Sunday is the 42nd annual Earth Day, which was created to elevate the importance of environmental issues around the world. Although it was first observed in San Francisco and other cities on March 21, 1970 (the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere), the genesis of Earth Day is credited to Gaylord Nelson (a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin) after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, Calif.
Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year. It’s estimated that one billion people around the globe will participate in Earth Day-related activities.
Here in Central Oregon, you have a number of opportunities this weekend to participate in Earth Day events. Here’s a quick rundown of options:
Friday, April 20
CHIMPANZEE EVENT — View the Art Walk all weekend, featuring art from local artists that is inspired by Earth. See the new movie, Chimpanzee; talk to representatives from Chimps Inc., and learn about the chimps that currently live in Central Oregon (also, learn how you can Adopt a Chimp). 3-8 pm. Old Mill 16 Theatre. 541-312-2866
Saturday, April 21
BEND EARTH DAY FAIR AND PARADE — A costume parade through downtown Bend kicks off the festivities. The Parade gathering begins at 10:30 a.m., on Louisiana and Troy field; the parade starts at 11:00. Come dressed as your favorite animals on the planet (no motorized vehicles, no written words and no pets). The fair, which runs from 11:30-3, features interactive activities, art, live music, a bike rodeo and more, including face painting from 9-3; more than 30 local organizations; a stage of local music, including Box Car String Band, Extra Blue and Wild Rye; local food vendors, such as Spork, Pizza Cart, DumpCity, Strictly Organic, Kombucha Mama, and Kettle Korn; free plantings in the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden; a hybrid car from Toyota and biodiesel-converted trucks from Import Performance; local artists selling creative up-cycled and recycled crafts; a climbing wall to test your strength; interactive activities for kids in Troy Field; bike safety checks with Bicycle Re-Source of Bend; and a bike rodeo with Commute Options and Bend Endurance Academy. Free. The Environmental Center, 16 N.W. Kansas Ave. 541-385-6908, ext. 15 or www.envirocenter.org..
REDMOND EARTH DAY FAIR — Volunteer your morning for Spring Clean-Up along the Dry Canyon Trail or participate in the development of a community garden (meet at the volunteer booth at 10 a.m. at American Legion Park to get started; all volunteers receive a token for a hot lunch prepared on site after the work is done; preregistration requested but not required at susan.bailey@ci.redmond.or.us). Then visit the fair from 11:30-3:30, featuring booths, live music by Moon Mountain Ramblers, craft and costume making and a recycled-costume parade at 2 pm. Free; proceeds benefit the Redmond Parks Foundation. American Legion Park, 850 S.W. Rimrock Way; www.redmondearthday.com.
MEDITATION HIKE AT WHYCHUS CANYON PRESERVE — Take a moment to pause and reflect on nature. for meditation hike at Whychus Canyon Preserve. The moderate 3-4 mile hike will go to a bouldered outcrop at the Preserve, where you can observe wildflowers and other nature on the way. Then, host Maret Pajutee will lead a guided meditation to help bring you to a new level of relaxation and awareness in nature. Bring snacks/lunch, water, hiking boots, seating pad or cushion; dress for the weather. Free, but must register online at http://deschuteslandtrust.org/events. 10 am-1 pm. Whychus Canyon Preserve. Sponsored by the Deschutes Land Trust. (541) 330-0017.
CHIMPANZEE EVENT — View the Art Walk all weekend, featuring art from local artists that is inspired by Earth. See the new movie, Chimpanzee; talk to representatives from Chimps Inc., and learn about the chimps that currently live in Central Oregon (also, learn how you can Adopt a Chimp). Noon-8 pm. Old Mill 16 Theatre. (541) 312-2866
Sunday, April 22
EARTH DAY HIKE AT WHYCHUS CANYON PRESERVE — Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Karen Parker for an Earth Day hike at Whychus Canyon Preserve. The moderate 3-4 mile hike will follow a trail through native bunchgrass and juniper forests to a boulder outcropping with amazing views of Whychus Creek and the canyon. Along the way, you’ll observe birds and early spring wildflowers, look for signs of wildlife, and take in the scenic views. Free, but must register online at http://deschuteslandtrust.org/events. Bring snacks/lunch, water, hiking boots, seating pad or cushion; dress for the weather. 10 am-1 pm. Whychus Canyon Preserve.10 am- 2 pm. (541) 330-0017.
CHIMPANZEE EVENT — View the Art Walk all weekend, featuring art from local artists that is inspired by Earth. See the new movie, Chimpanzee; talk to representatives from Chimps Inc., and learn about the chimps that currently live in Central Oregon (also, learn how you can Adopt a Chimp). Noon-8 pm. Old Mill 16 Theatre. (541) 312-2866.
About the Author
Lisa Broadwater, GRI, CDPE, is a Central Oregon-based real estate professional who specializes in listing and selling homes, especially in Sisters, Tumalo, Bend and Redmond.