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Climate Champion of the Month: Monte Harris

Volunteers are the foundation of environmental and climate activism. The Milwaukie community is fortunate to have passionate community members who donate their time and efforts to restoring and protecting natural areas in the city. One of these volunteers is Monte Harris, a born and raised Milwaukian who's working to improve Milwaukie by pulling ivy, clearing litter, and sharing his story with the community!

Thank you, Monte, for being a Milwaukie Climate Champion!

Learn more about Monte's climate action work in Milwaukie:

What is your connection to Milwaukie? 

My name is Monte Harris, I moved to Milwaukie in 1965. I attended Milwaukie schools from grades one through twelve. I attended and graduated from Ardenwald Elementary, Milwaukie Junior High, and graduated from Milwaukie High School in 1979. I have always loved the area, and have never strayed too far. I currently reside in Happy Valley, and work in Milwaukie for Stanley Infrastructure. No matter where I have lived over the years, I have always felt connected to Milwaukie. I am very impressed with the direction and scope of Milwaukie's long term goals in regards to sustainability and action plans for slowing the effects of climate change.

How are you tackling climate action and sustainability? (Examples: serving on Tree Board, volunteering in nature groups, leading community discussions, etc.)

I have been a lone wolf of sorts, in regards to my environmental projects, due in large part to unresponsive volunteer interfaces. I have volunteered quite a few times online, with little or no response, so I have forged ahead with solo projects, clearing invasive species and multiple litter cleanup projects. My website, earthontheedge.org, will be active online as of 10/4/19. I have shared a lot of information on what people can do in their own backyards to help the environment, restore habitat, and combat climate change.

Why is this important to you, your community, or the environment?

I care very deeply about the planet of my birth, nature and humanity. I like many others, have been witnessing the effects of climate change, and the changes in the world around us. So many of us it seems, are waiting for the governments of the world to do more. In reality, we need to join together as a global community and work together in our own corners of the world in a focused, multi-dimensional effort. we need to get enough people involved and engaged, to keep from reaching a point of no return in regards to carbon saturation. We all need clean air, clean water and a temperature that is bearable. We have way too many pass-throughers, and are in huge need of more activists and doers.

How can other Milwaukians get involved in what you do? 

I am in need of volunteers to help me on projects ranging from local removal of invasive species, to litter removal projects, striving to keep toxins out of the ground water and sharing information on creation of backyard habitats..

Thank you, Monte, for being a Milwaukie Climate Champion!

Looking for more Champions?

Click here to view our Climate Champion Archive

Want to share your climate actions and be a featured Climate Champion? Know someone who should be nominated?
Email us at climateaction@milwaukieoregon.gov!

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Climate News and Updates

Regional actions, new information, and interesting climate stories brought to you!

Oregon’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program expands to allow more applicants and electric vehicles

Oregon Newsroom - September 27, 2019

Thinking about getting a new car? Choose electric! Electric Vehicles are cheaper to operate and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, there are rebates to bring down the cost even further! Read more about Oregon's expanded EV rebate program in this Oregon Department of Environmental Quality newsroom update:

https://www.oregon.gov/newsroom/pages/NewsDetail.aspx?newsid=3443

Thousands turn out in Portland, demand greener climate policies during student-led protest

The Oregonian - September 20, 2019

Students, Oregonians, and quite a few Milwaukians participated in a climate strike in Portland on Friday, September 20. Part of a larger global climate strike led by youth activists around the world, the Portland climate strike and march had thousands of participants and ended in a climate fair near OMSI. 

https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2019/09/thousands-turn-out-in-portla...

Oregon Pushes Action Plan As International Attention Shifts To Climate Impacts On Oceans

OPB  - September 25, 2019

Oregon has vibrant coastal communities tied to strong fishing and tourism industries. As the public is becoming more aware of the alarming impacts of climate change on oceans, drastic action is needed to protect these coastal Oregon communities. Read more about the call to action in this OPB article by Jes Burns:

https://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-climate-impacts-on-oceans-intern...

Looking for more articles, resources, and innovations?

Click here to visit our Climate News Archive!

Questions? Email climateaction@milwaukieoregon.gov