Greenbelt Land Trust will be building a pavilion at Bald Hill Farm in early September with the Timber Framers Guild. And they’re looking for some volunteers.
From September 6 to14, sixty instructors and volunteers from around the country and beyond will come together to teach and learn timber framing techniques during the build. Greenbelt will be hosting and housing the builders, and there are multiple ways that you can help.
The Guild is generously supplying the technical expertise and people power to raise the pavilion, and everything else will be done with the help of our community. That’s where you come in.
Meal prep help: Greenbelt is looking to feed the build crew three meals a day and they have openings for their volunteer crew to work mealtime shifts with multiple tasks including food prep, cooking, and clean-up. You can sign up for a shift (meal included) HERE.
Sanding and staining: They also have two workdays for volunteers to help with staining boards and sanding timbers, sign up HERE.
Donations: Do you have a business that would like to be an in-kind sponsor of the build week meals and food? Do you have a construction related business interested in providing materials, or helping out with the foundation, electrical, plumbing, or roofing work? Greenbelt would love to talk to you! Please drop them a line if your business would like to get involved HERE.
To make a donation to help them build the pavilion and bathrooms, please visit their Donate page. Within the ‘comments’ box, please mention that you wish for your gift to go towards the pavilion that will be used by thousands of students and community members visiting the farm to learn, explore, and connect with nature for decades to come. You can read more about the project HERE.
Fun for kids: On Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept.13, the Guild is holding “Kids Build” days, building timber framed benches for the pavilion as well as making birdhouses. $25 per person per day. Your child can sign up for one day or both. Lunch, snacks, drinks, and tools included. Scholarships are available. Ages 8-14, parent or guardian must accompany. Sign up for Kids Build HERE.
Questions: Contact Greenbelt Outreach Manager Matt Benotsch, mbenotsch@greenbeltlandtrust.org
North Corvallis’ Future Pathways Survey
So, this has a Thursday, August 28 deadline, but it’s an easy online thing, and it’s a great opportunity to influence future community pathway locations.
Here’s what it’s about: Benton County and the Oregon Department of Transportation are working on a plan and design project for new paths and associated bridges on the north side of Corvallis. The project includes planning for two bike and pedestrian bridges:
- Over Jackson Creek for the proposed Corvallis to Adair Village Path.
- Over OR 99W and the railroad tracks to connect the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center to the Cheldelin neighborhood.
They’re calling it the ODOT North Benton County Communities Pathways project.
It’s a collaborative project, and ODOT is hoping you’ll click the link below to learn more, find out about the process, share how you travel through the area, ask questions and help them evaluate the shared use path options. You can also sign up for email updates.
You have to sort of click through a few fairly well laid-out page of info before you get to the survey. Remember, the deadline is Thursday, August 28. Here’s the link: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Projects/OOH/23512/Pages/Welcome.aspx
Fresh Winter Lights for Downtown
The Downtown Corvallis Organization (DCO) has announced the launch of a new fundraising initiative designed to bring fresh energy and light to downtown. They’re calling it SPARC, which stands for Supporting Public Art, Revitalization, and Community.
Their first SPARC project is a community-wide campaign to raise $30,000 for new winter lights, with the goal of illuminating downtown Corvallis this winter and creating a more festive, welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
“We believe that vibrant downtown spaces strengthen our entire community,” said Deann Garcia, DCO board president. “Winter lights are more than decoration — they bring people together and invite everyone to experience downtown as a gathering place, during a season when we need it most.”
DCO says, the SPARC campaign builds on their mission to support cultural vitality and economic development in Corvallis. Their hope is that by investing in projects that they believe will beautify, enliven, and connect downtown, SPARC will foster a stronger sense of place while supporting local businesses and community pride.
Community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to contribute to the campaign. Donations of any amount are welcome, and sponsorship opportunities are available for those who want to make a lasting impact on the downtown holiday experience.
“Imagine walking downtown on a crisp December evening, with twinkling lights overhead instead of tired, half-lit snowflakes — that’s the magic we’re working to create,” said Garcia. “This is a chance for everyone to come together and make downtown shine brighter than ever.”
How to Get Involved
- Donate online: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-downtown-corvallis
- Sponsor a strand: Businesses and organizations can underwrite specific lighting elements with recognition opportunities. Contact the DCO directly for more information.
- Spread the word: Share the SPARC campaign with friends, neighbors, and colleagues to help reach the $30,000 goal. Information can also be found on their website at https://downtown-corvallis.org/sparc/
For more information or to donate, visit www.downtown-corvallis.org or contact Jen Waters, Interim Executive Director at executive.director@downtown-corvallis.org.
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