The CEC provides programming that makes Corvallis a healthier and more sustainable place to live.

The Corvallis Environmental Center (CEC) is a 501c3 nonprofit that was founded in 1994 as a grassroots effort to take action on a number of environmental issues. For over 20 years the CEC has been one of the keystones of our local community. Through programs focused on environmental literacy, food and farming education, local food security, energy efficiency and climate action, the CEC has established itself as a regional leader in the environmental movement.

Our mission is to educate, engage, and inspire people to be involved in creating a healthy, sustainable community. The CEC fills an important niche–every year we directly reach more than 15,000 people through our projects and programs.

The Starker Arts Garden for Education: 

SAGE is a 1-acre production garden located in Bruce Starker Arts Park. Directions here.

The food grown at SAGE is donated to local food banks and soup kitchens–providing fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables to families in our community who cannot afford them. 2019 was the second year in a row we grew and donated over 10,000 lbs of fresh produce to those in need!

Community volunteers are at the heart of SAGE. Each year, more than 800 people come to help SAGE grow. Learn about volunteer opportunities at SAGE here.

SAGE is also a place to learn.  There are programs for children,  garden-based workshops and community events at the garden almost year-round.

Education Programs:

Avery House Nature Center in Avery Park holds our preschool as well as serving as a base for many of our summer camps and other nature-based programming. New this year is an afternoon bilingual preschool program! Area schools and partner organizations also host CEC programs including Tasting Tables, Classroom Food Adventures, the City’s WILD afterschool program, and Junior Naturalist. Nature and farm field trips occur at parks and partner locations in and around Corvallis.

Why I give to the CEC:

  • The CEC truly is the hub of activity on environmental causes in our area, supporting the work of so many otherwise independent and varied projects. Thanks to them, there is always a place to contact with any question, concern, or request for help with [these] issues. Their presence in Corvallis enriches our community, and we are delighted to be one small reason it can continue its good works.–First Alternative Coop, partner/supporter

  • Working with the Corvallis Environmental Center has given me a new perspective on how to approach environmental issues in communities. I feel more equipped to go out and make a difference in this world.–Ella Ciones, CEC Former Intern

  • I support the CEC because it diversifies my dollar. I believe in the combined work that they do within their programs and I like knowing that instead of giving to one sustainable cause I can give to an organization that has a multifaceted approach to environmental stewardship.–Andrew Ryan, Continued Donor

 

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