As we all dry off from one of the soggiest winters in memory, I suspect we can all agree that Mother Earth, our planet and our home, suffers from neglect. Earth Day comes this weekend. This is your chance to step up and say: We love you Mom!
There are lots of things to do, from celebrating with the great students at PSU on Friday, to helping the Urban League prepare its Urban Garden for spring planting just a block away from your very own ReBuilding Center, to clean-ups by SOLVE all over the State of Oregon. So, jump in; get involved; and give your planet the big wet kiss she deserves.
Portland State University’s 10th Annual Celebration of Earth Day
Friday, April 21
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
PSU Park Blocks
Join Environmental Club for the 10th Annual Earth Day Festival featuring live music, community and student organizations, student artists and a reuse fair. This event is free and open to the public. A film screening and free dinner will be offered in the evening.
Image: Lyn Topinka
Kelly Point Park Clean Up
Friday, April 21
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Kelly Point Park
Join the Cascade Environmental Club for the Kelly Point Park Clean Up! This will be an all-day event of invasive species removal, planting of native species, trash pick- up, and a metal detector beach walk. The event will feature a live recycled art expo and local music and food! Lunch will provide for volunteers w/costume T-shirts. Contact Dustin.Boomer@pcc.edu for more info.
Urban League Garden Clean Up
Saturday, April 22
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Corner of N. Beech and N. Albina
Help the Urban League get its garden ready for spring cleaning.
Operation Clean Sweep
Saturday, April 22
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Check in at NE 18th and Alberta
Alberta Street’s 7th annual Earth Day clean up offers more than just a a feel-good chore. The event welcomes neighbors near and far to clean up Alberta Street then celebrate at the Golden Garbage Awards. After cleaning up garbage and removing graffiti along Alberta from MLK to 33rd Avenue, you’re invited to eat pizza, Salt & Straw Ice Cream, treats from Random Order, and enter to win prizes from local businesses. Don’t forget to bring your own water, gloves and any tools that might help beautify the area. FAQ are answered here and don’t forget to register online ahead of time.
SOLVE Cleanups
Saturday, April 22
Various times & locations
Presented by Portland General Electric, Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism (SOLVE), is a non-profit organization that has one mission: “Bring Oregonians together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship.” Interested? Good thing there are countless Earth Day clean-ups to choose from this April 22. Transform Barrows Park in Beaverton to a thriving habitat, spruce up the Oregon Human Society Dog Path or join the 2nd Annual Invasive Species Scavenger hunt in Vancouver; those are just a few of the options for volunteer action. Check out the website below to find a volunteer opportunity that works for you and your family.
#EcoSocialJustice
Monday, April 24, 11am in PAC Lobby at Sylvania
Monday, April 24, 2pm in MAHB 104 at Cascade
Wednesday, April 26, 10am in Building 9 Events Center at Rock Creek
Wednesday, April 26, 2pm in the Community Hall at Southeast
In #EcoSocialJustice, Dr. Chatelain explores our recent history and current events in our country as a context to better understand the interconnections of racial, social and environmental justice. Looking at the many issues we face – racism, food insecurity, environmental degradation, widening economic disparities, climate change – how can these movements come together to strategically align for sustainable change? If we are stronger together, how have we failed to collectively mobilize in the past?
Chatelain initiated the #FergusonSyllabus after the death of Michael Brown. She has been featured prominently on CNN, MSNBC, NPR and on other national platforms.