Eco Parks and Green Space
Meet the McMaster Community Garden
The McMaster Community Garden, originally launched in 2012 by Integrated Science students Julianne Bagg and Emily Taylor, began as a Teaching and Community Garden supported by a $23,000 grant from Scott’s Canada. Over the years, it evolved into a vibrant space for education, food justice, environmental activism, and community engagement.
Key contributors like alumnus Adam Chiaravalle, passionate about food justice, helped shape the garden’s early success. His legacy is honored through the Native Bee Nesting Garden, dedicated in his memory.
Today, the garden produces nearly 70 kg of fresh produce annually, supporting food security initiatives like the McMaster Food Collective Centre and an on-campus produce stand. It also serves as a learning resource, used in courses to explore topics like food insecurity and environmental impact.
The garden continues to be a collaborative effort, with student coordinators and faculty integrating it into academic and sustainability initiatives, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of McMaster’s commitment to community and ecological stewardship.
Connection to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Health and Well-being
Thrive Week 2025
From January 27 to 31, 2025, McMaster University hosted Thrive Week 2025, a campus-wide initiative focused on promoting mental health and well-being among students, faculty, and staff. The week featured a dynamic lineup of events designed to encourage self-care, resilience, and community connection.
Participants engaged in mindfulness workshops, fitness classes, and mental health talks led by experts. Social events and peer-led activities fostered a sense of belonging and support, reinforcing the university’s commitment to holistic wellness.
Information Box Group
Active and Alternative Transportation
Student initiative extends Bike Share discount to graduate students
A student-led initiative at McMaster University has successfully extended the Hamilton Bike Share discount to full-time graduate students, building on a previous campaign that secured the discount for undergraduates. The group behind the effort, McMaster Students for Bike Share, collaborated with the Graduate Student Union to include the discounted annual pass in graduate student fees.
The initiative promotes sustainability, accessibility, and affordability, and has had a visible impact on campus bike usage.McMaster now offers the lowest-cost bike share pass among Canadian universities. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to equitable transportation and student-led change,
Connection to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Campus Sustainability Month Events
*NEW DATE October 23 – LEED Building Walk and Talk Tour
Take a behind-the-scenes look at McMaster’s most sustainable spaces with Facility Services’ Project Director Laurie Nelson and Director of Sustainability Dave Cano.
This one-hour guided walk and talk will uncover the innovative features of our LEED-certified buildings and reveal how each contributes to a greener, more efficient campus. Whether you’re curious about green roofs, energy-saving systems, or sustainable design, this tour offers a unique opportunity to see sustainability in action and ask questions directly to the experts who helped bring these buildings to life.
Advance sign-up is required. Please dress appropriately for the weather. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact facilities@mcmaster.ca
Tour Schedule
11:30 a.m. – Meet at the University Avenue entrance to the new Learning and Discovery Greenhouse.
Stop #1: The new Learning and Discovery Greenhouse (20 minutes)
Stop #2: Exterior of new McLean Centre for Learning and Discovery (5 minutes)
Stop #4: The HUB Lobby (20 minutes)
Information Box Group
October 16 at 12 p.m. - Nature at Mac Walking Tour Sign-up here
Join us on a hike through the west end of campus, stopping at focal ecological sites along the way, where you will see views of the creek and ongoing research and conservation. During the hike, our staff are eager to tell you about our restoration efforts.
Please be sure to be prepared for weather conditions, including muddy trails (wear shoes that you won’t mind getting dirty, as well as being comfortable, closed-toe, durable shoes). We also recommend wearing long pants and long socks to keep ticks and poison ivy from coming into contact with your skin. Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray as needed, as well as sunglasses and a hat. The hike is of easy to moderate difficulty depending on experience, with a few hills, but we will be sure to take lots of breaks!
Hike starts outside the College Crescent entrance to Mary E. Keyes Residence building at 12 p.m.
October 28 & 29 - Waste Audit Sign-up here
Join us for McMaster’s 2025 Waste Audit and help make a measurable impact on campus sustainability! Volunteers will help sort and collect data from waste samples to understand better what’s being thrown away and how we can improve McMaster’s waste diversion rate.
There are three shifts available each day:
- 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Waste audit locations will vary across campus depending on the shift selected. Details will be shared with volunteers prior to their shift.
No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm for sustainability and be prepared to get hands-on! Gloves and safety equipment will be provided.
*NEW DATES* Join the McMaster Residence Sustainability Challenge!
October 27–31, 2025
Are you ready to make a difference and compete for prizes? From October 27 to 31, students living in residence can take part in a fun and impactful sustainability challenge using the ecoBoss app. Track your daily sustainable actions, earn points, and help your residence team rise to the top!
How It Works
- Form a team of up to 10 students (fewer is fine!) within your residence building.
- Download the ecoBoss app (available on iOS and Android starting October 20).
- Enter the challenge code:marauderlife
- Tap the badge icon in the app footer, select the McMaster Residence Challenge, and click Join Challenge.
- Record your sustainable actions daily to earn points for your team!
Examples of Sustainable Actions
- Taking public transit
- Using a reusable water bottle
- Turning off lights when leaving a room
- Riding a bike
- Printing double-sided
These actions are pre-set in the app — just log what you do and earn points!
Prizes
The top three scoring residence teams will win Campus Store gift cards:
- First Place: $100 per team member
- Second Place: $75 per team member
- Third Place: $50 per team member
Winners will be announced on November 3 on Instagram @SustainableMac