As the fall semester hits full stride, CFACT collegians have been out in force across the country, bringing energy, creativity, and conviction to their campuses and communities. From bold displays to serene nature hikes, so far September has been a month that’s shown the strength of our movement.
Blood on the Panels at SIU Carbondale
In Carbondale, Illinois, CFACT and Turning Point USA teamed up for a striking “Blood on the Panels” display at Southern Illinois University. Joined by national field coordinator Nate Myers, campus representative Zach Lochard and his team of student activists set up mock solar panels made of cardboard painted silver, gray, and splattered with red to symbolize the wildlife killed by solar farms. “We want students at SIU Carbondale to know that solar farms are anything but green or clean,” Zach stated. Positioned at a busy foot traffic intersection, the display stopped students in their tracks and sparked dozens of conversations about how solar projects harm soil health, agriculture, and water quality in addition to their impact on wild animals. Though a few detractors tried to stir conflict, the event stood as a bold testament to the willingness of collegians to challenge green energy myths head-on.
Collegians Say No to Michael Mann
Just days later, CFACT made national headlines at Rice University, when the infamous climate alarmist Michael Mann came to speak. Armed with flyers, protest signs, and a clear message, collegians Nyle Torpy and Nicolas Walker assembled a local grassroots team of students and adults to protest his event. Their goal was to remind students of Mann’s scandalous “hockey stick” graph and his track record of litigation over debate. Together, they ensured that attendees heard the side of the climate story Mann doesn’t want discussed—one rooted in transparency, free markets, and scientific honesty. Their presence not only disrupted the one-sided narrative but also emboldened students hungry for a more balanced conversation. Reflecting on the event, Nyle remarked that the demonstration “was really important to show students that Michael Mann’s narrative isn’t the only one out there. People deserve to hear the full story.”
Birdwatching Hikes in Massachusetts and California
From the hills of California’s Salt Creek Trail to the wooded paths of Massachusetts’ Storer Conservation area, collegians took to the outdoors to highlight the fragile beauty of bird populations threatened by wind energy projects. In California, Hayley Gutierrez led a lively birdwatching trek, complete with fun species-identification games and sightings of the downy woodpecker, quail, red tail hawks, and hummingbirds. Meanwhile in Massachusetts, Tal Prottas led a smaller but impactful hike where students dove into discussions about windmills, solar waste, and the true cost of “clean” energy. They were even able to engage passing hikers on the subject and provide them with informational flyers. Both hikes showed students that protecting wildlife starts with seeing it firsthand—and defending it against policies that put it at risk.
Cleaning Up Houston’s MacGregor Park
In Houston, collegian Noah Dutel rolled up his sleeves for a cleanup at MacGregor Park. Armed with plastic grocery bags to use as receptacles, and larger trash bags as backup, his team quickly gathered piles of waste and litter. Demonstrating both personal responsibility and the power of simple solutions, Noah used the opportunity to emphasize that stewardship begins with individual action. That even a trash pickup can double as a lesson in repurposing everyday objects we tend to throw away after a single use. The event left the park cleaner, students inspired, and CFACT’s reputation for conservation action stronger than ever.
Together, these September events showcase what makes CFACT Collegians unique: bold activism, real conservation, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Whether it’s confronting climate alarmists, cleaning up communities, or exposing the hidden costs of “green” energy, our students are proving every day that conservation and liberty go hand in hand.
