Camas Earth Day Society

08/20/2026

The Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) provides a pathway for unrestricted cleanup of the Camas Mill site, focusing on “future social use” rather than strict land cleanup limitations. This pathway allows for a community-driven plan that considers societal needs, including environmental restoration and tribal fishing rights, while protecting the mill’s continued operations.

The Mill District Plan's Final Draft has been submitted to the Planning Commission.

07/09/2026

It's time for a party...
a Mulch Party!

06/19/2026

With Spring winding down we present our Summer 2026 newsletter The Beacon. Highlights include wrapping up another school year with the 5th graders at the Prune Hill Outdoor Education Lab. With the help of volunteers it keeps expanding in footprint and scope. We are looking forward to seeing the 4th graders coming back in Fall for another year of fun and learning.

Learn about Dan, a retired paleontologist with a PhD and long career of resource management work at Dinosaur National Monument and the joys of volunteering with the Camas Earth Day Society.

We explore Camas growth issues, changes in the mill, and a new concept for the mill's cleanup basic on "Future Social Value". This concept is core to the Model Toxics Control Act and its commitment to future generations of the “inalienable right to a healthful environment.”

What an exciting spring and early summer season we have had at the Living Lab and around Camas! Beginning in February, we began work to revitalize and improve the outdoor learning center fueled in part by a generous grant from the Washington Native Plant Society. Tons of volunteer hours were spent...

06/13/2026

We celebrated our third year of 5th grade Earth Science classes at the Prune Hill Elementary Living Lab in grand style topped off by the official certification as a Community Wildlife Habitat by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Students enjoyed finding all kinds of ground critters with deep explanations about them from CEDS volunteer Dan Clure, a paleontologist. They also made biodegradable plant pots from paper grocery bags with a take home native plant with local farmer Lara Scanlon and Erin Figy and weeded and chip mulched with Clark County Conservation Board member Linda Schmidt and Molly Williams. Thanks to the support of extraordinary teachers Ms Rush, Ms Boden and Ms Califf what was once an unused lawn is now a thriving Naturescape giving kids an opportunity to learn about nature and our responsibility to consider our non-human neighbors and pollinators that need our help to thrive and make Camas, the hometown of Earth Day founder Dennis Hayes, a place that grows educated environmentalists committed to making every day Earth Day!

06/03/2026

Wonderful article about what a small community accomplished 32 years later. We've visited a number of times, including an arts fair in the gardens. Lucky Memorial Dog Park is close by with its access to an intact Doug Fir forest in an unexpected place.

Thinking 32 years ahead is something we are doing throughout the community as we engage conversation about the type of city we want to leave behind. We hope 32 years from now students who helped start the Prune Hill Elementary Outdoor Lab will bring their kids to be part of it. Some of them may live in a thriving Mill District and all will be drinking healthy water. The basics of Earth Day makes for a thriving community. That's our mission.

05/17/2026

Naturescaping at Prune Hill Living Lab with Camas Earth Day Society

05/17/2026

Big shout of thanks to our new recruits Dan and Lorraine and Roger and Patti for joining volunteer stalwarts Erin and family, Randal, Elizabeth and I in tackling invasive plant regrowth to give more space and support for the every growing native plant pollinator pocket forest we are growing at the Prune Hill Elementary Living Lab - the rain-softened soil offers a great weeding opportunity before the heat of summer - replacing lawn with native habitat reduces the need for yard watering and creates dynamic beauty. With all the tree felling for development, nature needs your help - reach out if you are interested in learning more about what you could do to add native plants to your yard!

05/09/2026

Visit us today at the Camas Garden Fair downtown from 9 to 4 - let’s garden for the good of our natural habitat— calling our fellow Loraxes! Stop by, get fired up with all we can do together to protect the land, air and water in Camas and then take action with purchasing from our next door neighbor Nature’s Haven Camas’ native plant nursery and plant some powerful native pollinator plants in YOUR garden!

05/07/2026

Come see a part of Lacamas Lake many don't know and help the Ivy League start a new area for volunteer work.

We'll be meeting at the gravel boat launch parking lot on Leadbetter Road on the north side of Lacamas Lake. This is a new site for us. It's beautiful, and it needs some Ivy League love....

Google maps link to location:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ww8fHLQN5DFaPBkXA

This portion of Camas' Legacy Lands hasn’t been named yet, but it is the former site of the Wildlife League and shooting range, if that helps. Look for our sign and tent.

05/05/2026

The mason bees have laid rows and rows of next year’s bees - these native pollinators work hard collecting pollen to feed their larvae and carrying mud to separate and protect each egg - almost no more room at the inn- so many native plant blooms for them to choose from in the Living Lab - the bee balm plants are buzzing with bees big and small! Post a photo of your mason bee hotel!