Michele McKay

The Environmental Center has been indispensable to Central Oregon since its inception. I admire the way it has evolved and grown to meet the increasing challenges of climate change, sustainability and ecological health in a world that is transforming fast.

In the beginning, the Center’s purpose was to support the work and advocacy of its member groups. A big first step: acquiring a building that could provide office space, meeting space, phone lines, a copy machine, member group information… these were fundamental resources needed by local grassroots environmental organizations 30 years ago.

In recent years the Center has become deeply engaged in education and advocacy for a healthy and sustainable future… efforts that are more critical now than ever. With perfect timing, it has spread its wings and its mission, raising awareness and meeting the challenges of this formidable new millennium.