment looks forward to showcasing work that may not be traditionally labeled “environmental” but speaks to themes of sustainability, justice, community, identity, or our relationships with place. Alumni and local business partners are invited to join us for networking, conversation, and community building around shared environmental values and practices.
Full Event Schedule
5:30-6:30pm
Enjoy light snacks and refreshments while connecting with local alumni and community businesses during an informal networking opportunity
6:00-7:00pm
Kick off the evening with a warm welcome from Kristyn Achilich, Director of the Leahy Institute for the Environment, and hear from student speaker(s) as we transition into a dynamic series of presentations that showcase their work and perspectives.
7:10-8:00pm
Explore the poster session through an interactive gallery walk, with time to mingle, ask questions, and connect with presenters.
8:00-8:30pm
Join local alumni and local businesses for an engaging networking session with time to mingle, share ideas, and build meaningful connections.

Care for Our Common Home Lecture: Understanding Climate Tipping Points
2026-02-03 17:00 - 18:00 | Cheray Science Hall, VT
Join us on Tuesday, February 3rd at 5:00 p.m. in Cheray 111, as we open the Care for Our Common Home Speaker Series with a talk that lays the foundation for understanding the climate challenges shaping our shared future. This kickoff event explores the climate impacts already affecting communities worldwide and here in Vermont—from extreme rainfall and flooding to shifting seasons and stressed ecosystems. The talk then turns to one of today’s most significant emerging climate risks: the potential weakening or collapse of major ocean current systems that helps regulate global temperatures and weather patterns. This event sets the stage for our series, hosted by Dr. Brandon Montemuro, by connecting global climate science to local realities—and to our responsibility to care for our common home.

Living Laudato Si: Climate Literacy through The Lenses of Vulnerability & Inclusion
2026-02-10 17:00 - 18:30 | Cheray Science Hall, VT
The second event in the ‘Care for Our Common Home” Lecture Series – This lecture from Dr. Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux, Distinguished Professor at the University of Vermont & Vermont State Climatologist, explores inclusive approaches to climate change education that center human and geographic vulnerability and draw on diverse ways of knowing.
February 10th, 2026 | 5:00-6:30pm | Cheray Science Hall, Room 111

Proctor Maple Research Center Site Visit
2026-03-04 12:00 - 16:00 | Institute for the Environment, Saint Edmund’s Hall
Join Institute for the Environment staff for a tour of the oldest maple research center in the world, in Underhill, VT.
March 4th, 2026 | Meet in the Institute for the Environment (STE119) at 12pm — buses will leave shortly after. The site visit will be from 1-3pm — buses will return back to SMC around 4pm.
Click the link to express interest in attending the trip, 30 people maximum: https://forms.clickup.com/9006078693/f/8ccvpq5-27014/ONH2UL7IOE3LPNHNEE
You must reply to the interest form to attend the trip! The Institute for the Environment will be in touch with attendees closer to the event with more details!

Climate Conversation: Film Screening & Discussion
2026-03-26 16:00 - 18:30 | Institute for the Environment, Saint Edmund’s Hall
We invite you to a climate-focused film screening and facilitated discussion, with Environmental Studies & Science Professors, Trevien Stanger and Alexandra Harden, and Anthropology & Sociology Professor, Jason Hirsch, exploring how climate change is shaping lives, landscapes, and shared responsibility.
March 26th, 2026 | 4:00-6:30pm | The Institute for the Environment (STE119)
