By Susan Barton
For the Enterprise
April 22 is Earth Day, an event which began in the United States in 1970 over concerns about the environment.
In 1990, Earth Day went global and is now the largest civic observance in the world. With over 1 billion participants, it is a day of action.
Oregon’s best known environmental organization, SOLVE predates Earth Day by one year.
Founded in 1969 by then-Gov. Tom McCall and civic leaders to address the problem of litter throughout the state, SOLVE has become a leader in mobilizing volunteers to care for this beautiful place we call home.
As described on the website solveoregon.org “SOLVE IT for Earth Day provides an opportunity for Oregonians to come together to take care of our parks, waterways and neighborhoods by picking up trash, pulling invasive plants, planting native trees and shrubs, and other watershed enhancement activities.”
Since 2009, Nyssa has participated with SOLVE on beautification projects at the Welcome to Nyssa Garden, cleaning up at Snake River Landing and Lions Park, and beautification of the east side Welcome to Nyssa sign.
This year, we are going back to the site of our first project, the Welcome to Nyssa Garden located at Locust Street and Thunderegg Boulevard. The garden needs weeding, installation of weed barriers and landscaping enhancement.
This is your opportunity to be a part of the 2016 SOLVE It Earth Day, give back to the Nyssa community and beautify the entrance to Nyssa.
It’s easy to participate. First, register at solveoregon.org, then show up on Saturday, April 23, at 9 a.m. Wear sturdy shoes, long pants and gloves. If you can, bring a wheelbarrow, shovel and garden rake.
For more information, contact Susan Barton at 541-372-5455 or via e-mail at [email protected]