Eugene Oregon has always been known for being green, clean and aware of our environment. The thirteenth annual Earth Day Celebration is always an interesting event, full of information, details on how to clean up the environment more than we are and introduces us to the programs in force around Eugene to help us remain a clean city.
Our theme for the year is “You Are Here.” The celebration will host 40 educational booths, full of activities for children and adults. The Lane County Master Gardener will have the annual plant sale, giving residents a chance to bring those spring planting ideas to fruition.
The event features John H. Baldwin and the film and lecture series, a procession of All Species and a musical main stage, where awards will be given out to those in the community who have fought hard to protect our environment and make a difference this year.
The Earth Day Steering Committee will be hosting the event. Eugene Water & Electric Board is awarding 2 grants to renewable energy projects in the area. Each grant is worth $100,000 each. Customers who have signed up for the Greenpower program have selected the grant winners.
Mayor Kitty Piercy is awarding the Bold Steps Sustainability Award, that is given to businesses who have worked in clean up practices into their daily work habits and operations.
The Plastic Y-No Band will provide fun musical entertainment. Several videos shown will include recycling information, understanding the need for nature, a discussion on Willamette Partnership, a video on waterlife and more.
The entertainment begins at 11:00 a.m., with Mayor Piercy’s presentation of the Bold Steps Award.
Craft activities for children include the construction of musical instruments, wearable art, hats and costumes for the parade and more.
In the Main EWEB parking lot, and the main entrance beneath the Ferry Street Bridge, the Oregon State University Extension Service will host a comprehensive program on the growing and caring for plants. Gardeners learn information on how to get their gardens in tip-top shape. The Garden Fair and Plant Sale sells thousands of plants each year and is a great place for the gardeners of the area to discuss projects and interests.
The Earth Day Book Swap and Sale is a good way to add some great books to your collection. Bring books along to share with another reader or buy a book. All proceeds go to the African children’s education project in Togo. Smith Family Books and other area bookstores will supply used books, along with those brought by community residents.
Mini-workshops are available in the EWEB Cafeteria area along with the book sale. The workshops provide residents with valuable information about tree planting and care, recycling and ideas on how to find tune your heating and cooling systems to save money and energy. The first workshop begins at 12:00 p.m.
Free bicycle safety checks are conducted by Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life mechanics. The safety check begins at 11 am and goes until 4 pm.
The Earth Day booths are giving away prizes, discounts and various fun items. Be sure to stop at each one to sign up! Play Booth Bingo and win!
In honor of all species of life, the Procession of All Species is a parade that lets your creative side come through, while making a statement about the planet and all it provides for us. Anyone can join in the fun by wearing a mask, costume or some representation of a favorite plant, animal, ecosystem or natural wonder. Please, for safety sake, no motorized vehicles, live animals or written signs.
The Pacific Tree Climbing Institute is hosting a tree climbing experience. The event is taking place at the EWEB Credit Union Building on 4th Avenue and Mill Street.
Solar technology is displayed through a demonstration of the SunRover. The SunRover operates on generated power from the sun. Watch for the SunRover during the celebration!
The Watery World is across the Willamette River, over the Defazio Bike Bridge. The Watery World will be held at Alton Baker Park, along the banks of the Duck Ponds. The Watery World event goes from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and will include the Native Youth Water Warriors and the Nuclear Northwest Watersheds radioactive pollution dangers information through workshops and exhibits.
Children will get a hands-on experience that they can take home with them, by forming clay models of Eugene’s hills and rivers. Rainfall simulations provide an inside look on how the rivers shape our region. Boats will be on display and children will be allowed to play in them. Figurine sculpting will be a highlight, as children mold clay into their favorite animals or bugs. Children will also be allowed to create their own wooden toy boat, made with recycled wood scraps and learn how to fish in the ponds or in the river.
The 2012 Earth Day Celebration in Eugene will be another year of fun, entertainment and an education on how we can protect our planet.
