April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day! FPC is proud to be a nonprofit partner with Earth Day Oregon this year.
This movement to protect the environment has evolved significantly since Earth Day began 50 years ago. Here in the Portland Metro Region, the Forest Park Conservancy and our partners have continued to work to protect, restore, and ensure access to public lands like Forest Park. We believe that access to Forest Park is an important way to connect our community members from all backgrounds to the health and wellness benefits of nature.
Over the last few decades, so much has been accomplished to safeguard the Forest Park for our enjoyment today.
1989 Friends of Forest Park incorporated as 501(c)(3) organization; run by an all-volunteer Board.
1993 38-acre Old Growth purchase in the wildlife corridor a few miles north of Forest Park, now referred to as the Ancient Forest Preserve.
1999 “Fix the Hole”: 73 acres acquired by a cooperative effort of Friends of Forest Park, Metro, PP&R & many individual donors. This allowed for the Wildwood Trail extension to its current terminus at Newberry Rd (30.2 miles)
2000 FPC hires our first paid staff member!
2004 Ridge Trail completed, connecting Forest Park to the Forty Mile Loop and the community of St. Johns.
2008 Friends of Forest Park officially becomes The Forest Park Conservancy
2010 FPC signs Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with Portland Parks & Recreation.
2014 Completion and Launch of the Greater Forest Park Conservation Initiative.
2019 The Forest Park Ambassador Program is launched.
2020 The Green Jobs & Internship Program is launched.
But, there is so much more to accomplish. There is more work both within Forest Park’s boundaries and the ecosystem surrounding it than any single activist or nonprofit can do. That is why it is so important for companies and people from all backgrounds to work together to protect this critical piece of habitat for current and future generations to enjoy.
The protection of Forest Park needs all voices. Ultimately, we aim to create an organization where individuals can bring their whole selves to their interactions with FPC, whether in leadership, partnership, volunteer or donor capacity or as a park user. This emphasis on authentic relationships will build trust and increase the diversity of the community dedicated to ensuring a resilient Forest Park.
A Little History On Earth Day
Earth Day began as a response to an ever-worsening environmental crisis. Our air, water, land and very survival were under attack and people could no longer ignore what was happening. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans — 10% of the U.S. population at the time — took to the streets, college campuses and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance and demand a new way forward for our planet. The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement and is now recognized as the planet’s largest civic event.
Thank You to Our Earth Day 2020 Sponsors!
With additional and generous Earth Day support from:
McMenamins St. Johns Theater & Pub – 50% of all location proceeds from 5 p.m. ’til close donated to support FPC on Tuesday, April 21st!
HOTLIPS Pizza – Civic Location – 15% of the sales from the Civic location will be donated to FPC on Wednesday, April 22nd between 4 – 10 pm. Both dine-in and take out options included!
Moberi – Slabtown Location – Donating all proceeds from their Earth Day Special Smoothie throughout the month of April leading up to Earth Day at their NW 23rd location to support Forest Park.
Next Adventure – Giving a discount to our volunteers, and donating 10% of store proceeds from store sales from 9:30 and 10:30 AM before a co-led volunteer event on April 30th. Join us!
Please patron these amazing Business Partners and join us in saying thank you for supporting Forest Park and the Forest Park Conservancy!