52 Campus Groups Clean 130 Acres Through UNC Charlotte Sustainability Program

UNC Charlotte clubs have joined the Office of Sustainability's Adopt-a-Spot Program. Fifty-two groups committed to two cleanup events each semester on their assigned areas. Student and staff organizations now shoulder the work of maintaining campus cleanliness.

Fall 2025 saw 69 cleanups that collected over 250 bags of litter. That's more than 1,000 pounds. Groups tackled 130 acres of main campus that facilities management doesn't regularly maintain.

Adopt-a-Spot locations target areas hit hardest by littering — woodland edges along roadways and parking areas. Last semester brought growth, with 12 new groups signing on.

New participants include Math and Science First-Year Learning Community, Global Medical Brigades, Collegiate 100, The Greater Good, J.E.W.E.L.S, Men's Club Volleyball, Virtue Dance Society, Reproductive Justice Collective, American Society of Civil Engineers, Healthcare Occupation Students of America, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and Beta Alpha Psi – Eta Alpha.

Earth Club leads in total semesters of participation. Lydia Knier, Earth Club president, said Adopt-a-Spot is central to what the organization does and its commitment to making campus more environmentally friendly.

"The most rewarding part of this initiative is being part of a larger, collective effort to keep our campus clean and sustainable, which creates a strong sense of community and shared purpose," said Knier, according to Inside UNC Charlotte. "It's encouraging to see how consistent, small actions can make such a noticeable difference on campus."

The Office of Recycling started this initiative 17 years ago, running it until 2015 when the Office of Sustainability took over. Since 2016, the grounds department has installed almost all signs and posts that mark adopted spots, with funding from the Charlotte Green Initiative.

Student clubs, organizations, faculty, and staff groups can adopt a spot by filling out an interest form. The Office of Sustainability matches organizations with available locations.

"Other clubs and organizations should get involved because Adopt-a-Spot is a simple, yet impactful way to support sustainability and community pride at Charlotte," Knier said. "By giving students the opportunity to give back to their campus, clubs can inspire others and help spark meaningful, lasting change."