PORTLAND, Oregon — Earth Day is April 22, a day where people around the world volunteer and help raise awareness about environmental issues.
The annual celebration originated from an idea 50 years ago by Gaylord Nelson, a junior senator from Wisconsin, who had been concerned about air and water pollution. That led to demonstrations around the U.S. on the first Earth Day in 1970.
Want to get involved this year? EarthDay.org has an interactive map detailing events around the world. Below are some of the celebrations, educational events and volunteer opportunities in the Portland metro area.
Tualatin Riverkeepers: Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration
Tualatin Riverkeepers aims to protect and restore the Tualatin River watershed. Their family-friendly Earth Day event offers the chance to learn about the role community organizations, parks and recreation, and public works have in creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. There will be educational activities for people of all ages. It will go from 9-11 a.m. on April 27 at Bonita Park in Tigard. The event is free, and registration is not required.
The organization will also host a tree and shrub mulching event from 8:45 a.m. to noon on April 19 at Browns Ferry Park in Tualatin. Volunteers need to register online.
Click here for more info
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SOLVE Oregon Spring Cleanup
The environmental nonprofit SOLVE hosts litter pickup events across Oregon and southwest Washington throughout the year. Dozens of cleanup events in honor of Earth Day are being organized from April 20-22 around the state, including in Portland, Eugene and along the coast. Volunteers can register online.
Free compost from PBOT recycling facility
Working on your spring garden? The Portland Bureau of Transportation is putting on a free compost event at their Sunderland Yard recycling facility. Stop by the yard on Northeast Sunderland Road from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 20-22, or when the compost runs out.
Portland Community College Earth Week
A week-long Earth Day celebration, sponsored by Portland Community College, will include tabling fairs at PCC campuses from April 22-25. Fair goers can learn about sustainability-related resources on campuses, and there will be free bike repairs, upcycling workshops, and lessons on gardening and planting your own terrarium. On April 26, there will be a climate fiction discussion led by PCC writing instructor and author Thea Prieto.
The Great Exchange swapping event
In need of some household items? You can swap things you no longer need or use with new-to-you items at exchange event. It be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 27 at Red Sea Community Church on North Chicago Avenue. To receive a ticket to the event, drop off a donation at the church from 5-8 p.m. on April 25 and 26.
Multnomah Village Earth Day celebration
Spend the day in Multnomah Village for Earth Day-themed activities including recycled arts and crafts. There will also be a cleanup event hosted by SOLVE and the Multnomah Neighborhood Association. The event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Southwest 35th Avenue in Portland.
Earth Day Reuse Craft Fair
The ReBuilding Center's craft fair will feature more than a dozen local artisans who focus on sustainability in their work. The craft fair will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on April 20 at the ReBuilding Center on Mississippi Avenue in Portland.
