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Earth in Motion brought Portland together for Earth Day 2026

Label: News article
45 exhibitors, city leaders, clean transportation, and community made the City's Earth in Motion celebration one for the books and Earth Month continues.
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The City of Portland's Earth Day 2026 celebration — Earth in Motion — was an extraordinary coming together of city government, community partners, and Portlanders from across the city. On April 11 at Parkrose Middle School in the heart of District 1, more than 45 exhibitors filled the space with resources, energy, and excitement, demonstrating how much momentum Portland has built toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The event was a true reflection of what's possible when the city and community move together.

City leaders showed up and showed out

Mayor Keith Wilson, Council President Jamie Dunphy, Councilor Candace Avalos, Parkrose Superintendent Michael Lopes-Serrao, Councilor Loretta Smith, and Councilor Steve Novick joined Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Vivian Satterfield to celebrate the day alongside community members and City staff.

Mayor Wilson spoke to Portland's deep commitment to sustainability and celebrated the unveiling of a new BIKETOWN station at Parkrose Middle School, designed by Parkrose High School student Dana Ha. Council President Dunphy highlighted the nexus between green workforce development and climate action, centering the work of young people stepping into this movement. Councilor Avalos connected the energy of the day to Portland's broader climate future and the community-driven work ahead. Parkrose Superintendent Michael Lopes-Serrao highlighted the investment needed in District 1 and the Parkrose school district to bring resiliency to its community members. Councilor Smith joined for the community bike ride through the Parkrose neighborhood with PBOT, BIKETOWN, and the Sustainability Office. Councilor Novick joined in celebration of Earth Day and clean transportation.

CSO Vivian Satterfield, as host, brought it all together, officially kicking off the next Climate Action Plan process with the Sustainability and Climate Commission, inviting community members to engage in shaping Portland's climate future from the ground up.

A celebration of clean movement

The theme - Earth in Motion - came alive in the parking lot and throughout the event space. Electric Alley showcased a remarkable lineup of electric vehicles, from EVs, electric heavy machinery, and e-bikes to e-scooters and more. Seeing the range of clean transportation options lined up together was a highlight of the afternoon, giving attendees a firsthand look at the future of mobility already available in Portland today.

45 exhibitors, one community

From City bureaus to community organizations, nonprofits to transit agencies, the 45 exhibitors at Earth in Motion represented the full breadth of Portland's sustainability ecosystem. Attendees could learn about clean energy, sustainable food systems, urban forestry, native plants in our parks, active transportation, climate resilience, and more - all in one place, all in one afternoon.

This event was a genuine collaboration: across City bureaus, sectors, communities, and organizations. The work of putting Earth in Motion together required the dedication of City staff, partners, and volunteers, who gave their time and energy to make it happen. 

Earth Month continues 

Earth in Motion was the kickoff, Earth Month runs through April 30, and Earth Day itself is today, Wednesday, April 22. There are more opportunities all month long to engage, learn, act, and celebrate.

As CSO Vivian Satterfield has said: Earth Day is every day. The work of building a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable Portland doesn't pause after April, and neither does the community that's driving it.

Discover more Earth Month and beyond events 

April 22 - Nurture Nature at Hazeltine Park
Join PP&R in celebration of Earth Day for our first event of the season on Wednesday, April 22nd, 9 am to 12 pm! We'll be preparing the park for summer to help plants bloom their best. Snacks and beverages, including gluten-free and vegan options, are provided. Pre-registration for this event is required. Learn more, including information about how to sign up, on the park event webpage.

April 22 - Tend to the Earth at Errol Heights Park
Join PP&R and connect with your community for Earth Day tending time at Errol Heights Park! We invite you to help us start the spring volunteer season on Wednesday, April 22nd, 9 am to 12 pm. This event is family-friendly, gardening tools and gloves provided. We'll be offering snacks and beverages, including gluten-free and vegan options, in celebration of our first event.

April 23 - PCEF Student Led Initiatives Student Showcase
Experience the creativity and leadership of the students driving real climate action at PPS! Students will showcase the innovative ways they're tackling climate challenges. Bring your family and friends to celebrate, learn, and be inspired by the next generation of climate
leaders.

April 23 - Irving Nature Patch Stewardship Party
Join PP&R horticulture staff to help keep up the natural garden at Irving Park. Created in 2021, this two-acre pollinator garden is PP&R's largest nature patch and boasts a dizzying diversity of native plants that support insects and wildlife.

April 24 - Woodlawn Nature Patch Stewardship Party
Join PP&R horticulture staff keep up the natural garden beds around Woodlawn Park.
Parks staff have been working for many years to renovate Woodlawn Park by removing areas of invasive English Ivy and add native plants that support insects and wildlife. Natural garden beds now hug the park from all sides.

April 25 - The Pier Park Pick Up
We care for the Earth every day, but we invite you to celebrate Earth Day and the return of spring with us by nurturing your connection to the land. Join PP&R, the Friends of Pier Park, and SOLVE for a family-friendly volunteer event to help with gardening and land care activities throughout the park! Snacks, beverages, and tools provided. Learn more and pre-register through the event webpage.

April 25 - Earth Day with Forest Park Conservancy in Forest Park and Marquam Nature Park
These 3 public events hosted by a PP&R partner organization, Forest Park Conservancy. Forest Park Conservancy will be celebrating Earth Day with multiple stewardship events across Forest Park and Marquam Nature Park!Join us for an invasive species removal volunteer event to help restore native habitat! We'll be removing invasive plants to make space for native species to thrive and support future revegetation efforts. This important work helps improve the health and resilience of the forest ecosystem for years to come.

Through April 30 - Walk+Roll for Earth Month in April 2026
Safe Routes to School celebrates the Earth every year in April. Walk and roll to school all month long, or choose a specific day to celebrate. You are encouraged to get creative about how we celebrate walking, biking, and rolling for the Earth — whether it's all month or just on Earth Day.

April 29, May 6, and May 9 - Forest Park Stewardship Event
Join Portland Parks & Recreation to steward Forest Park by removing invasively growing, non-native species, including English ivy, and Armenian blackberry and encouraging a diversity of native plants. By removing noxious weeds, encouraging the regeneration of native plants and planting a diversity of native plant species we help to enhance wildlife habitat and reduce erosion and water runoff. This is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature!

April 22, May 27, June 24, July 22, August 26, and September 23 — City Bike Bus with PBOT
Celebrate Earth Day and beyond on two wheels. Join the City Bike Bus for a lively morning ride into downtown – hop on at any spot along the eight routes and roll with the group. We'll wrap up at Salmon Street Springs at 8:15am with complimentary coffee, treats, and good vibes. Check departure times and routes, pick your starting point, and come ride with us.

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