OREGON CITY – The Clackamas Community College Environmental Learning Center is hosting free weekly wildlife and water friendly garden workshops – just in time for the spring gardening season. Each week, professional landscapers and water quality experts will discuss ways in which gardens help wildlife. Workshops will be held virtually Thursdays, Jan. 26-March 9, noon-1 p.m. Sign up for one or more of the workshops at https://bit.ly/ELCgardenseries.
Jan. 26, How to grow a sustainable lawn
By choosing the right style of lawn, care regimen and equipment, a sustainable lawn profile is possible. Learn key information about how to grow grass lawns and eco-lawns (grasses with broadleaf plants) including mowing, watering and fertilizing.
Feb. 2, Encouraging beneficial insects, spiders and mini-creatures
A diverse fauna of mini creatures plays a huge role in keeping backyard habitats healthy and functional. Learn to be a good host to these critters and how a diverse, native plant-based garden is a bulwark to plant pest outbreaks.
Feb. 9, Avoiding invasives in the garden
Finding the right plant for the right location is key to garden success, but some are a little too successful and threaten to disrupt the desired outcome. Learn how proper plant choices can help prevent undesirable invasive species from taking over yards, and why this is important for the health of watersheds.
Feb. 16, Drought-tolerant native plants for pollinators
Despite its reputation for being wet and gray, this region of Oregon has naturally dry summers, conditions that are being exacerbated by global warming. Discover drought-tolerant plants that can add resilience to the landscape in the face of changing weather patterns, as well as support bees and other pollinators.
Feb. 23, Attracting birds while protecting watershed health
Birds provide many beneficial services, from pest-control to pollination. Creating a welcoming environment for our avian visitors doesn’t have to strain water budgets.
March 2, Ways that we impact watersheds in our garden decisions
The choices people make in taking care of yards not only affects the long-term health and beauty of gardens, but also the health of the water supply. Learn why and how to be good environmental stewards through soil care practices, storm water management, water conservation, non-chemical fertilizer alternatives and best practices for pest management.
March 9, Garden design considerations for managing stormwater and erosion
Sloping lawns and rivers of run-off can wreak havoc in yards. Learn how to manage storm water and erosion from an expert known for earth-friendly, water-wise designs.
For questions, email elcatccc@clackamas.edu. The workshop series is sponsored by Clackamas County Water Environment Services and in partnership with Clackamas River Basin Council, Clackamas River Water Providers, Oak Lodge Water Services and North Clackamas Watersheds Council.
About the Environmental Learning Center
The Environmental Learning Center has a rich history as an educational resource for Clackamas Community College, regional schools, industry and the community. Located on the former site of a Smucker's processing plant, the center was created to demonstrate what people could do to reclaim industrial sites, address stormwater issues and restore wildlife habitats in urban areas. Each year thousands of people visit to explore the 5-acre site and learn about watershed health. The site serves as an important stormwater facility for the college campus and provides critical wetland habitat for resident and migratory birds, such as the great blue heron, wood duck and merganser. For more information about the Environmental Learning Center, visit www.clackamas.edu/ELC.
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OREGON CITY – Clackamas Community College President Tim Cook will hold his annual State of the College address Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. The community is invited to this free and informative event.
This year’s State of the College will explore the college’s values of learning, equity, student success, community and belonging. President Cook will discuss the how the college is adapting to changing student needs, along with upcoming challenges and opportunities, including enrollment, funding and new initiatives.
The State of the College address will be held in-person on the Oregon City campus in the Gregory Forum and via Zoom at https://clackamas.zoom.us/j/94555234081.
No reservations required. Clackamas Community College is located at 19600 Molalla Ave. For more information, contact Public Information Officer Lori Hall at lori.hall@clackamas.edu.
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OREGON CITY – The Clackamas Community College Alexander Gallery presents “THE ORDEAL,” an exhibition of large-scale paintings and drawings by Portland-based Dutch artist Henk Pander. The show runs through Jan. 31. There will be an artist reception Jan. 19, noon-1 p.m., and Pander will speak about his work at 1 p.m.
“THE ORDEAL” showcases more than a dozen compositions that survey recent explorations of Pander’s artistic practice, calling attention to American technology, materialism and disaster. In these works, Pander draws inspiration from personal memory and the history of art to create compositions that embrace color and mark making.
Pander’s work has been recognized internationally and supported by the Regional Arts and Culture Council, a State of Oregon Governor’s Award for the Arts, and a master fellowship in painting from the Oregon Arts Commission.
The Alexander Gallery is located in the Niemeyer Center on the Oregon City campus, 19600 Molalla Ave., and is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with the exception of holidays.
This exhibition is free and open to the public. For questions, contact Kate Simmons at 503-594-3032 or kates@clackamas.edu. For more information on Clackamas Community College’s art exhibits and performances, visit www.clackamas.edu/art.
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