Connect with new friends and the community by exploring local food, transportation, and energy efficiency resources.

The Green Tour is an opportunity for first-year students to explore several resources to learn about the sustainable food, transportation, and energy in the Ithaca area. Participants will visit Ithaca’s food co-op, Ithaca Bikeshare, a local farm or farmer’s market and Cornell Cooperative Extension’s “Powerhouse.”

 In this program, participants will: 

  • Learn about being a part of a connected community and understand the impact their food, transportation and energy choices have on the local, regional, and global levels.
  • Explore sustainable practices in the Finger Lakes.
  • Increase awareness of local businesses and non-profits that students can support and engage with throughout their time at IC.
  • Sample local foods and desserts throughout the day. Come hungry!

“The Green Tour was a great experience where I got to learn about local agriculture and explore Ithaca. It showed me how I could better help the environment, and it helped me adjust to college life before other students arrived. I even met my best friend there!”

Program logistics: 

Group of students posing in front of waterfall.
  • New students can participate in this Jumpstart program on August 19-20, 2024

  • Jumpstart participants will move into their residence hall rooms on Monday, August 19 between 9:00am - 4:00pm.

  • The program runs from 5:00 to 8:00pm on Monday (includes a welcome BBQ!), approximately 9:00am-6:00pm on Tuesday, with a Jumpstart closing event on Tuesday evening.

  • A catered lunch will be provided for participants of this program on Tuesday, all other meals will be covered by your IC meal plan in the dining hall. Transportation and all program materials are provided for this program.

  • Participants will be engaged in fun and physical activities; please wear clothes that will allow you to climb and stretch.

  • There is no charge for this program.