University of Wisconsion - Eau Claire

UWEC

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Proposal

Earth Fest 2026

Community partner: Eau Claire County, Recycling & Sustainability Office
Supervisor: Jenna Louise Vande Zande
Beginning date:
2026-03-12
Ending Date:
2026-04-19

Project Proposal Description

1.

Briefly describe the project and the community need to be addressed.

Answer Volunteers are needed for the first-ever Earth Fest 2026! Earth Fest is supported by Eau Claire County, Beaver Creek, Xcel Energy, and First Choice Recycling. The all-ages community event will include sustainability-focused vendors, workshops, field trips, EV test drives, and an eco product marketplace. Volunteers are needed to set up and tear down the event, as well as greet guests, network with community leaders, and assist with workshops.

2.

What is the mission of the agency or organization?

Answer Earth Fest is working to bring together many of the amazing local events in the Chippewa Valley and curate a larger experience to celebrate Earth Day. We also hope to help activists and local professionals connect and share ideas with our neighbors in the community.

3.

What skills are required for this project?

Answer Volunteers will need to be comfortable assisting guests with navigation and answering any questions they may have. Volunteers may also handle food. Instructions will be given on how to communicate with guests and vendors, and all volunteers will be in constant contact with event staff and their CEL supervisor.

4.

What are the learning objectives for this project

Answer Earth Fest is about embracing community and celebrating our sustainability efforts in the Chippewa Valley. Through engagement with our provided offerings, we hope all volunteers and attendees walk away with a renewed sense of connection with our Earth and our neighbors.

5.

What are the availability requirements for the student?

Answer A pre-event training meeting will be scheduled for all volunteers (TBD). Pre-event assistance hanging up advertising posters in high traffic areas around the Chippewa Valley is preferred; vehicle access not needed. Main availability needs will be for 2-3 virtual planning meetings and then day-of event support. Set up for the event begins at 8 AM on Saturday April 18th. Earth Fest will take place from 10 AM until 4 PM. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided for all volunteers. The week after the event, there will be a short debrief meeting (TBD) for feedback and follow up.

6.

Additional information (not required).

Answer Contact Jenna at VANDEZJL@uwec.edu with questions
Community-Engaged Learning • University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire • Eau Claire WI 54702-4004
Vicki Lord Larson 2146 • A Unit of: Academic Affairs
Phone: 715-836-4649 • Fax: 715-836-4023
Questions/Comments: cel@uwec.edu
Copyright © 2026 UW-Eau Claire and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System