Presbyterian College celebrated Earth Day last week with more than just flowers and festivities—it celebrated the power of community, resilience, and student-led environmental action.

The college hosted a vibrant campus-wide festival anchored by a ceremonial planting of a native serviceberry tree in front of Georgia Hall. The event, a collaboration between the PC Ecology Club and students in Dr. Julie Meadows’ “Building Community” course, included native flower installations, live music, yoga on the lawn, and grilled cheese sandwiches.

But for students like sophomore D’Andrevius Dorsey, the day was about much more than appearances.

“I wanted everybody to feel a part of something,” said Dorsey, who helped initiate the tree planting as a way to unite students from different backgrounds. “This place felt like home when I first saw the trees lining the walk to GDH and the pond near the dorms. The scenery made me feel like I already belonged.”

Dorsey’s reflections on the power of place were born not just from appreciation, but from adversity. Last fall, Hurricane Helene tore through the Clinton area, damaging trees and buildings across campus—including during what would have been his first home football game.

“The Wi-Fi went down, trees fell, windows broke—it didn’t look like the PC I first came to,” he said. “But then I saw people come together. They picked up debris, cleared roads. We had to adapt. That’s what being a Blue Hose is about—facing adversity head-on.”

In the storm’s aftermath, the Ecology Club turned its focus to replanting native, resilient species. Monday’s event symbolized that recovery—and growth.

“After Hurricane Helene, our club’s focus has been on growing and planting our campus with resilient native species,” said Dr. Sabrina Moore, assistant professor of biology and Ecology Club faculty advisor. “It matters what you choose to plant because our native trees are habitats that support biodiversity and benefit our climate.”

Moore said the serviceberry tree—Amelanchier—was specifically chosen because it supports more than 120 species of moths and butterflies and produces berries that feed local wildlife. The planting was done in part by students from her ecology class.

“I’m feeling really proud of this group,” Moore said. “It’s inspiring to see this many native plants go in on campus, and I’m excited for students to study what they support as part of our ecology curriculum.”

Freshman Ezra Marks was among those who participated in the planting and festival preparations. A longtime environmental advocate, Marks led his high school’s environmental club before coming to PC. Now, he finds his interests growing—literally.

“I really like growing things, and it gives me a good outlet,” Marks said. “Getting to see other people take home the plants we’ve grown or enjoy them in the community garden is really fulfilling.”

Ecology Club founder Alexandra McAlister, was thrilled with the turnout.

“I started the Ecology Club my freshman year because I just wanted a group of friends to go hiking with,” McAlister said. “It has blossomed into this really big event where we are trying to promote conservation and more ecological diversity within our campus and our community. This is bigger than last year, and that’s all I could have hoped for.”

The Earth Day Festival, held from on the front lawn of Neville Hall, offered more than just environmental education. Booths hosted by local groups such as Keep Laurens County Beautiful and the Joe Adair Outdoor Education Center helped connect students and Clinton residents with community efforts in sustainability. Festival-goers enjoyed free plants, outdoor games, and music performed by PC students.

The celebration even found a way to make use of what had been lost. Wood chips from trees destroyed by Hurricane Helene were reused as mulch during the planting—a full-circle moment symbolizing the college’s commitment to renewal.

“It was beautiful,” said Dorsey during his speech at the dedication ceremony. “I thank you all for participating. I hope you all feel a part of something bigger than just me.”

As the serviceberry took root and the festival bloomed around it, students and faculty alike reflected on the deeper meaning behind the day’s activities. For PC, Earth Day was not only a chance to reconnect with nature—but also to renew bonds within the campus community.

And for Dorsey, it was a reminder of why he chose Presbyterian College in the first place.

“When we came together and played kickball during the storm—when we could’ve just been frustrated or sad—that’s when I knew what it meant to be Blue Hose,” he said. “We’re strong. We care. And we show up.”