Some earthly good

Earth Day is around the corner — April 22! Check out some local events to help you celebrate.

• Earth Day at the Nature Park: Pick up some native plants and visit our booth. Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the THPRD Nature Park.
• Beaverton Neighborhood Summit: Get sustainable ideas for your home and budget. Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Beaverton City Hall.
• SOLV IT: Volunteer to clean illegal dumpsites, enhance neighborhoods and restore watersheds. Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at various sites.
• PCC Earth Day Event: Learn about invasive plant removal, wildflowers, composting and shop the farmers market. Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the PCC Rock Creek Campus.

Keep the spirit of Earth Day all year long. Remember to conserve water in your home, garden with native plants in your yard and recycle or compost your trash. Visit our website for more tips.

Tail end of voting

There's still time to cast a vote for your favorite canine of 2008. Join over 500 other dogs and their human companions who have taken the Canines for Clean Water pledge. Keep our watershed clean by scooping the poop and throwing it in the trash. The top dog will win a $25 gift certificate for environmentally friendly pet items. Polls close Friday, April 17, so vote now! Watch our Do the Doody commercial.

Care for your car

April is National Car Care Month, the time of year to keep your car in good running order and reduce its environmental impact. Here are a few tips:

• Make sure to check and repair leaks that can drip into storm drains and end up in our river.
• When you wash your car, park it on the lawn or take it to a car wash.
• Take your car to a Eco-Logical Business Program (EcoBiz) certified repair shop.

The EcoBiz program aims to prevent and minimize pollution generated by small businesses. Join them in celebrating their 100th certification in Oregon at 11 a.m. on April 29, at Sherwood Auto Repair.

Don't want to worry about repairing your car? Try riding a bike, taking public transportation or walking.