From Maryland to Korea: Local impact, global service and sustainability
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) observed Earth Day 2026 with events around the world, including a community gathering at its Adelphi, Maryland, headquarters. Participants learned about sustainability, deposited documents for shredding, discussed recycling practices, and celebrated nature and conservation. Staff, students, and alumni attended.
In honor of Arbor Day, participants also planted a White Oak—Maryland's state tree—and a native eastern redbud. It’s the fifth tree-planting ceremony at headquarters in recent years, with more to come. Additionally, a seed planting station allowed attendees to plant Black-eyed Susan flowers to take home, while learning about the benefits of a garden.
Partners in the celebration included the Stormwater Project and Sustainable Maryland. The Stormwater Project is a Maryland Department of the Environment initiative aimed at regulating water discharges; it also promotes awareness to reduce pollution. Sustainable Maryland is a free program designed to help communities take action by improving access to resources that help implement positive change.
Hands-on activities highlight sustainability and conservation
“A goal of the event is to get people to stop by and talk about sustainability,” said Cora Lee Gilbert-Catron, UMGC's director of sustainability and contract services, the organizer of the headquarters event.
The annual festivity began as an in-person gathering which grew to hundreds of participants. During the pandemic, it became a virtual event. This year marked the return of public activities.
“We’re glad it was in person again,” said Gilbert-Catron. “It’s a great experience that the UMGC community really enjoys. How it has grown throughout the years is very satisfying.”
In addition to observing Earth Day, the celebration was one of several related to UMGC Global Give 2026 as part of National Volunteer Month. Other gatherings in the United States and Asia included Garden Day at Stone Oak Park in San Antonio, Texas; Volunteer Day at Greenbelt Park, Maryland; and Plogging at Hyochang Park in South Korea.
UMGC President Gregory W. Fowler, PhD—in Korea for UMGC’s April 25 commencement in Seoul—helped clean up the park alongside more than 30 UMGC students, faculty, and staff at the plogging event on April 23, 2026. Volunteers were equipped with trash bags and grabber tools, picking up litter as they walked the park’s historic tree-lined paths.
“One of the things I continue to talk with our team about is … transforming lives and communities,” said Fowler in a speech thanking volunteers. “There are so many ways we can have an impact on people’s lives, and this is one of them.”
