The Bristol Community College (BCC) Sustainability Program hosted a celebration on April 21, 2016 to mark Earth Day and to acknowledge the College’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and supporting the environment. A number of campus programs and community organizations, including Partners for a Healthier Community, set up exhibits and speakers addressed a mixed crowd of students and members of the community. In the past several years, BCC has expanded its commitment to sustainability through the installation of solar panels in several locations, including the “solar farm” on the roof of the canopy over the south parking lot; a windmill located on the north side of campus, and the opening later in 2016 of a new self-sustaining science building. Biology Professor James Corvin heads a an Associates Degree program in Sustainable Agriculture Program and a non-credit Master Gardener Program that helps local gardeners improve their skills and learn the best agricultural science for raising food sustainably. An SOS Club was founded five years ago by students in the Sustainable Agriculture program. Click here for a web page about the Club. For more information, contact James Corven or go to the Facebook page.

(Top row, left and right) BCC President Jack Sbrega and Massachusetts Representative Paul Schmid address the event participants. (Row two) Table displays include a sign for a Seeds of Sustainability May 4th plant sale, “green” light bulbs on display from Amergy Solar, and "green" do-it-yourself detergent ingredients. (Row three) President Sbrega talks with Biology Professor James Corvin, head of the BCC Sustainable Agriculture Program and Janice Velozo of Bike Fall River and Fall River Mass in Motion. (Bottom row) Nathan and Averyl Andrade from Healthy Futures Farm in Westport, BCC Environmental Science Professor Robert Rak, and Shanel Sinclair from Augusta St. Kitchen speak with Earth Day participants.