This Saturday, April 22nd, is the 53rd annual Earth Day, and Corvallis is a great place to celebrate our host planet, with activities for all ages and a focus on giving back to this wonderful blue marble that we call home. Here’s your sunrise-to-sunset guide to all things Earth Day in Corvallis and the central Willamette Valley.
First Foods Habitat Restoration
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Champoeg State Heritage Area
It’s long overdue, but Earth Day celebrations are finally doing more to honor not only the planet, but also the Indigenous people who have known, protected and cherished it for thousands of years. The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and the Institute for Applied Ecology invite you to join them this Earth Day to help restore prairie habitat in a First Foods Harvest Area in Champoeg State Heritage Area. This prairie is being restored to provide some of the food plants that local Indigenous people tended and harvested before European colonization. The word Champoeg itself comes from the Kalapuya word for yampa, one of the First Foods being planted in this restoration project.
Volunteers will be removing weeds to help re-establish Indigenous food plants like yampa, camas, yarrow and more. If you’re interested in helping with this important work, send an email to evanlasley@appliedeco.org. Bring water and be prepared to work outside in either sun or rain. The forecast looks clear so far, but that’s always subject to change in western Oregon in April.
Help Native Trees by Removing Invasives
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Witham Hill Natural Area
Trees provide so many different services to us and the environment, from shade and temperature regulation to wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration and more. But invasive trees can overtake native species and decrease biodiversity. This Earth Day, One Tree Planted and the Marys River Watershed Council are looking for volunteers to help remove invasive species like English holly to make space for oak savannah and woodland restoration at Witham Hill Natural Area. Volunteers are reminded to wear closed-toe shoes or boots and layers appropriate for the day’s weather, and to bring water and sunscreen. Even if it’s sunny on Saturday, staff recommend wearing long sleeves and long pants to prevent scrapes and cuts from thick brush. The event is free, but spots are limited, so sign up online here.
Fence Removal Party
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Courtney Creek
It’s not just weeds and invasive trees that need removing to help restore native habitat in the Willamette Valley. Old unneeded fences can prevent wildlife from moving naturally through habitat, and Greenbelt Land Trust is looking for volunteers to help tear one down, opening up corridors for elk and other wildlife along Courtney Creek near Brownsville. As with the other restoration projects, the organizers are asking volunteers to dress for outside work and weather conditions, but for this one, closed-toe shoes and long sleeves are especially important, because many of the fences being taken down have barbed wire. Gloves and tools will be provided. Courtney Creek is about 40 miles south of Corvallis. For exact directions to the work site and to register for the event, click here.
Planet Palooza
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Corvallis Community Center at Chintimini Park
Earth Day isn’t just about getting your hands dirty restoring habitat. It’s also about learning about and celebrating our planet, especially for the children who will inherit its wonders and challenges. Kids of all ages are invited to Planet Palooza, presented by Corvallis Parks and Recreation and Ashbrook Independent School. The event starts at the Corvallis Community Center at Chintimini Park with an indoor solutions fair, highlighting positive work being done in our community to protect and restore the environment. Then comes the nature parade, where kids and adults will march in animal and nature themed masks and costumes. The event is free and no registration is required. More information available here.
Earth Day After Work Party
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Common Fields
Whether you spend your Earth Day restoring habitat or encouraging the next generation of conservationists, we will all be ready for a cool drink and a bite to eat to end the evening. Come on down to Common Fields on SW 3rd Street and join the official after work party of Earth Day 2023, presented by the Corvallis Environmental Center, Chintimini Wildlife Center, Seeds for the Sol and more. The event runs from 6:00 PM to Common Fields closing time of 8:00 PM. See you there.
By Ian Rose
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