The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is preparing for its annual Earth Day observance with a community cleanup effort along Coleman Creek, scheduled for April 22, 2025. The initiative brings together students, faculty, and local volunteers to address litter and debris in the urban waterway that runs through campus.
Organized by the UA Little Rock Sustainability Club in partnership with the Kappa Sigma fraternity and university staff, the event aims to promote environmental stewardship while improving the health of the creek, which serves as a natural habitat and stormwater management feature for the surrounding area.
According to the university’s official sustainability office, volunteers will gather at 9:00 a.m. Near the Coleman Creek trailhead adjacent to the Jack Stephens Center, with cleanup supplies including gloves, trash bags, and grabbers provided on-site. The activity is expected to last approximately three hours.
Campus-Led Effort to Protect Urban Waterway
Coleman Creek, a tributary of the Arkansas River, flows through the heart of UA Little Rock’s campus and has been the focus of ongoing environmental monitoring and restoration efforts. Over the years, the Sustainability Club has led multiple cleanups to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff and litter accumulation.
“This creek is more than just a drainage feature—it’s part of our campus ecosystem,” said Maya Thompson, president of the UA Little Rock Sustainability Club, in a statement shared with university communications. “Keeping it clean helps protect wildlife, prevents flooding, and shows our commitment to sustainability.”
The Kappa Sigma fraternity has participated in the event for the past three years, with members contributing both manpower and logistical support. Fraternity representatives noted that community service aligns with their national values of fellowship and civic engagement.
Volunteer Participation and Safety Measures
University officials encourage students, staff, and members of the public to join the cleanup. No prior experience is required, and participants will receive a brief safety orientation before beginning work. All volunteers will be asked to sign a liability waiver, which is standard practice for university-sponsored outdoor activities.
In past years, similar events have drawn between 50 and 75 volunteers, according to data from the university’s sustainability office. Organizers hope to match or exceed that turnout this year, particularly as Earth Day falls on a Tuesday, potentially increasing student availability.
Collected waste will be sorted for recycling where possible, with non-recyclable debris disposed of through the city’s municipal waste system. The university partners with Facilities Management to ensure proper handling and documentation of materials gathered.
Broader Context of Campus Sustainability Initiatives
The Coleman Creek cleanup is one of several Earth Week activities planned by UA Little Rock, which also include a tree-planting ceremony, a sustainability fair, and educational workshops on composting and energy conservation. These events are coordinated through the Office of Campus Sustainability, which reports to the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration.
UA Little Rock has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus USA institution and maintains a STARS Bronze rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The university’s sustainability strategic plan includes goals to reduce waste, conserve water, and expand green spaces across campus by 2030.
Environmental science faculty often apply the creek as a living laboratory for students studying hydrology, urban ecology, and pollution mitigation. Data collected during cleanups occasionally supports student research projects and coursework.
What Comes Next
Following the Earth Day cleanup, the Sustainability Club plans to assess the volume and type of waste collected to inform future outreach and prevention strategies. Results may be shared during a campus sustainability forum later in the spring.
The university encourages ongoing engagement with its environmental initiatives through volunteer opportunities, internships, and academic programs focused on sustainability. Those interested in participating or learning more can visit the UA Little Rock Sustainability Office website or contact the office directly via email.
If you took part in the cleanup or have ideas for improving campus environmental efforts, consider sharing your experience in the comments below. Feel free to share this article to support spread awareness about local sustainability actions.
