photo from The Nature Conservancy in Oregon

April 22 is Earth Day!  Of course Portland, nationally renowned for its Green-ness, has plenty in store for this important day.  Whether it’s making art out of recycled crafts, learning a bit more about nature, or volunteering to make our planet look a bit nicer, here are some options the whole family can enjoy.

Art Projects

In honor of Earth Day, 100th Monkey Studio’s messy art project this week is all about recycled materials.  Projects include cereal box sculptures and paper towel tube bracelets.  Pre-registration is required.  Friday from 10-12, $8.

Art a la Carte is also celebrating Earth Day be recycling, reducing, and reusing by decorating reusable shopping bags and making pine cone bird feeders.  Saturday from 10-12.  Projects outside are free, and projects inside are $5 if you bring recycled goods.

Volunteer

SOLV is a great tool for finding local ways to pitch in and clean up Mother Earth.  They have dozens and dozens of options for some spring cleaning going on over Earth Day weekend in locations all over and around Portland.  Many require registration, so check it out now and sign up.

The Portland Metro website also has a great collection of planting and other Earth beautification projects in and around Portland.

And PP&R has a list here.

Other Celebrations

PSU is having an Earth Day celebration all week.  On Friday from 10 to 3 in the South Park blocks there will be demonstrations of sustainable technology, non-profit organization booths, food and art vendors, and live music.  Fre!

StreamTeam hosts its 13th Annual Earth Day Celebration at the Salmon Creek Greenway in Clark County on Saturday throughout the day.  Volunteer for tree plantings and other activities, or just visit the Eco Fair, chock full of entertainment and children’s activities from local environmental  organizations and businesses.  The Eco Fair is from 10 to 2 and is free.

The Oregon Garden is having an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday from 10 to 4.  Recycled art, raptors, and water activities for the kids.  Free, with $5 suggested donation per family.

The Learning Gardens Laboratory at the Green Thumb Site (6801 SE 60th) will host its third annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday from 11 to 1. The event is free and open to the public. Community members are invited to attend this family-friendly event that will include educational booths and workshops on gardening and sustainable living for both children and adults. The event will also include free food, live music, children’s activities, a plant give away, and door prizes.

Cedar Hills Crossing and Radio Disney are teaming up for an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday from 12 – 1:30.  There will be trivia, games, and a chance to learn about how we impact the environment.  Free!

The Portland Children’s Museum is celebrating Earth Day on Sunday from 10-3:30 with music,  recycled arts & crafts as well as the grand opening of the outdoor Zany Maze!  Free with museum admission ($9).

A Children’s Place is having a flower-planting event in its store on Sunday from 12 to 5.  Come and plant a flower in celebration of Earth Day and bring it home in its own little pot!  Free!

Attend a picnic for the planet at Mt. Tabor Park with the Nature Conservancy.  Enjoy the amazing views, open space and numerous hiking trails as you explore the natural beauty of Mt. Tabor.  See park map here: http://bit.ly/IhG2V4 and please RSVP to volunteers@tnc.org.  Sunday from 11:30-1:30.

City Repair hosts its Earth Day 2012 celebration at PCC Cascade Campus on 705 N. Killingworth on Sunday from 11 to 6.  Activities include music, workshops, and Circus Cascadia for kids of all ages.  Plus, valet bike parking!  Free!

The 19th Annual Children’s Clean Water Festival will be at PCC Rock Creek on Tuesday the 24th (no times listed yet).  The Clean Water Festival is designed for 4th and 5th grade students to learn about water and how it relates to our world. Water experts from Oregon and Washington will work with your 4th and 5th graders to explore water science and watershed ecology.

Did we miss anything?  Please post a comment below and spread the word!