Safeguard the Future for Make-A-Will Month

woman and children hiking through woods with text "safeguard the future -- consider your legacy this make-a-will month"
I’ll be honest: before joining the staff of OEC four years ago, estate planning wasn’t something on my mind. But after hearing from so many of our members who have included OEC in their estate plans, I was inspired to begin thinking about what I want my legacy to be. I did not previously understand the importance of estate planning. I have never had significant wealth and had assumed that wills and trusts were only important for people with vast resources. The more I learned, however, the more I realized the importance of creating a plan for the future, especially ...

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Exploring Resilience on the McCord Creek Falls Trail

forest brush with sign reading "elowah mccord"
Early in the morning on May 31 a group of OEC members and staff met up in a parking lot in the Columbia River Gorge. We gathered together to hike the Elowah Falls and Upper McCord Creek trails, led by long-time OEC member and Trailkeepers of Oregon volunteer Peter Reagan. Peter worked to rebuild the trail after the area was devastated in the Eagle Creek Fire in 2017. The air was crisp as we loosened up our muscles and enjoyed a final cup of coffee at the trailhead. The forecast promised a dry day in the 60s—perfect weather for a hike! As soon as we gained enough ...

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Member Q&A: Bethany Shetterly Thomas

headshot of bethany with oec logo and text "member q&a: Bethany Shetterly Thomas!"
OEC member Bethany Shetterly Thomas wears a lot of hats. She is Board President and founder of Earth Day Oregon, co-founder of Ecology in Classrooms and Outdoors, and served on OEC’s Emerging Leaders Board (ELB) from 2015-2018. In all of her different roles, she's been steadfast in her focus on protecting Oregon's environment, and spreading love for our state's great outdoors to Oregonians of all ages. OEC recently sat down with Bethany to chat about her love for our state’s great outdoors, and her long history of impactful environmental work in Oregon. We dive into ...

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Member Q&A: Lesley Atlansky

OEC Member, Lesley Atlansky, standing in the environmental studies book section that she curates at Powells bookstore.
How we choose to fight for the future of our planet is a deeply personal decision. Beyond the obvious actions – giving public comment, reducing our own carbon footprints, or supporting organizations like Oregon Environmental Council – there are any number of other ways to make a difference. You can make art that beautifully portrays the splendor of the natural world, promote literature on climate and environmental issues to your community…  Or, if you’re Lesley Atlansky, you can do both! Lesley is an artist and longtime OEC member based in Portland, OR. She ...

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A Climate Conversation with Congresswoman Bonamici

Susan Bonamici Profile Photo
Congresswoman Bonamici left OEC members feeling optimistic after learning about how federal initiatives can support climate progress here at home and how smart infrastructure investments can set us up for a clean, thriving economy in the years to come.

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February Member Spotlight – Karen and Bob Williams

"It's a great organization that brings people together from diverse areas with different perspectives to address complex issues..."

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January Membership Spotlight – Eva Sippl

When Eva Sippl launched her business, Eva’s Herbucha, she didn’t realize how it would bring her closer to Oregon

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More Ways To Support Our Work

OEC’s work is powered by the generosity and commitment of people who care deeply about creating a more healthy and just environment for all Oregonians. As we look ahead to 2021, it will take all of us to achieve the momentum needed to make real and lasting change. Here is a list of the many ways you can support OEC’s work with a tax-deductible donation:  Individual Membership: You can join today by making a one-time gift or becoming an Evergreen Member and committing to monthly contributions.  Willamette Week’s 2020 Give!Guide: Check out our ...

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October Membership Spotlight – Mark & Susan Gibson

I really value OEC’s determination. When challenges arose, OEC didn’t back down and didn’t give up.

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Recognizing Human Health & Environmental Health go hand in hand, OEC Member Steven Rotter Knew He Had To Invest In Oregon’s Future

Steven Rotter, from Grants Pass, has been a member of OEC for the past 18 years and has always had a passion for health and a love of the outdoors. He grew up in Wisconsin and went to summer camp in Northern Minnesota where he took canoe trips into the Canadian Boundary waters. Back then, in the 70s, they could still drink the water straight from the lakes and rivers! He has now been a physician in Oregon for over 30 years and continues to explore the great outdoors and deepen his knowledge about the best ways to remain healthy.  Recognizing that human health and ...

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