Oasis School is challenging you to sponsor a team of workers in our annual Restore-A-Thon in celebration of Earth Day, April 19th from 8:00 am to 12:00 at McMurray Park in Richland in support of two Oasis projects:

• Urban Wildlands Ecology Camp -- the funds raised will enable low income students to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to learn all about shrub steppe and riparian zones and to respond to that information through art, drama, crafts, art, and writing.
• Oasis' Environmental Education Program -- Our commitment to environmental restoration and sustainability has been recognized in our Green Business 2007 Award from the City of Richland. Our Environmental education program and our belief in hands-on experience for students is well represented by the 2 and 1/2 years we have invested in McMurray Park, our recycling and reuse position and the green practices that are a hallmark of our school. Through our Environmental Education Program we are raising the stewards of our world for today and the future.

On Earth Day Oasis School and community members will be cleaning up the stream and park and planting more shrub steppe plants to expand our 1/3 acre demonstration garden and adding to riparian zone along the path and the wetland. This will add considerably to the investment that hundreds of volunteers have made over the past 2 1/2 years. Bring wheelbarrows, gloves, grappling hooks, shovels, rakes, strong bodies and willing hands and hearts as we work to restore this once neglected and abused pocket in the heart of Richland.

We choose to make a difference!

Below is a before picture of the stream in McMurray park in 2005. The after picture is how it looks today.

The workday will be followed by an Earth Day celebration, awards, picnic (bring your own), crafts and entertainment.

How a Restore-A-Thon works:

• Your group registers a group of (1-6)workers in the Restore-A-Thon (Registration Form PDF)
• These members each commit 1-4 hours to the effort on April 19th.
• They and members of your organization collect donations and/or pledges for hours worked in support of Oasis' Urban Wild Lands Ecology Camp Scholarship Fund and Oasis' Environmental Education Project. (Pledge Sheets PDF)
• The hours are worked on April 19th. A fun time is had by all!
• Copies of pledge sheets are turned in on the 19th.
• Funds are collected by your group and tax-deductible receipts given to donors.
• Funds are received by Oasis for Urban Wildlands Ecology Camp Scholarships and our Environmental Education/Restoration Program.
• Oasis continues its significant work in the Tri-Cities with your support!

The Local group that raises the most funds will be recognized at the picnic, on our website and in the news and will receive a certificate of award.

We may keep waiting for someone else
There is no one else.
You are it. We are it.