Mike Piehler

Have you heard the buzz? | UNC-Chapel Hill The Carolina Beekeeping Club allows students to learn about sustainability and protecting honeybees.

Have you heard the buzz? @unc-ie.bsky.social Director @mpiehler.bsky.social and IE BOV Member/President of the Carolina's Beekeeping Club Nathan Halsey talk about Carolina's bees.

www.unc.edu/posts/2025/1...

YouTube video by UNC Institute for the Environment 2025 Champion Sustainability Game Recap

ICYMI: Enjoy a recap of last weekend's Champion Sustainability Game!

Video by Tar Heel Sports Properties.
@sustainable-unc.bsky.social @mpiehler.bsky.social

youtu.be/tmJ-2GmrQUw?...

The 3rd annual Champion Sustainability Game celebrated sustainable transportation on + around UNC.
@unc-ie.bsky.social @sustainable-unc.bsky.social Director
@mpiehler.bsky.social joined Chancellor Roberts and Mayor Anderson for a half-time show convo!

More: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/daaf...

The buzz at Carolina: Connecting bees, students and sustainability at Carolina - UNC Institute for the Environment “If you think you are too small to make a difference, you’ve never met a honey bee.”

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, you’ve never met a honey bee.” - Nathan Halsey '27

Read our latest blog post to learn more about how Halsey is connecting Carolina's pollinators, students and sustainability.

ie.unc.edu/news/the-buz...

Millions of gallons of sewage flowed into the Eno River. Is it harmful? Experts weigh in on what risk the sewage overflows pose to the environment.

.@unc-ie.bsky.social Director @mpiehler.bsky.social weighs in on wastewater contamination during flooding events caused by Tropical Depression Chantal.

Read more ⬇️
www.newsobserver.com/news/local/c...

Carolina’s water warrior, Hans W. Paerl retires after nearly 50-year career  - UNC Institute for the Environment After nearly 50 years at Carolina, Hans W. Paerl set aside his beakers of slimy, green algae water.

Congratulations to our good friend Hans W. Paerl on his retirement. After nearly 50 years at Carolina, Paerl set aside his beakers of slimy, green algae water and retired at the end of June. Read more about his remarkable life and career. 🔽

ie.unc.edu/news/carolin...

Although we typically consider photosynthetic allochthonous and autochthonous carbon in stream food webs, chemoautotrophic sources (ammonia or sulfur oxidation) can contribute substantially, and incorporate ancient C. Recently accepted to FWS, online at www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/...

NC Collaboratory funds critical environmental research - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Check out three projects on water quality, lithium mining and marsh restoration that are protecting the state and its residents.

“This research benefits the citizens of North Carolina because the marsh problem is not just localized to Currituck Sound. It is across North Carolina and the world." - Troy Walton, senior research associate at @unc-ie.bsky.social.

Read more ⬇️ www.unc.edu/posts/2025/0...

Compost, Croissants and Community: A Taste of Freiburg - Sustainable Carolina Story by Nicky Coursey, our summer 2025 traveling intern.

"It’s a regenerative, continuous cycle made possible by community members who care deeply."

When she's not analyzing net zero pathways through her summer internship, Nicole Coursey has found herself spending time in Freiburg's community gardens.

sustainable.unc.edu/2025/06/comp...

UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State offering free drinking water testing in Buncombe County - UNC Institute for the Environment Researchers are testing drinking water, mold and assessing water security in Buncombe County homes.

Researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State are testing drinking water, mold and assessing water security in Buncombe County homes following Hurricane Helene. Testing will take place June 27-28.

Full details ⬇️

ie.unc.edu/news/unc-cha...

Read our latest blog post by #UNC rising senior Hannah Weas about the 2025 Sustainable Triangle Field Site’s study, which makes policy recommendations to establish a connected network of valuable habitats.

Full post 🔽

environmentblog.web.unc.edu/2025/05/sust...

A new study by researchers at @unc-ie.bsky.social examined two rapidly growing coastal regions and found that water quality patterns and processes varied between them—highlighting the importance of managing water quality in developing coastal areas.

Read more: go.unc.edu/Hm7e3

MegaMove Publishes Landmark Global Study showing Where Marine Megafauna Needs Protection - MegaMove MegaMove paper identifies top-priority ocean areas for whales, sharks, turtles & more. Protection still lags.

Lindsay Dubbs, director of Carolina's Outer Banks Field Site (OBXFS), is an author on this landmark study published in Science on marine megafauna.

Read more ⬇️

megamove.org/marine-megaf...

I also rode the city bus to elementary school (77C Shady Side for yinz old folks), but I think it is clear that that sweet 70s hair got me on Mr. Rogers.

A champion for environment and sustainability, Piehler named Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor  - UNC Institute for the Environment Piehler is a renowned leader in coastal environmental science.

Since he was just a kid growing up in Pittsburgh, @unc-ie.bsky.social‬ Director @mpiehler.bsky.social‬ has enjoyed #sustainable transportation 🚲 He may have even achieved fame on a certain children's television show!

🌱 Our June e-news is out today! Read about the new solar field at the former Horace Williams Airport ☀️

Plus: Honors for @unc-ie.bsky.social's Director @mpiehler.bsky.social and Board of Visitors Members Frances Seymour & more.

Read it here: go.unc.edu/Xn4y5

UNC Research is creativity and intellect.

For 26 years, the UNC Office for Undergraduate Research has hosted the Celebration of Undergraduate Research. For three years, UNC OUR has given hashtag#SustainableCarolina the opportunity to award outstanding research related to topics like energy, water, waste, air quality, biodiversity and more.

This year, Sustainable Carolina judged 27 posters for its Prize for Excellence in Sustainability Research. A group of first-year students took home first prize.

UNC Research is North Carolina.

UNC Research is creativity and intellect.

It's an honor to present the Prize for Excellence in Sustainability Research at the #UNC Office for Undergraduate Research's Celebration of Undergraduate Research.

Discover the impact: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re...

#UNCResearchisNC #UNC #SustainableCarolina

UNC Research is rooted in N.C. communities.

When Hurricane Helene devastated communities in western North Carolina, @unc-ie.bsky.social mobilized educators to provide a day of hands-on learning for kids displaced by flooding.

Explore more: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re...

#UNCResearchisNC
#UNC

UNC Research is clean air and water for all.

Researchers at @unc-ie.bsky.social are at the forefront of research that contributes to clean air and clean water for everyone.

Learn how Carolina research serves N.C. and beyond. Visit: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re....

#UNCResearchisNC
#UNC

A student in graduation robe stands in front of Carolina's Old Well.

Two students hold research tools in a river.

A student installs an audio recording device in nature.

Paul Hollis headshot.

UNC Research is future-ready leaders.

The @unc-ie.bsky.social helps provide students with the tools, experiences and opportunities to take the study and understanding of the environment to the next level.

Discover the impact: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re...

#UNCResearchisNC
#UNC

UNC Research is excellence in sustainability.

Five years ago, sustainability at Carolina found a new home in the UNC Institute for the Environment. Sustainable Carolina advances and amplifies efficiency initiatives in campus operations, research and academics.

In 2025, Sustainable Carolina reintroduced its lab sustainability program, piloting it in four labs on the medical side of campus. Any lab can become certified by taking on sustainability measures in their space.

UNC Research is North Carolina.

UNC Research is excellence in sustainability.

Working under the @unc-ie.bsky.social, #SustainableCarolina provides guidance to capstone courses, the Sustainable Triangle Field Site and campus labs.

Discover the impact: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re...

#UNCResearchisNC #UNC #SustainableCarolina

I am honored and humbled by this recognition. I am also exceptionally grateful to all of my amazing collaborators throughout the years.

UNC Sustainability Council YouTube video by UNC Institute for the Environment

The Carolina Sustainability Council meets this morning. You can stream the spring meeting live or watch it later on the @unc-ie.bsky.social YouTube channel. @mpiehler.bsky.social www.youtube.com/live/YZmT4IA...

📬 Our May e-news hit inboxes this morning! Read about Carolina hosting the Collegiate Drone Racing Championship, the 11th UNC Cleantech Summit, Carolina's research impact and more!

Dive into all these stories at: go.unc.edu/May25News.

Classes are over and Earth Month is coming to an end. What a spring its been for sustainability on campus 🌸 @unc-ie.bsky.social @mpiehler.bsky.social

Check out April's #SustainableCarolina newsletter: mailchi.mp/unc/april-25

New solar field provides opportunities for student enrichment - Sustainable Carolina Energy modeling course students visited the former Horace Williams Airport to learn about the University's first ground-mounted solar field.

For the first time ever, Noah Kittner didn't have to take his class off campus to visit a solar field.

That's because #UNC is now home to its own 900-panel system ☀️ Learn how it's enriching students' studies. @uncfacilitiessvcs.bsky.social @unc-ie.bsky.social
sustainable.unc.edu/2025/04/new-...

Graphic with a background that looks like cardboard. The middle of the graphic reads, "Festival on the Green Roof + CDS Farm Stand." The top reads, "Monday, April 21 @ 3:30 - 6:30 pm, Chase Plaza."

Graphic with a cardboard background reads,"We're collecting reusable tote bags to donate to the Carolina Cupboard and Inter-Faith Council."

Happy #EarthWeek 🌎 We are kicking off our celebrations today with our Festival on the Green Roof. We are thrilled to partner with Carolina Dining Services this year to bring their farm stand to the event!

Full list of events here: sustainable.unc.edu/events/earth...

Discover how #UNC junior Grace Layman is fostering a vibrant ecology community through the SEEDS Program, promoting ecology, education, diversity and sustainability to other students. From research trips to building networks, she's helping students find their path!

Read it here 🔽
go.unc.edu/Sd5z3

Honorary degrees go to athlete, producer, former faculty, US representative | UNC-Chapel Hill Mia Hamm, James Lowe Peacock III, Scott Sanders, Frances Jane Seymour, Dhiren Thakker and Robert J. Wittman will be recognized at Spring Commencement.

🎓 Exciting news! 🎉 @unc-ie.bsky.social Board of Visitors member Frances J. Seymour will receive an honorary degree at UNC's graduation in May! 🏅 Congratulations, Dr. Seymour!

Read more about this incredible honor 👇
www.unc.edu/posts/2025/0...

Graphic that reads, "Happy Earth Month." There is a globe in the center of the graphic, popping up behind some green hills. There are trees to the left and right of the globe. A bag and a cup are also on the graphic and both have a recycling symbol on them.

Our monthly newsletter came out yesterday, just in time for you to make all the plans for your Earth Month celebrations.

Check out what's happening this month: mailchi.mp/unc/march-25