Working Toward a Healthier Planet!

Source: usinfo.state.gov

Arbor Day and Earth Day are just around the corner and Portland is gearing up for fun activities and community service events throughout the city. Arbor Day events kick-off on April 4 with more than a week of tree planting and recognition events. Earth Day is April 22 (observed on April 19), with a variety of activities for all ages.

Check out the list below and choose an event to attend. Be sure to invite your friends and family; the more people working together for a healthier planet, the better.

2008 Arbor Day Events:

Greening the Eastside - Friday, April 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Friends of Trees volunteers will plant 30 large street trees as part of the Greening the Eastside Arbor Week Project. To volunteer contact Friends of Trees at 503.282.8846

Portland Arbor Day Celebration - Monday, April 7 at 10 a.m.
The City of Portland hosts a fun and educational event at Hoyt Arboretum, complete with a ceremonial tree planting. This is a great event for all ages held in the blooming Magnolia section of the arboretum. For more information, contact Portland Parks and Recreation at 503.865.8733.

Children's Tree Trail - Friday, April 11
All ages are able to explore the great outdoors with guided activities and hikes through Hoyt Arboretum. The event begins at the World Forestry Center. For more information, contact Hoyt Arboretum at 503.228.1367.

Arbor Week Community Fair - Saturday, April 12
Join many of Portland's environmental organizations at the World Forestry Center to learn more about trees and take part in fun, earth-friendly activities. For more information, contact Hoyt Arboretum at 503.228.1367.

2008 Earth Day Events:

Portland's Earth Day 2008 - Saturday, April 19 (all day)
Every year on Earth Day we gather to have fun and learn how we can help the earth. This year's theme, "Dance of the Dinosaur", focuses on what we can do as a city, and as individuals, to lower our energy usage. This free event is at Overlook Park in North Portland. For more information, e-mail the City Repair Project.

Tree Giveaway - Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon
Friends of Trees will give away bareroot trees at the Friends of Trees booth at Portland's Earth Day 2008 event. For more information, contact Friends of Trees at 503.282.8846.

SOLV IT 2008 - Saturday, April 19 (all day)
Thousands of local volunteers come together to work on almost 100 different volunteer projects. Volunteers are able to help neighborhoods by cleaning up neglected areas, beautifying public spaces, helping to restore watersheds and natural spaces, and much, much more. To help out, contact SOLV at 503.844.9571.

Earth Day Celebration - Tuesday, April 22 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Friends of Trees and the Bureau of Environmental Services are teaming up with Hosford Middle School students to plant six trees on the school grounds to promote watershed health. To join in the planting fun, contact Friends of Trees at 503.282.8846.