Celebrating Earth Day: A Living Campus for All

2025 Spring
Avis Reay

ROCK SPRINGS, WYOMING – April 22, 2025  

In celebration of Earth Day, Western Wyoming Community College (Western) invites the public to enjoy its vibrant, green campus and outdoor spaces—not just today, but year-round. With over 400 plants across campus, a walking path, and bike trail, Western isn’t just an educational institution, it's a living, breathing space where nature and learning thrive side-by-side. 

At the heart of Western’s indoor greenery is longtime staff member and resident “plant whisperer,” Avis Reay, who has spent nearly 23 years tending to Western’s plant collection. Originally from southern Indiana, Avis’s love for plants began at home, in the family garden surrounded by native fruit and nut trees, and wild berries. That early connection to nature blossomed into a lifelong passion—and a legacy enjoyed by many on campus. 

People often think they have either a green thumb or a black thumb. Avis disagrees, “I believe anyone can grow plants. You just have to find the right one for you and your home—and remember, they’re living things. They need water, sunlight, and sometimes a little fertilizer.” 

Avis’s top three plant care tips include: 

  • Sterilize your soil to get rid of pests like gnats—just microwave two pounds (or less) for 2–2.5 minutes. 
  • Use coffee filters or dryer sheets to cover drainage holes and prevent soil loss. 
  • Clean your plants’ leaves—give them a shower or gently wipe them with a cloth or plant-safe cleaner to keep them healthy and dust-free. 

Maintaining 400+ plants is no small feat. Avis visits campus several times a week, not just to water, but to transplant, clean, and care for every plant, in batches of course. Many of Western’s plants came from generous community donations, and some have been living at Western for decades. 

Among the more unique specimens is a blooming Jade Plant—also known as a Money Plant or Chinese Rubber Plant. “It’s not often you see one flower, so we’re lucky! It’s in just the right spot to mimic its native South African environment,” says Avis. This jade is currently located by Mustang Central and is usually in bloom from January to March. 

But Western’s commitment to green living extends far beyond its indoor foliage. One of the most accessible, and recent additions, is the Mustang Loop Trail System, a multi-use network of ADA-accessible trails built directly behind Western’s residence halls. Mustang Loop spans nearly five miles and includes green, blue, and black-coded trails for users of all levels. Whether you're hiking or biking, the trail system is designed to welcome everyone. Here you can find a variety of native plants including Pasque flower, Showy fleabane, Rubber rabbitbush, and more! Visit westernwyoming.edu/mustangloop to learn more about the system and print a map.  

Western is open to the public, and we encourage visitors to take a stroll, inside or out. This Earth Day—and every day—Western is proud to be a place where nature, community, and education grow together. 

For more information about campus amenities, trail maps, or outdoor education courses, visit www.westernwyoming.edu/map. For additional information or questions contact Mikayla Wonnacott at mwonnacott@westernwyoming.edu or call 307-382-1858.