Featured WED Events
World Environment Day Innovation Celebration
On June 6th, the World Environment Day Innovation Celebration featured remarks from City Officials, University Leaders, and other change-makers on solutions that led to Portland’s honor as host city for World Environment Day 2013. There were remarks by Amy Fraenkel, Director of the United Nations Environment Programme of North America. The event also featured Bella Gaia performed by Director, Composer and Violinist Kenji Williams. Bella Gaia shared visualizations of Hotspots and Hopespots and humanity’s presence on earth as seen from space. Stories selected for Bella Gaia’s multimedia show come from UNEP and NASA science data, and were created to inspire future solutions thinkers. The event also featured Gary Braasch, a Portland-based environmental photojournalist, His project World View of Global Warming documents climate change science, effects and solutions. His work is featured in UN publications, books, magazines, postage stamps, apps, and museum exhibitions. The event was sponsored by the City of Portland, United Nations Environment Programme, Portland Community College, Intertwine Alliance,Portland State University, Portland General Electric and University of Oregon.
Food, Water and the Environment: What's the Connection?
A Youth Workshop featuring Dr. Mae C. Jemison
This June 5th hands-on environmental youth workshop titled “Food, Water and the Environment: What’s the Connection?” is led by Dr. Mae C. Jemison. Dr. Jemison is the first African-American female astronaut into space and a longtime national Making Science Make Sense® spokesperson. Portland high school students will participate in a workshop at Roosevelt High School in which Jemison provides key feedback and guidance. Students will learn about the amount of food wasted around the world and the vital importance water plays in our everyday life as they work on solving key local and regional environmental challenges in Portland. The students will tackle an array of environmental issues that highlight the interplay between food, water and biodiversity, energy, health, recreation, the economy, education and urban living. As they work on their solutions to these challenges, students will consult with experts from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Portland-based industry, education, environment, regional government and non-governmental organizations.
Elevating Impact Summit
The Elevating Impact Summit, brought to you by Impact Entrepreneurs at Portland State University, is a celebration of new approaches to generating social impact across business, social, public, and academic sectors. This event features a dynamic day of interactive discussion and learning sessions, inspiring speakers, first-hand accounts from social entrepreneurs and innovators, and opportunities to connect with a diverse audience of business professionals, cutting edge entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and students all working to realize the full potential of business for positive impact. http://www.pdx.edu/impactentrepreneurs/summit Contact Amelia Pape, ameliap@pdx.edu with questions.
June 21st, 9:00AM-5:00PM
World Environment Day RoZone Rally
On June 5, the official date of World Environment Day, a special rally will be held in the Rose Festival's entertainment venue, the RoZone. This part of Tom McCall Waterfront Park will be filled with fun, educational activities for children of all ages--all free to the public from 3:30 until 6:00 p.m.. Activities include story-telling, mask-making, fly casting and fly tying, trash art and the chance to be part of the Procession of the Species, a mini-parade around the waterfront featuring folks dressed as their favorite animals, led by Joy Now performers and stilt-walkers AND FREE RIDES ON THE 'BIG WHEEL' FERRIS WHEEL!
June 5th from 3:30-6:00 PM
http://www.rosefestival.org/events/worldenvironmentday/
International Children's Painting Competition Exhibition
The exhibition is one of the feature youth events of World Environment Day celebrations in Portland, Oregon, the 2013 North American host city. The exhibition will be held at the Native American Student and Community Center (NASCC) at Portland State University. At the exhibition, the first-and second-place North American Winners of the ICPC will be announced and recognized as well as Portland's Best first-and second- place winners. The exhibition will feature the four winning paintings as well as the top artwork from North America. The exhibit opens on June 5, the 50 winning entries will be on display through October 2013.
Special Awards Program Tuesday, June 4th from 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Global Food Waste Report Release and Portland Food Sustainability Panel
The United Nations Environment Programme will release a report on global food waste. Portland experts will follow with a sustainable food panel discussion. Lovejoy Room Portland City Hall
Wednesday, June 5, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Portland Harbor Superfund Clean-up 101
A workshop for residents, especially North Portland residents, to learn about the superfund clean up of the lower Willamette River and how it impacts their health and the livability of their communities.
Wednesday, June 5, 5:30 to 8:00 pm.
http://www.groundworkportland.org & http://www.portlandharborcag.info/
27th Annual Great Blue Heron Week: Great Blue Herons of The Intertwine!
Join the Audubon Society of Portland, Urban Greenspaces Institute, and other partners in The Intertwine Alliance in celebrating more than a quarter century since the Great Blue Heron was adopted as Portland’s official city bird. See http://audubonportland.org/about/events/heronweek for a complete list of events.
The 50 Certified Yards Challenge
The Backyard Habitat Certification Program is putting itself to the test. In honor of World Environment Day, they are aiming to certify 50 yards between Earth Day and World Environment Day.
April 22nd-June 5th
Contact Audubon Society of Portland or Columbia Land Trust.
World Ocean Day at OMSI
This event includes a presentation on marine debris by Emily Deforce of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (www.emeliadeforce.com) and a showing of the film "Ocean Frontiers" (www.ocrean-frontiers.org). Surfrider, Oregon Shores and other local marine heroes will be on hand to celebrate the ocean and share their great work. OMSI admission is only $2 this day!
June 2nd, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Share your Stories with The Intertwine
Between Earth Day (April 22) and World Environment Day (June 5) The Intertwine will release a daily story illustrating innovative ways that businesses, government agencies and non-profit organizations, both Alliance partner and others, make our region more livable, more sustainable and more equitable. The UN gives us a platform to reach 130 countries throughout the world with our stories.
April 22nd-June 5th
If you have a story to tell to the world, send it to Irene.
Exploring The Intertwine: Birds and Indigenous Plants of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, June 5, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
This two-mile loop stroll around the Bottoms is appropriate for families and will provide a great opportunity to learn new bird calls and songs, and to learn about native plants and their importance to Native American culture. Meet at the parking lot at the north end of Sellwood Park at SE Sellwood Boulevard and SE 7th Avenue at 5 p.m. Bring binoculars and, if you have one, a spotting scope. A hand lens will be useful for plant identification.
Lloyd Art and Water- Senior Strolls
In celebration of World Environment Day, we’ll stroll past various art and water features that decorate the vibrant Lloyd District and Convention Center. Meet center of Holladay Park between NE Multnomah St. and NE Holladay St. between NE 11th and NE 13th Ave.
June 4th (1.4 miles) and June 5th (2.4 miles) 2013, 10am-Noon
Fresh Exchange Fundraiser Bake Sale
A bake sale put on by members of the Bureau of Development Services Safety Committee, Equity Committee, and Green Team to raise money for the Portland Farmer's Markets Fresh Exchange program that is a dollar for dollar match for low-income families to buy fresh produce at a number of local markets. This is a City employee-only event. There will be no sales to the public but all City employees are welcome.
1900 SW 4th Ave employee lunchrooms
Wednesday, June 5, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Cycling Essentials
Want more information on how to prepare, stay comfortable and safe, and find the best routes? Come join this interactive session and build your cycling confidence. 700 NE Multnomah St, 3rd floor conference room. For more information: jeff.smith@portlandoregon.gov
Wednesday, June 5, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
PDX Sustainability Tour
Join us on a walking tour at Portland International Airportand adjacent Port of Portland headquarters LEED Platinum building.
Learn about the many sustainability solutions in place at PDX. From reducing air emissions and food waste, to providing alternate transportation options and treating wastewater onsite, there's a lot to be proud of Portland's gateway to the world.
Please email lisa.timmerman@portofportland.com to RSVP of for questions about this event.
7200 NE Airport Way
Wednesday, June 5, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Sustainable Southeast gets on the MAP
Waterfront RoZone near Salmon Springs Fountain
Wednesday, June 5, 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Celebrate the most Sustainable Main Streets in Portland. The current and next iteration of the Sustainable Southeast Map are available or on display in the RoZone. http://www.hacepdx.com
World Environment Day Workshop at SCRAP
Celebrate World Environment Day at SCRAP! We will be hosting a free workshop sewing scrap fabric pouches at the Education Annex during our regular Wednesday Crafternoon time. For ages 4 and up only; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is required; maximum 30 participants. (Please note: This workshop is being held in lieu of Wednesday Crafternoon.) Register online now!
Wednesday, June 5, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sidewalk Procession with River Puppet
A stroll through downtown with a 30 ft long fabric river puppet! Watch the ripple and flow of a 30 foot long River Puppet made by local artists in honor of World Environment Day. On June 5th, beginning at 11:30 am, you can join a Sidewalk Procession through downtown Portland led by a giant salmon followed by the long, blue river. "The procession was organized to honor our air, land, and water. We hope to inspire others to protect Oregon’s unique natural resources now and for future generations,” said Jere Grimm, one of the artists and organizers. "Learn what actions you can take to protect our beloved Northwest from the proposed air, land and water polluting coal trains and barges on their way toAsia," said Bonnie Meltzer, another of the planners. The procession begins at 11:30 am at the NW corner of of SW Salmon and Naito Parkway. The route goes west on Salmon; right on 6th toward Pioneer Courthouse Square. The procession will circle Pioneer Courthouse Square before returning to our starting point via SW Broadway and Salmon. People can join in at any place or time.
Wednesday, June 5, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM