Environment

Clean water, breathable air, and ample natural resources are things most Americans take for granted. But Earth’s precious resources are under threat every day.

SAGE believes that the earth our children inherit should be clean, livable, and support a diversity of life.

To ensure coming generations can live in such a world, the people involved with SAGE volunteer for environmental organizations, support conservation campaigns, and roll up their sleeves to plant trees and clean rivers. At home, community members change their own behavior by driving less, buying local and recycling more.

You can protect the air or bring a river back to life. What’s your role?

For more examples and inspiration, see our stories below.

Consider investing your time and talent with our nonprofit environmental partners listed below. We also encourage you to learn more about SAGE's environmental teamwork on Climate Education and Electric Vehicles.

“Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.”

~ John F. Kennedy

Stories About Giving Forward for our Environment

Lori Davidson

Meet Lori Davidson. She’s giving forward by sharing her skills with Millennials to help them achieve their potential.

-- “Working side-by-side with young professionals is more fun than you can imagine – I’ve had some eye-opening conversations with a very diverse group of people – outside of my usual social circles. I’m a better person for it.”

Walt Mintkeski

Meet one of our Sages – Walt Mintkeski. His professional and volunteer efforts have helped to preserve water quality and improve energy efficiency for future generations.

-- "Recreation re-creates my spirit."

Roberta Schwarz

Meet Roberta Schwarz. She’s giving forward by building a park in her home town.

-- “Make the best of every day.”

Environmental Protection & Restoration

Eco Challenge is a platform to educate, entertain, and engage the community on ways to drive sustainable habits. Building a more sustainable world and healthier planet can’t be done alone. Ecochallenge provides the support and resources to transform behaviors at work, school, and beyond. Call 503-227-2807 or email [email protected] Learn More

Eco-School Network is an organization of parents promoting sustainable practices and raising ecological awareness in elementary schools in Oregon. Help make local schools greener and healthier! You can take our free training to co-lead a project with students, or volunteer in other ways. We usually need help with social media, events, website maintenance, data entry, photography, and marketing. Call 503-960-5252 or email [email protected].

Learn More

Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) encourages people to get to know Oregon’s high desert and to take steps to conserve it for current and future generations. Each year, hundreds of ONDA volunteers protect and restore public lands in eastern Oregon. As a volunteer, you might find yourself restoring streams, improving trails, monitoring wilderness areas, mailing thank you letters, or welcoming people at ONDA events. Learn more at https://onda.org/volunteer/ or call (541) 330-2638 or email [email protected]. Learn More

Think Wild is a wildlife hospital and conservation center for Central Oregon that specializes in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, education and outreach, and conservation services. You can get involved in a variety of roles at the wildlife hospital, habitat restoration and native planting, construction and maintenance, education and outreach, at-home projects, and much more. Call 541-933-5437 or email [email protected]. Learn More

Willamette Riverkeeper works to protect and restore the Willamette River. They believe that a river with excellent water quality, abundant natural habitat, and that is safe for fishing and recreation is a basic public right. To learn more about the river or to volunteer with one of their many programs visit their website, call 503-223-6418 or email [email protected].

Learn More

350 Deschutes engages in climate advocacy, climate education, and developing climate policy that serves all people, including a just transition for affected workers to transition to a clean low-carbon economy. Based in Central Oregon, their work affects the whole state and beyond. Call (206) 498-5887 or email [email protected]. Learn More

Everything we do has an impact.

Contact a SAGE Connector and learn how to get involved.

Contact Us