10 Ways To Celebrate Earth Day In Eugene, Oregon
It can feel like Earth Day every day in Eugene, Oregon. Residents have a long history of advocating for practices that protect the earth, and thanks to these crusaders, Eugene has become a city where environmental protection is ingrained into the culture. From organic agriculture & nature preservation to eco-friendly businesses, transportation, and products, it's easier than ever to make environmentally conscious choices in this beautiful, evergreen city.
Whether you're making daily efforts to protect our planet or looking to get involved for just a day, there are several ways you can celebrate Earth Day in the Eugene area. Get out your calendar and pick one of these ways to celebrate Earth Day 2022.
#1. The Green Living Fair in Cottage Grove
What: Learn how to live more sustainably at this FREE event in Cottage Grove! With over 50 vendors and workshops for adults and kids, there is something to interest everyone. Workshops will include EcoGeneration Recycling - Plastics in Lane County, Film Screening "Plastic Paradise", Recycled Art Project for kids, Home Fermentation class, Mindful Nature Drawing, Save the Earth poster awards ceremony, and Climate Hope: a round table discussion of youth mental health. There will also be a silent auction on baskets with themes like Kids Fun, Spa Day, Cooking, Gardening, and more.
For anyone interested in zero waste products, stop by the We Refill It booth to check out some local refillable products.
When: April 23, 2022, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Cottage Grove Armory, 628 E Washington Ave, Cottage Grove, OR 97424
Learn More: https://www.singingcreekcenter.org/event/green-living-fair-at-the-armory/
#2. Support Certified Rethink Businesses
Certified Rethink Businesses are local businesses, like We Refill It, who walk the talk from recycling and reducing energy to bike commuting and community giving. When you support a Rethink business, you can have comfort in the fact that you're supporting a company that is doing good for our economy, community, and the environment.
See the complete list here: https://bringrecycling.org/rethink-directory/
#3. Attend a Benefit for Mckenzie River Trust
Hot Mama's Wings' Benefit for McKenzie River Trust
What: Eat wings and protect the lands and rivers you love! Hot Mama's Wings will donate 10% of your bill to McKenzie River Trust on counter service, takeout, and delivery. Show this ad, printed or digitally, to participate in the benefit.
When: April 18, 2022, 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Hot Mama's Wings, 420 W 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
Claim 52 - Groundswell Release Party & Benefit for McKenzie River Trust
What: Raise a Glass to Recovery and Resilience! Groundswell is a Northwest Pale Ale brewed to celebrate the McKenzie River – it's clear, refreshing, river-forward, and balanced with just enough salmon-safe hops for a crisp bite. Last year, Claim 52 raised $12,500 from the sales of Groundswell, which they donated to McKenzie River Trust to support watershed recovery efforts! Join McKenzie River Trust as we raise a glass to the rivers and kick off the second year of this incredible benefit. Claim 52 will donate 100% of the Groundswell proceeds to McKenzie River Trust!
When: April 22, 2022, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: 1203 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97401
Wild Birds Unlimited Annual Benefit for McKenzie River Trust
What: In celebration of Earth Day, 50% of profits for the day will be donated to the McKenzie River Trust!
Do you need no-mess birdseed, quality feeders, a feeder-hanging setup, binoculars, field guides, or a birdbath? Wild Birds Unlimited has all these and more and is donating 50% of the profits on Saturday, April 23rd, to McKenzie River Trust! Wild Birds Unlimited owners Dan and Barbara Gleason and their staff are passionate about nature, birds, and our community. Join us to help benefit conservation efforts in western Lane County!
When: April 23, 2022, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: 2510 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97405
Oakshire Benefit for McKenzie River Trust
What: Celebrate McKenzie River Trust's (MRT) partnership with Oakshire Brewing and their 1% for Watersheds program. $1 from every pint sold all day long will be donated to MRT! Join Oakshire and raise a glass to the McKenzie River, the source of our drinking water and the water in Oakshire's award-winning brew. Oakshire has donated 1% of all Watershed IPA sales in the southern Willamette Valley to MRT through their 1% For Watersheds program since 2012. Raise your pint and toast to the river! McKenzie River Staff will be on-hand between 5-8 pm to answer questions and share what we are up to!
When: April 27, 2022, 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Where: Oakshire, 207 Madison St, Eugene, OR 97402
#4. Tree Stewardship Work Party
What: Join Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) and Friends of Trees in Eugene for a tree stewardship work party. Help remove competing vegetation and mulch around young trees. Tools provided. All ages welcome.
When: April 20, 2022, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Whitaker neighborhood near I-105 and Owen Rose Garden
Learn More: https://www.pesticide.org/tree_work_party_2022
#5. Native Plant Nursery Volunteer Work Party
Photo credit: City of Eugene, Parks and Open Space.
What: This is a family-friendly event and doesn't require any experience. Work amongst flowers, birds, and butterflies as you steward native plants and support the City of Eugene's many urban restoration projects. These efforts directly improve the habitat and water quality of Eugene.
When: April 22, 2022, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where: Alton Baker Park Native Plant Nursery, 538 Day Island Rd, Eugene, OR, 97401
Learn More: https://www.eugene-or.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=24808&month=4&year=2022&day=22&calType=0
#6. Help Owen Rose Garden
What: Share your passion for roses and gain hands-on experience in year-round care of perennial shrubs! Help us weed, prune and deadhead a variety of roses to keep Eugene's iconic botanical garden looking beautiful. Meet at the Gazebo wearing weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. No experience is necessary.
When: April 22, 2022, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Owen Rose Garden, Eugene, Oregon
Learn More: https://www.eugene-or.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=24756&month=4&year=2022&day=22&calType=0
#7. Earth Day Weekend: Planting Event at Jasper State Recreation Site
What: Join Park Rangers in planting a grove of Heritage Trees to commemorate Oregon State Park's 100th Birthday and 2022 Earth Day! Learn about trees and how to plant them, invest in the planet, and take home a seedling tree to grow in your own yard! Registration for this event will close on 4/16/22, and participation is limited to 40 total volunteers. Volunteers must register in advance!
When: April 23, 2022, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Jasper State Recreation Site in Pleasant Hill, OR
Learn More: https://store.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=v.dsp_item&itemId=162&eventId=216
#8. Spring for Your River Clean Up
What: In honor of Earth Month, join the City and Willamette Riverkeeper to help clean the Willamette watershed. Tools and supplies are provided. Please RSVP to Kelsey Irvine at kirvine@eugene-or.gov.
When: April 23, 2022, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Maurie Jacobs Park, Eugene, OR
Learn More: https://www.eugene-or.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=25310&month=3&year=2022&day=27&calType=0
#9. Create Your Own Cleanup Event
Create a cleanup event and spread the word so the entire community can participate! The Great Global Cleanup® is a worldwide campaign to remove billions of pieces of trash from neighborhoods, beaches, rivers, lakes, trails, and parks — reducing waste and plastic pollution, improving habitats, and preventing harm to wildlife and humans. This program aims to continue cleanups every day of the year for a brighter, greener, and cleaner planet.
Learn more: https://www.earthday.org/campaign/cleanup/
#10. Run for the Earth
What: This is a 1M, 5K, 10K, 13.1, 26.2 virtual run (or walk) to celebrate planet EARTH! You choose which distance you want to complete!
When: Complete your race any time in April; even better if it's April 22nd!
Where: Anywhere!
