WED, MAY 28 (7 pm)
THE CORVALLIS DOWNTOWN WILLAMETTE RIVER PARKS
This Liz & Bob Frenkel webinar program focuses on Sawala Point, Riverfront Commemorative Park, North Riverfront Park, Orleans Natural Area, and Berg Natural Area. Rebecca Landis and Dave Eckert reveal these magical gems that are right in front of us. Register for this webinar: cbcpl.net/Frenkel3
Contact/Info: Dave Eckert, deckert@willamettewatershed.com
Sponsors: Marys Peak Group Sierra Club, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, and the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition Water Action Team
FRI, MAY 30 (5 – 7 pm)
BALD HILL FARM HISTORY TOUR
We are celebrating Benton County Historical Preservation Month with a walk at Bald Hill Farm. Calling all local history buffs! Come and learn more about the fascinating history of Bald Hill Farm, from Kalapuya through western settler migration. We’ll delve into the world of the extensive Mulkey family whose name graces the property’s creek and ridgeline, and trace back local tales through oral and written documents. Space is limited for this free event.
Contact: mbenotsch@greenbeltlandtrust.org, register at Bald Hill Farm History
Sponsor: Greenbelt Land Trust
MAY 30 – JULY 12
WILDFIRE WATER
An exhibition exploring the intersection of climate change, landscape, and ecology through the powerful dual forces of wildfire and water. Featuring work created during the inaugural Wildfire + Water residency at PLAYA in Summer Lake, Oregon, this timely exhibition reflects on environmental, spiritual, and socio-political issues impacting not only the Chewaucan region, but communities across the globe.
At The Arts Center, 700 SW Madison Avenue
Contact/Info: theartscenter.net/wildfire-water
Sponsor: The Arts Center (TAC)
SAT, MAY 31 (10 am – 2 pm)
PLANT SALE BY FRIENDS OF BENTON GARDENERS
Support local school gardens and other educational projects for school children by purchasing locally grown plants. Sun and shade herbaceous perennials, shrubs, natives, succulents, houseplants, and more.
At Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church parking lot, 2650 NW Highland Dr. (Corner of Highland and Walnut.)
Contact/Info: www.facebook.com/FriendsofBentonGardeners
friendsofbentongardeners@gmail.com
Sponsor: Friends of Benton Gardeners
JUNE 1 – JULY 5 (Open Tues – Sat, 12 – 5 pm)
WILDFIRE AND WATER
Experience the transformative work of nine artists and over a dozen collaborators, developed during the Wildfire + Water residency at PLAYA in Summer Lake, Oregon. This exhibition explores the interconnectedness of ecosystems, the impact of climate change, and the role of art in fostering environmental awareness. This event encourages thoughtful reflection on sustainability and our collective responsibility to the planet.
At The Arts Center,700 SW Madison Avenue
Contact/Info: theartscenter.net/wildfire-water
Sponsor: The Arts Center (TAC)
SUN, JUNE 1
RUN FOR THE HILLS (Start times vary between 8 and 10 am)
Presented by Heart of the Valley Runners, this scenic and challenging 30k, Half-Marathon and 8k trail runs through Bald Hill Natural Area, Bald Hill Farm, Fitton Green Natural Area, and Crestmont Land Trust in Corvallis with great views and fun courses. Easy 2-mile walk/run, almost entirely on smooth paved path, and 1/4 mile kids run are fun for the entire family. Benefits the Greenbelt Land Trust Trails Fund. Register at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=123805.
Contact: mbenotsch@greenbeltlandtrust.org
Sponsors: Heart of the Valley Runners and Greenbelt Land Trust
TUES, JUNE 3 & 24 (10 am – 1 pm)
JAMMIN’ FOR THE HUNGRY
Make and process jam that will be distributed to local food banks. We need volunteers for June 24.
At the First United Methodist Community Center kitchen, 1166 NW Jackson, Corvallis
Contact/Info: jammin@corvallisfumc.org
Sponsors: First United Methodist Church and Jammin’ for the Hungry
THURS, JUNE 5 (5:00 – 6:30 pm)
COOKS & BOOKS: CHEESEMAKING
Join us for an in-person cooking demonstration and showcase of cookbooks! Learn how to prepare a recipe demonstrated by a local chef, then sample the dish and browse related cookbooks. Featured chef for June is Margot Schwarz, who will show us how to make, and cook with, fresh chèvre cheese using goat milk.
At C3 (Corvallis Community Center), 2601 NW Tyler Ave.
Contact: (541) 766-6702
Sponsors: C3, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, and Corvallis Sustainability Coalition
THURS, JUNE 5 (5:30 – 7 pm)
ARTIST MEETUP
Monthly on first Thursdays. Join a growing community of creatives for soft critique or creative discussions. All media, skill, and people are encouraged to bring work for review and/or a friend!
At The Arts Center – 700 SW Madison Avenue
Contact/Info: theartscenter.net/tac-artist-meetup
Sponsor: The Arts Center (TAC)
TUES, JUNE 10 (6 pm – 7 pm)
LEARN ABOUT OREGON’S STATEWIDE RECYCLING OVERHAUL
Oregon’s recycling system changes begin July 1. Benton County and Republic Services will hold a joint virtual presentation, June 10, at 6 p.m., and explain what is happening, why it is happening, and what you need to know to make the most of these much-needed improvements to the way we recycle. Register here. The video of the presentation will also be posted on the Benton County website afterwards for later viewing.
Contact: bailey.payne@bentoncountyor.gov
Sponsors: Benton County and Republic Services
WED, JUNE 11 (5:30 – 7:30 pm)
SPRING INTO HOUSING FUNDRAISER FOR CORVALLIS HOUSING FIRST
Join us for a short program with updates, celebrate our Housing Hero Award, and mix and mingle with other guests. CHF staff and board members will be at information stations to answer questions and talk about the services we provide. Plus – help create a community art piece with the Determined Art Movement. Come express yourself and support affordable housing in style. Register here, or visit corvallishousingfirst.org for the registration link.
At Corvallis Community Center Ballroom, 2601 NW Tyler Ave
Contact: development@corvallishousingfirst.org
Sponsor: Corvallis Housing First
SAT, JUNE 14 (9 am – 12 noon)
HIKE TOGETHER: FITTON GREEN COUNTY NATURAL AREA
Hike Together is a fun way to explore local trails and natural areas and build community. We will hike in Fitton Green County Natural Area along the Allen Throop Loop and Mulkey Ridge trails. This is a moderate hike of about 3 miles, mostly in full sun and featuring panoramic vistas and a view of Marys Peak, wildflowers, and big trees. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. If you need a ride, meet at the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center, 2638 NW Jackson Ave. Register at https://greenbeltlandtrust.org/event/hike-together-fitton-green-and-mulkey-ridge-trail/
Contact: info@cmlcenter.org
Sponsors: Greenbelt Land Trust and Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center
SAT, JUNE 14 – SUN, JUNE 15 (9 am – 4 pm)
TARWEED FOLK SCHOOL: SPRING CLASSES
Join us for classes in broom-making, natural dyeing, cheesemaking, and more. Tarweed Folk School offers community classes tending to the land, ourselves, and each other through the sharing of practical arts and place-based skills. View classes and register: tarweedfolkschool.com
At various locations around Corvallis, see class listings.
Contact: info@tarweedfolkschool.com
Sponsors: Tarweed Folk School, Wade Hardware, Greenbelt Land Trust
SAT, JUN 14 (9:30 – 12 noon)
PUBLIC SEED LIBRARY: WARM SEASON VEGETABLE GARDEN CLINIC
Are you eager to have an abundance of veggies, herbs and flowers to pick from your garden? It’s time to seed beans, squashes, corn, herbs and flowers that like to be warm! Benton County Master Gardeners will help you plan your garden to include succession planting and harvesting through the winter at this informal event.
Public Seed Library, located in the Corvallis Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave.
Contact: CorvallisPublicSeedLibrary@gmail.com
Sponsors: Corvallis Sustainability Coalition and Corvallis-Benton County Library
MON, JUNE 16 (5:30 – 7:30 pm, talk starts at 6 pm)
ECOLOGY TAP TALK: RAVEN AND SAGE GROUSE INTERACTIONS WITH RICHARD RICH, OSU GRAD STUDENT
No registration required. A portion of food/beverage sales benefit Marys River Watershed Council.
At Common Fields Truck Pod and Taproom, 545 SW 3rd Street
Contact: nina@mrwc.org
Sponsor: Marys River Watershed Council
SAT, JUNE 21 (10 am – 1 pm)
DESTINATION: INSPIRATION!
Looking for fresh gardening ideas? Join OSU Extension, Polk County Master Gardeners and the LWC at the Inspiration Gardens in Independence for a guided tour filled with creativity and nature’s beauty! Bring the whole family to explore the garden, enjoy interactive kids’ activities, and spark your green thumb.
At Inspiration Gardens, 799 F Street, Independence
Contact/Info: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/polk/events/destination-inspiration
Sponsors: Oregon State University, Polk County Master Gardener Association, City of Independence, Luckiamute Watershed Council
SUN – THURS, JUNE 23 – 26 (6 – 8 pm)
FIGURE DRAWING FOUNDATIONS
Discover the timeless art of figure drawing with guidance from award-winning Oregon artist and educator Andrew Myers. This class invites participants to refine their skills using fundamental techniques that promote precision, observation, and creative expression. Working from a live nude model, students will explore proportion, anatomy, and movement, building a solid foundation for sustainable artistic growth. Cost: $170
At The Arts Center, 700 SW Madison Avenue
Contact/Info: theartscenter.net/figure-drawing-class-corvallis
Sponsor: The Arts Center (TAC)
WED, JUNE 25 (5:30 – 7 pm)
CORVALLIS GREEN DRINKS
Join Green Drinks Corvallis on the last Wednesday of the month for an informal meet-up of people who are environmentally minded. What Green Drinks is: a casual, fun gathering of people who want to hang out with their favorite “green” folks and meet new ones. What Green Drinks is not: a meeting with an agenda, a stuffy networking event, or a place to circulate announcements. Participants pay for their food and drinks. Invite a friend!
At Common Fields – Garden Annex, 545 SW 3rd St.
Contact: johnispedaling1@gmail.com
Sponsor: Corvallis Sustainability Coalition
SAT, JUNE 28 (10 am – 12 noon)
MICHAEL CAIRNS WETLAND DEDICATION EVENT
In honor of the wetlands created by Michael Cairns and many other participants at Hayden Slough, join us to dedicate two new educational station signs located on the trail in front of the wetlands. The ribbon cutting at 10 am by Mayor Kate Schwarzler and others will be followed by a few words, a tour of the wetland and signs, and a walk or ride to Divine Distillers for brunch/lunch afterparty. All ages welcome, open to the public.
At North Riverside Park, Deann Drive, Independence
Contact/Info: https://www.luckiamutelwc.org/wetland-dedication.html
Sponsors: City of Independence, Luckiamute Watershed Council, Michael Cairns Wetland Education Fund
SUN, JUNE 29 (11 am – 3 pm)
OPEN STREETS CORVALLIS: WALK. BIKE. PLAY.
Join us for a street festival that re-imagines our most shared public spaces – streets and parks – as places where people want to walk, bike, and play. Volunteers needed! Route travels from Lilly Park to Willamette Park.
Contact/Info: Lindsey.Almarode@corvallisoregon.gov, www.openstreetscorvallis.org
Sponsors: City of Corvallis Active Transportation Program, Corvallis Sustainability Coalition, and many others!