2026 Environmental Summit!

This year’s Youth Environmental Summit at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge was an exciting and impactful event, featuring inspiring guest speakers, interactive booths, engaging activities, and beautiful spring weather.

Attendees explored various booths from Oregonian environmental organizations, each focused on a unique issue or conservation effort. The Summit held participation from Sunset High School, Westview High School, and MET’s EcoMET club, who also helped plan the event alongside Friends of the Tualatin Refuge. Activities like tea-making, wood painting, yoga, and guided nature walks gave participants hands-on ways to connect with nature and learn about sustainability. Additionally, there was a clothing swap where people could exchange their old clothes for new, thrifted clothes!

Speakers Laurel Bates, Chelsea McKinney, and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas shared their experiences and insights, encouraging students to get involved in environmental work and think more deeply about their impact.

The event wrapped up with a fun raffle featuring prizes like T-shirts, gift cards to Friends of the Refuge, and water bottles. We hope to see you at next year’s summit! If you’d be interested in attending in future years, contact us at: ngiteampdx@gmail.com.