Mt. Hood Meadows’ weekend scenic chairlift ride and hiking experience will be “cleaned up” Saturday, July 23 at a Slopeside Sustainability and Mountain Cleanup Day. Those that want to pitch in are invited to join the SOLVE Mountain Cleanup activity, to search for litter or lost items from the past season. Those who help collect from 11 AM - 1 PM receive a free scenic chair ride and should be prepared by wearing sunscreen, a hat, hiking shoes and a pair of work gloves. Collectors stick to the trails but can still encounter uneven or mildly steep terrain.
Meadows Environmental Sustainability Manager Heidi Logosz says the mountain cleanup was organized at the request of Meadows’ guests, who love this mountain and wanted to assist in litter pickup. “We have a very dedicated and diligent mountain trail crew that picks up litter and finds lost objects all summer long. But our guests consider Meadows to be their mountain home and wanted to pitch in and assist with this project. We’re proud to host this SOLVE cleanup project. We’re pleased to provide a free scenic chairlift ride to the volunteers to show our appreciation for their efforts to help us keep our mountain clean.”
You can register in advance for the SOLVE Mountain Cleanup Day. Preregistration isn't necessary, we'd be happy to set you up the day of as well and provide you a free chairlift ride Saturday July 23 for your assistance.
Meadows is a recognized leader in the ski industry for its innovative environmental and sustainability programs and initiatives. The recipient of many industry environmental awards including this year’s Association of Oregon Recylcer’s Oregon Business Recycler of the Year and four time Top 100 Green Businesses in Oregon, Meadows will put those accolades into action Saturday, July 23 at the Slopeside Sustainability Shindig. Representatives from Meadows, along with organizations that support and promote these efforts will talk about the actions taken now to assure future generations will be able to enjoy this mountain.
In addition to the cleanup activity, environmental organizations will be at Meadows July 23 to talk about their efforts. Expected to attend include:
- Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute which provides educational opportunities, with an emphasis on stewardship and a sense of wonder in the natural systems of the Columbia River Gorge. http://www.gorgeecology.org/
- Citizen's Climate Lobby which creates the political will through citizen engagement to address climate change solutions .http://citizensclimatelobby.org/
- Energy Trust of Oregon dedicated to a sustainable energy future by providing utility customers with low-cost, energy-saving and renewable power solutions. http://energytrust.org
- Sew Swell gives new life to “to be tossed” windsurfing sails and kites as one of a kind tote/utility bags, wallets, pouches and other goodies in Hood River, Oregon. https://www.facebook.com/SewSwell
- USDA Forest Service our landlord whose mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. http://www.fs.fed.us/about-agency
Meadows summer scenic chair and hiking experience operates Saturdays and Sundays from July 16 through Labor Day. The chair runs from 11 AM to 3 PM (rides are $10) and passengers have the option of hiking back to the base area or enjoying the ride back down offering inspiring panoramic views of the Cascade range and central Oregon.
Live acoustic performances are presented each weekend. Larry & Raven will perform live from 1 - 3 PM during the Sustainability Day July 23. They cover a wide range of music genres including originals that create a fun and easy listening atmosphere.