Skip to main content
Volunteers in the community garden

Student Groups

Dozens of student organizations at UMD relate to sustainability! Some can be found here, and a full listing of student organizations can be found at TerpLink

17 for Peace and Justice- This organization will seek to empower students and other stakeholders and build community capacity to address social, economic, and political injustice and related environmental and health inequalities by using the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice established at the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit held on October 24-27, 1991, in Washington DC as the overarching framework.

American Ecological Engineering Society (AEES)- As a student chapter of the larger professional AEES society, our mission is to promote the development of sustainable ecosystems that combine human society with the natural environment for the benefit of both through student driven projects, research, and activities. Our goal is to unite interdisciplinary students through their common interest in the environment to innovate new solutions for sustainability, pursue their professional careers, and promote public education of the environment.

American Meteorological Society at UMD - to provide educational, professional, social, and service opportunities for University of Maryland- College Park students interested in meteorology. The organization is also meant to provide community awareness regarding the weather. The main purpose is to have meetings that provide these services for students in atmospheric and oceanic science, through speakers from the meteorology community and other activities.

The Association of Agricultural and Resource Economists (AARE)- at the University of Maryland, College Park is dedicated to fostering collaboration and research across a wide range of topics in applied economics, including agricultural, developmental, energy, and environmental economics.

The Beekeeping Club - An educational club for aspiring beekeepers, we manage hives located on campus and welcome anyone interested in learning to work with honeybees. Open to students, staff, and faculty.

BSOS Sustainability Task Force - consists of students from several departments within the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, as well as Public Policy and Engineering. Each semester the task force chooses a salient problem to campus sustainability and works toward finding a solution. From building a solar powered charging study station, to creating awareness of food behavioral impacts, the students research viable alternatives or enhancements, survey fellow students, and write a grant for implementation funds.

Branch Out - a club dedicated to connecting students to each other and to nature, hosts service and group events in cooperation at the UMD Arboretum and Botanic Garden. 

Community Learning Garden - The Community Learning Garden (formerly the Public Health Garden) is located between the School of Public Health and Eppley Recreation Center. It is a student teaching and community garden demonstrating sustainable agriculture and environmental best practices in support of public, environmental and community health.

Engineers Without Borders  - a student chapter of a national nonprofit organization (EWB-USA) that partners with developing communities to improve their quality of life through the implementation of environmentally sustainable, equitable, and economical engineering projects.

Food Recovery Network - a student group at the University of Maryland dedicated to picking up surplus food from University diners and College Park restaurants nightly and delivering it to community partners that provide meals for hungry men, women, and children in the Washington, D.C. area.

Green Roots- Green Roots exists to advance sustainable and urban agriculture through innovative techniques. We grow food through hydroponics, which is the production of plants without soil, by integrating a number of diverse disciplines. Recently, we began to construct and maintain aquaponic systems to produce fish and produce without fertilizer inputs. Green Roots is devoted to research, education, and community service. We explore issues related to hydroponics/aquaponics, design hydroponic/aquaponic systems, educate the public, and are working toward marketing our produce to students through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model.

Horticulture Club- A social club whose purpose is to foster a relationship between plants and people within and around the University of Maryland, through excursions, workshops, and community engagement. We welcome all members of our community to join our club. No level of horticultural experience or knowledge is required. Come grow with us!

Maryland Adventure Program (MAP) - MAP is committed to providing student-powered adventure experiences that promote personal growth, transformative learning, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship for the University of Maryland Community.

MaryPIRG - a statewide, student directed and student funded organization working to solve real social problems. Through credited internships, leadership training, and volunteer opportunities, we teach and provide hands on skills to organize effectively around public interest issues.

Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS)- MANRRS is a national society that welcomes membership of people of all racial and ethnic group participation in agricultural and related science careers. 

Net Impact-STEM - A community of leaders who want to use STEM to make an impact in the world through social and environmental change with the mission to mobilize Terps by creating a like-minded community and providing events and programs that support students who aim to use STEM as a force for environmental and social impact.

Residence Hall Association Sustainability Committee  - The committee is made up of student members of the RHA Senate and works on areas relating to sustainability around the campus.

RESTORE ENST Society - RESTORE'S mission is to enhance the educational experience of society members and other students by providing members with the opportunity to participate in educational, service, recreational, and social activities. They may gain access to information that will better prepare them for the work force, while making a positive contribution to the field of Environmental Science and Technology as well as the community.

St. Mary's Garden - The St. Mary's Language House Garden Club provides gardening and horticultural experience to the staff, students, and Univ. of Md community. You can email them at langgardenclub@gmail.com.

SGA Student Sustainability Committee - The Student Sustainability Committee, part of the Student Government Association (SGA), is a group of undergraduate students who are looking to hold the university accountable to its commitment to become sustainable. Additionally the council will provide the opportunity for any undergraduate student to propose project ideas that they feel will make the campus a more livable and sustainable community.

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy Council (SEEC)- A student-led organization open to all students within the School of Public Policy who are interested in incorporating sustainability into their policy careers. SEEC engages in projects and activities that enhance environmental well-being, facilitates network-building through communication and social engagements, and provides scholarly opportunities to improve professional development and representation at the School. In addition, the Council makes an effort to develop a strong sense of community for sustainably-minded students with a variety of social events. 

Sustainable Ocean Alliance - The UMD chapter works towards the desired outcome of a more educated community on the negative effects of plastic pollution (both environmentally and human health related).

Terps for International Agriculture Science - Terps for International Agriculture Science (TIAS) is here to provide opportunities for students and other agricultural workers to collaborate with international NGOs on improving sustainable agriculture practices. Our mission is to collectively improve food security, reduce malnutrition, and increase collective knowledge between global entities.

Terrapin Trail Club - The Terrapin Trail Club is a student organization that sponsors various outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, backpacking, camping, mountain biking, caving, canoeing, rock climbing, and kayaking. It is student-run, and activities are available to all registered students, faculty, and staff of the University of Maryland. Its primary goal is to meet other outdoor enthusiasts and to provide a framework to share love for the outdoors.

UMD Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects - This is the go-to organization for the UMD student with a passion for landscape architecture. You can learn helpful design tips, connect with classmates, and stay up to date on events and activities.

The Wildlife Society at UMD - This is a new student organization for students who are interested and passionate about wildlife. The group strives to become engaged with wildlife ecology and conservation on campus, regionally and around the world. 

Back to Top