2026 Earth Day

10:00 AM: Agriculture panel: "Local and Resilient Food Chains"

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.

11:00 AM: "Oregon White Oaks in Silverton"

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. 

12:00 PM: break

1:00 PM: "Get to Know: Sustainable Silverton Coalition" – Board

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