The flourishing landscape of the Donald E. Davis Arboretum was abuzz with more than our beloved pollinators at this year’s Sustainability Picnic. On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Auburn University Office of Sustainability and co-sponsors converged on the lawns and winding garden trails to host the annual event. With over 400 attendees, this year’s picnic was surely a successful fusion of community fun and education!
Picnic co-sponsors included:
- Academic Sustainability Program
- Administrative Effectiveness
- Campus Recreation and Wellness
- College of Engineering
- College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment
- Donald E. Davis Arboretum
- Master of Community Planning
- Office of International Programs
- The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts
- Tiger Dining
- Transportation Services
- Waste Reduction and Recycling Department
The Alabama heat yielded in step with the sun’s retreat below the oaks and gave way to students perusing an assortment of sustainability-related clubs, organizations, programs, and offices on and off campus. Many cooled off with a refreshing scoop of O Town ice cream. To learn more about the organizations in attendance, visit the Sustainability Picnic Directory.
Zip Tie, an Auburn-based band, jammed out to covers of classic rock and funk. Each instrumentalist capitalized on distinct moments to highlight the mastery of their craft and provide a grooving soundtrack to the event. Even Aubie, the world’s most renowned head-bobber, couldn’t get enough.
This zero-waste picnic embodied the spirit of sustainability by serving vegetarian food with reusable plates, cups, and utensils. Guests enjoyed dishes from Tiger Catering, such as a watermelon salad and black-eyed pea caviar served on paper-lined frisbees. Too full to finish your plate? No problem! Students dropped those leftovers into the compost bin and gave their meal a second life!
For more information about the 2026 Sustainability Picnic, check out The Plainsman’s coverage of the event here!
