We hope you are getting excited about Earth Day at the Garden — free admission!
https://oregongarden.org/event/earth-day-2026/
(Parking for non-members is $10)
Sustainable Silverton Coalition is partnering with Oregon Garden for this year’s birthday event. Catch us on the Willamette Wake Up show! Sustainable Silverton Coalition (SSC) and the Oregon Garden was on at the second half of the 8 o'clock hour 08 April 2026. We discussed the great collaboration work that has been happening between SSC and the Oregon Garden, including the upcoming Earth Day event (4/18). For the next 14 days only, you can listen in on the full, unedited conversation here: https://kmuz.org/shows/willamette-wakeup
Stop by our table and say hello, and get your environmental education fill at these great panels:”
Beth Meyers-Shenai, Silverton Food Co-op
Connor Voss, Diggin' Roots Farm, & CSA
Vivienne Frankel, Silverton Farmer’s Market
Darrel Smith, Silverton Grange
Explore how the community of Silverton, along with cities and towns across the country, is developing a local, resilient food system. Co-ops, farmers markets, Granges, and CSAs all create opportunities to grow a local supply and a regional distribution network. When we support these local food networks before an unexpected food supply-chain interruption, we ensure these local resources will be there when we need them. Also, when we spend our food budget within our community, it keeps food dollars and resources circulating locally. Panelists will discuss practical strategies, challenges, and opportunities for building a more secure, connected, and sustainable food future, here at home.
Eric Hammond, Head Grower, Heritage Seedlings & Liners
For many of us, a piece of our heart belongs to the Oregon White Oak. This multi-functional species is a valuable natural legacy in Silverton, providing shade, beauty, habitat, and wonder. In this session, we’ll hear from horticulturist Eric Hammond about the historic and current oak coverage, as well as threats facing these iconic trees and groves. Explore how oaks shape both our local ecology and our identity. Gain practical guidance on protecting and stewarding oak habitats.
Kelley Morehouse, Board President
Eric Hammond, Board Vice-President
Darrel Smith, Board Treasurer
Elyce Hues, Board Secretary
Silverton is a special place. The Garden City and gateway to the jewel of Silver Falls State Park, Silverton is surrounded by natural beauty. Sustainable Silverton Coalition was born out of a citizens’ side conversation in 2016, during the City’s visioning process, asking:
How do we support our community’s access to lifestyles that conserve natural resources and reduce pollution?
How do we anticipate and prepare for change, from wildfires to tree blights, ice storms to power outs?
How do we manage development sustainably?
In this panel, SSC board members will talk about our current and developing programs and partnerships, and will take your comments and questions. What sustainability issues matter most to you?
2:00 PM: "Solar Panels and the Circular Economy"
Andrew Kach, Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, Willamette University
Tristan Kuenzi, Earthlight
Dylan McDowell, CEO, National Caucus of Environmental Legislators
Elyce Hues, Sustainable Silverton Coalition
Bringing a diversity of expertise, this panel will dive deep into a fuller view of solar energy, through the lenses of the circular economy and local resilience. Hear from Silverton’s local solar panel installer, a community solar project advocate, a supply-chain researcher, and a sustainability nonprofit member, this panel will examine solar’s promise, tradeoffs, and practical realities. From ethical sourcing and end-of-life questions to grid vulnerability, electrification, and community-scale resilience, the conversation will offer a rarely heard, balanced conversation exploring the totality of photovoltaic (PV) panels and their role in a thriving future.
3:00 PM: TBD