In response to the threat presented by climate change and the increasing importance of environmental awareness, City Councilor Bridget Brooks is launching the Tualatin Sustainability Network (TuSN). TuSN is a new non-profit group created in response to climate change and other environmental issues. The group will engage with other organizations and individuals in the community to educate, promote, and participate in sustainable practices and projects. Councilor Brooks shared that building the group was inspired by her “desire to become a better environmental steward and to bring people who live, work, and play in Tualatin together toward that common goal.” She added, “I want to create space for us all to learn from each other and work together for a cleaner, healthier community.”
The public is invited to participate in planned public kick-off events for the group in and around Earth Day, including:
April 21, 7 p.m.: Online open virtual meet & greet featuring Dr. Jenifer McIntyre, a globally recognized aquatic toxicologist whose research exposed the connection between tires and salmon health. Dr. McIntyre will share her findings on salmon health as well as her current research into the ecotoxicology of urban stormwater runoff and the biological effectiveness of green stormwater infrastructure.
April 24, 10:30 a.m.: Trash pick-up party organized by Tualatin High School students and fueled by local Starbucks generous donations–to whom we are already grateful.
May 22, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. “Hug a Park” event, where we will be removing invasive plants and help with park improvements such as bark on trails which will be hosted at one of our Tualatin Parks.
Following April kick-off events, TuSN will continue with regular bi-monthly programs and projects that inspire neighbors and friends to think globally and act locally toward a sustainable future for all our children and a beautiful, healthy, and peaceful planet.
Go to www.tualatinsustainabilitynetwork.org to learn more and sign up for all these events!
– Mason Hall and Emma Gray
