Lively ‘Earth Day Fair’ in Brentwood-Darlington

Take a look at what that attracted many families from outer East Portland to celebrate the season …

During the Learning Gardens Laboratory’s ‘Earth Day Fair’, visitors learn more about the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association, from neighborhood Chair Stephenie Frederick.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Those seeking a celebration of Earth Day made their way to the Learning Gardens Laboratory (LGL) in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood on “Earth Day Saturday”, April 20th, to attend the annual festival there.

“This is our fourteenth year for the LGL Earth Day Fair,” remarked its organizer, and Portland State University (PSU) LGL Coordinator, Sybil Kelley, PhD. “LGL is committed to restoring connections between people and planet; this Fair is a way for us to ‘open this space’ to our community, and to bring people together to celebrate our shared values and care for the Earth.”

In the garden beds, tended by the LGL’s PSU students, plants were showing signs of sprouting. And, around the area, canopies were set up for affiliated organizations to meet guests. There were also craft booths for kids – and the adults who participated.

With a roll of door prize tickets at the front gate we found volunteer Bill Jensen.

“I really enjoy volunteering here, with Portland State, at the Learning Garden Laboratory – especially on a great day like today,” grinned Bill Jensen. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to do things here, and meet people. Fantastic!”

There weren’t any programmed activities this year; visitors just casually strolled around the grounds, soaking in the casual atmosphere. Families were invited to bring their own picnic lunches, or to purchase food from a catering truck.

It was a smaller fair this year, with only nine outside organizations participating, acknowledged Kelley. The fair was put together by some 30 volunteers, many of whom were PSU students – who greeted the one hundred guests who appeared throughout the day.

Answering questions at the Multnomah County Master Gardeners Association table at the event are these volunteers (and Master Gardeners). Here, Jen Hazen is showing a Mason Bee nesting house made by woodworking student at Franklin High School – along with Doris Rains and Bette Pierce.

While there, visitors learned that on this twelve-acre “farm” farm in the city, all LGL programs are coordinated by a staff team of graduate students from the Leadership for Sustainability Education program at PSU, as well as from other graduate programs like the Sustainable Food Systems Certificate.

And, after nearly two decades as a program of PSU, LGL is only now becoming an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – in partnership with Portland State.

Kyle Leslie from Gresham buys plants from LGL participant Angie Hayes.

“We’ve enjoyed our first-ever visit here today,” commented guest George Smythe of the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood. “I look forward to coming back!”

Comments are closed.