Ithaca is Sustainable!

Spend the day with new friends, gaining green insights in your new home! Learn about local food hot spots, visit the IC gardens, hike the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, and learn about Ithaca’s sustainable transportation options, including the TCAT and bike share program. One highlight of the day is enjoying ice cream at Sweet Melissa’s with your new IC friends! The Green Tour lets first-year students to explore some of what makes Ithaca the best green
Cascadilla Falls

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
  • New students can participate in this Jumpstart program on August 17-18, 2026
  • Jumpstart participants will move into their residence hall rooms on Monday, August 17 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 program-specfic 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 activities; please for the weather and wear shoes that will allow you to walk more than a mile and be on your feet for several hours throughout the day.
  • There is no charge for this program.