April showers bring May flowers, is something I learned in school. And after all of that snow it is a welcome relief to see spring really budding out. April is also the month we celebrate our one true home, planet Earth. This year marks the 49th celebration of what has grown into the largest world-wide secular observation, Earth Day! Now celebrated in 192 countries and by millions around the planet. It will be coming to Cottage Grove, April 20th, in Coiner Park, 11am – 4pm.
Here are some of the highlights of the FREE family friendly 2019 Cottage Grove Earth Day Celebration: live music all day, an Arbor Day proclamation by Mayor Jeff Gowing, informational booths by local organizations, local vendors, kid’s activities, food and a rummage sale by the Friends of the Swinging Bridge to benefit the Bridge.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the Earth Day Celebration, it really kicks off the event season with live music, local tours, and lots of fun for kids.” said Reilly Newman, Chair of Cottage Grove’s Urban Forestry Commission and Projects Coordinator, Coast Fork Watershed Council, both of which are sponsoring the event along with Parent Partnership and 1st Presbyterian’s Earth & Social Justice Committee.
Besides all the activities happening at Coiner Park you will have the chance to tour the CG Drinking Water and CG Waste Water Treatment Plants as well as the local Organic and Biodynamic, Singing Creek Farm. These tours include free transportation by South Lane Wheels to and from Coiner Park. Places fill up fast so sign up at the Cottage Grove Library (or call 541-942-3828) by April 18th.
Additionally there will be an early bird activity that Saturday, from 8 to 10am at the Row River Nature Park. Alison Center, local bird & butterfly expert will be leading a casual, beginner-friendly walk looking at spring birds, dragon flies, native turtles and more. There is no transportation for this tour, just meet at the Nature Park on Row River Road.
There will be lots of things to do and learn from all through April and into May shepherded by our local Coast Fork Willamette Watershed Council. For a complete list of all the activities that allow us to celebrate our Earth check their Facebook page or their website www.coastfork.org.
The City of Creswell will be getting into the act the following weekend with its Arbor Day Celebration, April 27th, 12 to 1pm, Cobalt Activity Center. 4th graders at Creslane will be doing a coloring contest and as a thank you each 4th grader that participates will get a free ‘Every Kid in a Park’ pass, and the student who is the winner of the coloring contest will get a Arbor Day themed prize and be invited (along with their family) to get a photo with the Mayor at the Arbor Day Celebration. Other attractions at the Creswell Arbor day include kid’s activities and giveaways, free trees from EPUD, and free lunch provided by the Sanipac Duck Truck.
As part of Creswell’s Arbor Day Celebration we planted blue elderberry trees at the Cobalt Center, they are a native species that will provide edible berries for people and wildlife for many years to come.” Reilly Newman, Chair of Creswell’s Parks and Tree Advisory Board. For more information check the Creswell’s City website or contact Michelle Amberg at City Hall 541-895 2531 x308.
While true Earth Day is on April 22, (John Muir’s Birthday) it is usually celebrated on the Saturday closest to that date. This year that is April 20th. So I invite you to do all you can to remember to care for your mother Earth and she will continue to nurture you and provide all of what you need to live. Make April Earth month in your awareness.
Dana Merryday can be reached at 541-942-7037 and at [email protected]
