What’s New for October 2026
No one can do everything. But everyone can do something. And, together we can do more.
MICG Fall Speaker Series off to a great start
Bill Henley, Professor Emeritus of plant biology, ecology and evolution, Oklahoma State University, led the audience in an informative and stimulating discussion of the basics of climate science during our first Fall Speaker event on September 10. Presenting a series of graphs that showed the historic connection between the rise in atmospheric CO2 and global temperatures, Henley put the recent huge spike in CO2 and our current rapid temperature rise into sobering perspective. A lively audience discussion clarified numerous issues about our current situation.
Our Speaker Series will continue at the Monmouth Senior Center at 7:00 PM on October 8, when Brooke Edmunds, Ph.D., community horticulture and Oregon State University Extension Service for Marion and Polk Counties, will present “Your Garden Future.” Later talks in the series:
Nov. 12: Climate Action: National and Local — Gina Carter and Cindy Bethel, Third Act Corvallis climate activists and organizers
Dec. 10: Recycling vs. Landfill: The future of waste disposal in the Willamette Valley — Joshua Brandt, Owner, Brandt’s Sanitary, recycling and waste disposal specialist
Upcoming special event — film — The Little Town That Could
Ordinary people are building an emissions-free future in the Hudson Valley community of Croton-on-Hudson, New York — and they’ve made a film about it! We are lucky to have a showing of this upbeat movie as its producers make their way across the country to a San Francisco film festival. Plan to join us at Monmouth Senior Center at 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 7.
MICG volunteers help Monmouth develop Climate Action Plan
The City of Monmouth wants to do its part in the global effort to slow the advance of harmful climate change. To that end, the City Council instructed its staff to form a Climate Action Plan Advisory Group comprising staff members, a representative from WOU, and MICG volunteers living in Monmouth.
Meeting monthly, the group discusses topics such as land use and transportation, buildings and energy, consumption and waste management, ecosystem stewardship and preparations for climate emergencies such as extreme heat waves, wildfire encroachment and floods. The group’s goal is to propose a series of practical actions and policies that will both reduce Monmouth’s contributions to climate change and improve the city’s safety, ambience, and livability.
Books About Climate Change
October’s reading: HOW TO COOL THE PLANET: Geoengineering and the Audacious Quest to Fix Earth’s Climate by climate journalist Jeff Goodell.
Acclaimed climate journalist Goodell explores the scientific and ethical issues of “geoengineering,” a technology usually understood as an attempt to cool the planet by spraying a substance into the atmosphere that reflects incoming sunlight back into space. Based on the premise that it might be too late to cool Earth by simply reducing emissions, geoengineering’s boosters tout it as an emergency solution to a rapidly warming world. But this hypothetical, untested techno-solution has the potential to create more problems than it solves, as discussed in Goodell’s book.
Ongoing Activities
Attend our monthly online meeting: Join our Climate Group’s next regular online planning meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, October 12. These “business meetings” focus on policy issues and task distribution for our group’s activities. If you want to attend, please send us an email and we will send you the link.
What’s New for September 2026
No one can do everything. But everyone can do something. And, together we can do more.
Professor Bill Henley to kick off MICG Fall Climate/Sustainability Speaker Series
The MICG will host a series of free public talks by climate and sustainability experts this fall. The events, held at the Monmouth Senior Center, are at 7:00 PM on the second Thursday of each month.
Our first speaker (September 10) is Bill Henley, Professor Emeritus of plant biology, ecology and evolution, Oklahoma State University. Professor Henley emphasized the effects of climate change on vegetation while exploring these topics with his students. A Q&A session following his talk will give the audience an opportunity to discuss climate science and current climate developments.
Fall Speaker Series schedule (7:00-8:30 pm, Monmouth Senior Community Center; all talks free and open to the public):
Sept. 10: Climate Basics with Q&A — Bill Henley, Professor Emeritus of Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Oklahoma State University
Oct. 8: What’s your Garden Future? — Brooke Edmunds, Ph.D., Community Horticulture, Oregon State University Extension Service, Marion and Polk Counties
Nov. 12: Climate Action: National and Local — Gina Carter and Cindy Bethel, Third Act Corvallis climate activists and organizers
Dec. 10: Recycling vs. Landfill: The future of waste disposal in the Willamette Valley — Joshua Brandt, Owner, Brandt’s Sanitary, recycling and waste disposal specialist
MICG volunteers help Monmouth develop Climate Action Plan
The City of Monmouth wants to do its part in the global effort to slow the advance of harmful climate change. To that end, the City Council instructed its staff to form a Climate Action Plan Advisory Group comprising staff members, a representative from WOU, and MICG volunteers living in Monmouth.
Meeting monthly, the group discusses topics such as land use and transportation, buildings and energy, consumption and waste management, ecosystem stewardship and preparations for climate emergencies such as extreme heat waves, wildfire encroachment and floods. The group’s goal is to propose a series of practical actions and policies that will both reduce Monmouth’s contributions to climate change and improve the city’s safety, ambience, and livability.
Books About Climate Change
September’s reading: ACTIVE HOPE: How to Face the Mess We’re in with Unexpected Resilience and Creative Power by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone.
“Books about social and ecological change too often leave out a vital component: how do we change ourselves so we are strong enough to fully contribute to this great shift? Active Hope fills this gap beautifully, guiding readers on a journey of gratitude, grief, interconnection and, ultimately, transformation.” — Naomi Klein, author of The Shock Doctrine
This 2022 revised edition of the 2012 environmental/psychological classic includes refreshed content and new material to help environmentally concerned people feel reconnected with the Earth and others, and empowered to face today’s challenges.
Ongoing Activities
Attend our monthly online meeting: Join our Climate Group’s next regular online planning meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, September 14. These “business meetings” focus on policy issues and task distribution for our group’s activities. If you want to attend, please send us an email and we will send you the link.
What’s New for August 2026
No one can do everything. But everyone can do something. And, together we can do more.
Fall Climate/Sustainability Speaker Series planned
The MICG will host a series of free monthly public talks on climate and sustainability issues this Fall. Speakers include Bill Henley, Professor of Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolution; Brooke Edmunds, Ph.D., (Community Horticulture) with the OSU Polk County Extension Service; Gina Carter and Cindy Bethel, Third Act Corvallis climate activists and organizers; and Joshua Brandt, Owner, Brandt’s Sanitary Service, recycling and waste disposal specialist.
The topic of each talk will be announced in our next newsletter. Meanwhile, save the dates of Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10 (second Thursday of each month), and plan to attend an informative address and discussion at the Monmouth Senior/Community Center, 180 Warren St. S., Monmouth, from 7:00-8:30 pm.
Notice: Climate change remains the key issue of our time
With everything else going on, climate activists are still focused on our planet, home to the human race: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/01/democrats-climate-policy-hushing
MICG volunteers help Monmouth develop Climate Action Plan
The City of Monmouth wants to do its part in the global effort to slow the advance of harmful climate change. To that end, the City Council instructed its staff to form a Climate Action Plan Advisory Group comprising staff members, a representative from WOU, and MICG volunteers living in Monmouth.
Meeting monthly, the group discusses topics such as land use and transportation, buildings and energy, consumption and waste management, ecosystem stewardship and preparations for climate emergencies such as extreme heat waves, wildfire encroachment and floods. The group’s goal is to propose a series of practical actions and policies that will both reduce Monmouth’s contributions to climate change and improve the city’s ambience and livability.
Because of overlapping government functions throughout Polk County, Monmouth’s plan will affect the surrounding area and communities. Therefore, many subscribers to this newsletter who do not live in Monmouth will be affected. Once the draft plan is in place, there will be a call for wider public input. The MICG will keep our readers informed of future developments.
MICG Climate Café open to all on August 13
The successful climate café series will hold another meeting August 13 at the Monmouth Senior and Community Center. Throughout 2026, MICG has hosted these monthly public “sharing sessions” centered on the emotional aspects of the climate crisis. These climate cafes will be offered in the future, although the next date and details are pending. Stay tuned to our newsletter for details about the new plans as they develop. We encourage anyone curious about these Climate Cafés to check one out.
Books About Climate Change
August’s reading: SAVING US: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Katharine Hayhoe.
Climatologist, Evangelical Christian and Chief Scientist for the Nature Conservancy, Hayhoe makes the case for realistic optimism in our era of alarming possibilities. Explaining how her faith inspires her scientific work to “save the planet,” she writes that, “Hope is something we can practice daily,” while urging informed activism.
Ongoing Activities
Attend our monthly online meeting: Join our Climate Group’s next regular online planning meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, August 10. These “business meetings” focus on policy issues and task distribution for our group’s activities. If you want to attend, please send us an email and we will send you the link.
What’s New for July 2026
No one can do everything. But everyone can do something.
“Climate Future” Film Festival (Save the date!)
The Monmouth Public Library will show a series of award-winning drama, documentary, comedy, and animation films that explore possible climate futures on Thursday, July 16, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at 168 Ecols St. S in Monmouth.
This event is free and open to the public.
climate.us is now online (and not a moment too soon!)
As most climate-conscious people know, the Trump administration, shortly after taking office in 2025, closed the website climate.gov and fired most of the scientists and staff that published the world-class source of scientific information. With the website’s closure, the American and global public and the media lost valuable, verifiable information about atmospheric CO2 levels, surface temperatures, glacier and sea-ice melt, sea-level rise and more.
Now, some of the NOAA scientists who worked for the government have resurrected climate.gov as climate.us. The group’s mission is “keeping trusted climate information up-to-date and easy to find.” They salvaged much of the data that the Trump administration buried in various government archives, and also publish current information from reliable sources.
When you visit the site, check out the easy-to-use climate dashboard on the homepage. Also, be sure to visit their about page that introduces the staff and its mission, and lists many articles about them in the mainstream media.
MICG volunteers help Monmouth develop Climate Action Plan
The City of Monmouth wants to do its part in the global effort to slow the advance of harmful climate change. To that end, the City Council instructed its staff to form a Climate Action Plan Advisory Group comprising staff members, a representative from WOU, and MICG volunteers living in Monmouth.
Meeting monthly, the Group discusses topics such as land use and transportation, buildings and energy, consumption and waste management, ecosystem stewardship and preparations for climate emergencies such as extreme heat waves, wildfire encroachment and floods. The Group’s goal is to propose a series of practical actions and policies that will both reduce Monmouth’s contributions to climate change and improve the City’s ambience and livability.
Because of overlapping government functions throughout Polk County, Monmouth’s plan will affect the surrounding area and communities. Therefore, many subscribers to this newsletter who do not live in Monmouth will be affected. Once the draft plan is in place, there will be a call for wider public input. The MICG will keep our readers informed of future developments.
Climate Café series ongoing
We will hold the next Climate Café on July 9th from 7:00-8:30 PM at the Monmouth Senior/Community Center. These gatherings focus on our emotional reactions to the climate crisis. Thank you to those who have come to previous Cafés to share and listen.
After the August 13th Climate Café, the format and location of future Climate Cafés are subject to change. Changes will be announced in our newsletter. Please join us and bring a friend to the Climate Cafés.
Books About Climate Change
July’s reading: THE MINISTRY OF THE FUTURE by Kim Stanley Robinson.
Award-winning science fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson explores one possible climate future in this fascinating, full-length novel. Although the story begins with a grim description of a deadly heatwave that strikes India in the near future, it moves from there to a fascinating tale of humanity’s response to the catastrophe and the entire climate crisis.
If you’re looking for a hot summer read, this is it.
Ongoing Activities
Attend our monthly online meeting: Join our Climate Group’s next regular online planning meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, July 13. These “business meetings” focus on policy issues and task distribution for our group’s activities. If you want to attend, please send us an email and we will send you the link.
What’s New for June 2026
No one can do everything. But everyone can do something.
MICG volunteers help Monmouth develop Climate Action Plan
The City of Monmouth wants to do its part in the global effort to slow the advance of harmful climate change. To that end, the City Council instructed its staff to form a Climate Action Plan Advisory Group consisting of staff members, a representative from WOU, and MICG volunteers living in Monmouth.
Meeting monthly, the Group discusses topics such as land use and transportation, buildings and energy, consumption and waste management, ecosystem stewardship and preparations for climate emergencies such as extreme heat waves, wildfire encroachment and floods. The Group’s goal is to propose a series of practical actions and policies that will both reduce Monmouth’s contributions to climate change and improve the City’s ambience and livability.
Because of overlapping government functions throughout Polk County, Monmouth’s plan will affect the surrounding area and communities. Therefore, many subscribers to this newsletter who do not live in Monmouth will be affected. Once the draft plan is in place, there will be a call for wider public input. The MICG will keep our readers informed of future developments.
Climate Café series ongoing
Each month, we host a free, public “Climate Café” at the Monmouth Senior/Community Center, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on the second Thursday of each month. These gatherings focus on our emotional reactions to the climate crisis. This summer’s Cafés are June 11, July 9 and August 13.
Please join us and feel welcome to bring a friend.
Books About Climate Change
June’s reading: ZEN AND THE ART OF SAVING THE PLANET by Thich Nhat Hanh.
Zen Master and internationally renowned author, scholar and activist, Thich Nhat Hanh was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King, Jr. In this poetic appeal to humanity’s better nature, Hanh writes, “When you wake up and see that the Earth is not just the environment, the Earth is us, you touch the nature of interbeing. We have to wake up together. And if we wake up together, then we have a chance.”
Weaving ancient Buddhist teachings and tales with practical strategies for fighting climate change, Hanh adds a spiritual dimension that deepens our sense of hope and strengthens our resolve to work for a better future for Earth and humanity.
Ongoing Activities
Attend our monthly online meeting: Join our Climate Group’s next regular online planning meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, June 8. These “business meetings” are focused on policy issues and task distribution for our group’s activities. If you want to attend, please send us an email and we will send you the link.
What’s New for May 2026
Dear Climate-Concerned Friends,
Each month, we host a free, public “Climate Café” at the Monmouth Senior/Community Center. These gatherings focus on our emotional reactions to the climate crisis (see below). Other events, to be announced, will feature speakers, films, or topic-focused discussions. Please plan to join us, and bring a friend.
Successful Climate Café series extended
Throughout the 2026 winter quarter, climate-concerned citizens met for monthly Climate Cafés to discuss their feelings about the sometimes-overwhelming climate issue. Participants have found that these gatherings help them identify and express, and thus better manage their climate anxiety. The supportive group settings also foster a feeling of community, helping participants feel they don’t have to face the climate challenge alone.
Because of the program’s success, MICG has extended the series for at least four more sessions, meeting at the Monmouth Senior Center from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on the second Thursday of each month through August: May 14, June 11, July 9 and August 13.
Please join us and feel welcome to bring a friend.
Related: Climate Magic Podcast - Environmental Science Professor Sarah Jaquette Ray, author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to keep your cool on a warming planet, hosts a podcast on how your feelings about the climate issue affect your agency to do something about it. The hour-long sessions with experts in many fields include topics such as “This is Your Brain on Climate,” “Apocalyptic Optimism,” “Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question.”
Books About Climate Change
Each month, the MICG will recommend a book about climate change for our members. We hope you find these readings valuable and informative, and share them with others.
The summer of 2026 is likely to be one of the hottest on record for the West Coast and Oregon. This year, the ongoing effects of global warming will be exacerbated by a “Super El Niño” in the equatorial Pacific that will contribute to the overall warming effect. As a result, we can expect potentially dangerous heat waves, drought conditions and significant wildfire activity. Keep an eye on weather warnings and undertake any summer activities, such as hiking or camping, with caution.
May’s reading: Because of these potential dangers, this month’s book selection is THE HEAT WILL KILL YOU FIRST by renowned climate journalist Jeff Goodell.
Goodell argues that extreme heat events can now strike in all temperate and tropical zones, and are the most immediate and threatening of global warming’s impacts. He explains the critical difference between wet- and dry-bulb temperature readings and calls heat waves potentially life-threatening to people of all ages and physical conditions.
This is an important read, as Goodell’s warning goes to the heart of the most urgent and dangerous universal effect of global warming.
Poem wins first place in MICG’s Imagine Our Future event
MICG wants to thank all participants in this year’s Imagine Our Future event. Their inspiring work indeed helps us imagine a positive future for our community.
MICG activist Kevin Hicks won this year’s event with the following poem.
We Have Ability
by Kevin Hicks
Remember the ozone layer?
Way up in the stratosphere?
Blocking some ultraviolet danger?
Humans were causing holes
Mostly with CFC
So we addressed it
By changed activity
And the holes are closing
Showing global unity
Overcoming deniers
And their obfuscation
Who tried to block
Corrective action
See the takeaway?
Yes, we tiny humans can break it
Yes, we tiny humans can fix it
If we act today
Ignoring deniers
And their ostrich way
We don’t hear about acid rain these days
You might ask yourself, why?
Because the regulations worked
There’s less acid in the sky
Aquatic life
Gets some relief
And forests, too,
However brief
Yes, man can damage climate
Yes, man can fix it, too
Yes, we can limit
Our CO2
Just examine
Our recent history
Yes, we have the ability
To break the atmosphere and to fix it
We can achieve sustainability
After first admitting
Responsibility
Ongoing Activities
Attend our monthly online meeting: Join our next regular Climate Group’s online meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, May 11. These “business meetings” are focused on policy issues and task distribution for our group activities. If you want to attend, please send us an email and we will send you the link.
What’s New for April 2026
Dear Climate-Concerned Friends,
In 2026, we are hosting monthly public events at the Monmouth Senior/Community Center on the evening of the second Thursday of every month, 7:00-8:30 pm. The first eight events, called “Climate Cafés,” focus on our emotional reactions to the climate crisis (see below). Other events, to be announced, will feature speakers, films, or topic-focused discussions. Please plan to join us, and bring a friend.
Fall Speaker Series planned
MICG is planning to host a series of public talks by speakers with expertise in climate and environmental topics in the fall of 2026. More information will be be available as the plans coalesce.
Climate Café series helps participants cope with climate anxiety
Participants in our March Climate Café at the Monmouth Senior/Community Center — the third in a series of free, open-to-the-public events — supported each other as they sat in small groups and discussed the roll of anger in their feelings about the climate crisis. Many found that sharing their feelings was liberating and empowering.
The next Climate Café, focusing on positive aspect or our collective response to the climate crisis, (upper-right quadrant of this Climate Emotions Wheel), will meet on April 9.
Books About Climate Change
Each month, the MICG will recommend a book about climate change for our members to read. We hope you find these readings valuable and informative, and share them with others.
April’s reading: NO ONE IS TOO SMAL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE by Greta Thunberg, Penguin Press, 2020. While the title speaks for itself, Ms. Thunberg’s photo-essay bio is worth reading as a reminder that we all have the power to help save our planet.
Related Title: WHAT CAN I DO? by Jane Fonda, Penguin Press, 2020. 100% percent of the famous actress’s net proceeds are donated to GREENPEACE.
Ongoing Activities
Attend our monthly online meeting: Join our next regular Climate Group’s online meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, March 9. These “business meetings” are focused on policy issues and task distribution for our group activities. If you want to attend, please send us an email we will send you the link.
What’s New for March 2026
Dear Climate-Concerned Friends,
This year, we are hosting monthly public events at the Monmouth Senior Community Center on the evening of the second Thursday of every month, 7:00-8:30 pm. The first four events, called “Climate Cafés,” will focus on our emotional reactions to the climate situation (see below). Other events, to be announced, will feature speakers, films, or topic-focused discussions. Please plan to join us, and bring a friend.
HAPPENING SOON: Ash Creek Restoration Project
Sunday, March 8, 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Event map and details
Here’s an opportunity to participate in a carbon-drawdown climate action that simultaneously restores environmental health and strengthens local resilience by enhancing flood mitigation.
The Friends of Gentle Woods Park volunteer group is sponsoring a “Planting Day” along a degraded stretch of Ash Creek’s banks in Monmouth. The group will plant 125 native trees and shrubs. Tools and gloves will be provided, but please bring your own if you have them.
Climate Café series helps participants cope with climate anxiety
Participants in our February Climate Café at the Monmouth Senior Center — the second in a series of free, open-to-the-public events — supported each other as they sat in small groups and discussed their sadness, despair, and sense of loss induced by the climate crisis. Many found that sharing their feelings and concerns was empowering.
The next Climate Café, focusing on anger about the climate crisis (upper-left quadrant of this Climate Emotions Wheel), will be on March 12.
Related: Climate Magic Podcast
Environmental Science Professor Sarah Jaquette Ray, author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to keep your cool on a warming planet, hosts a podcast on how your feelings about the climate issue affect your agency to do something about it. The hour-long sessions with experts in many fields include topics such as “This is Your Brain on Climate,” “Apocalyptic Optimism,” “Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question.”
2026 “Imagine Our Future” art and writing event is underway
The Imagine Our Future event challenges graphic artists and writers to create positive visions for our community’s future. This year’s entries will be showcased at the Monmouth Senior Center, and prizes will be awarded for the best pictures and writings in elementary, middle, high school, and adult categories. For details, including submission dates and prizes, see the Imagine Our Future page on this website.
Work must be submitted online between March 1 and 31, 2026.
Ongoing Activities
Attend our monthly online meeting: Join our next regular Climate Group’s online meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, March 9. These “business meetings” are focused on policy issues and task distribution for our group activities. If you want to attend, please send us an email we will send you the link.
What’s New for February 2026
Dear Climate-Concerned Friends,
This year, we are hosting monthly public events at the Monmouth Senior Community Center on the evening of the second Thursday of every month, 7:00-8:30 pm. The first four events, called “Climate Cafés,” will focus on our emotional reactions to the climate situation (see below). Other events, to be announced, will feature speakers, films, or topic-focused discussions. Please plan to join us, and bring a friend.
2026 “Imagine Our Future” art and writing event is underway
People from the community and MICG members gathered at Spectrum Artworx in Monmouth on the evening of January 20 to kick off the fourth annual “Imagine our Future” event. Speaker Stephen Howard introduced this year’s event and showed a short video by artist Taylor Seamont, who discussed how we can counteract self-defeating negative views of the future by imagining positive future scenarios and outcomes. Our Imagine Our Future contest asks visual artists and writers to create positive visions for our community’s future. This year’s entries will be showcased at the Monmouth Senior Center, and prizes will be awarded for the best pictures and writings in elementary, middle, high school, and adult categories. For details, including submission dates and prizes, see our Imagine Our Future page. Work must be submitted online between March 1 and 31, 2026.
(MICG wishes to thank Spectrum Artworx, an art supply store at 140 Main Street in Monmouth, for hosting our Imagine Our Future kickoff event.)
Climate Café series opens with meaningful discussions of personal reactions to climate issues
Our January 8 Climate Café focused on aspects of fear induced by the prospect of a deepening climate crisis. Participants, sitting in small groups, freely discussed how climate change affects them personally, and often found that their own concerns resonated with those of others. There are four Climate Cafés in this winter’s series. While the first Café focused on fear and related emotions such as anxiety and powerlessness, each meeting will have a different focus, following the wheel clockwise. Thus, the upcoming February 12 Café will focus on sadness-related issues such as a sense of depression or loss. The Cafés are open to the public. You are welcome to participate and to bring a friend. The event is from 7:00 to 8:30pm at the Monmouth Senior Community Center.
SPECIAL EVENT: Cultivating Collective Resilience in the Polycrisis — free public lecture and discussion
Sarah Jaquette Ray, author of the highly regarded book A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety, and the Chair of the Environmental Studies Department at Cal Poly Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State University), will speak at Oregon State University’s PRAX theater in Corvallis on Wednesday, February 11, at 5:30 PM. Her talk is sponsored by OSU’s Spring Creek Project and Sustainability Department. Seating is limited, and reservations are recommended — reserve seats on the event’s website.
https://prax.oregonstate.edu/events/cultivating-collective-resilience-polycrisis-sarah-jaquette-ray
Climate Magic Podcast - Sarah Jaquette Ray, author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to keep your cool on a warming planet, hosts a podcast on how your feelings about the climate issue affect your agency to do something about it. The hour-long sessions with experts in many fields include topics such as “Neuroscience and Hope,” “Apocalyptic Optimism,” “Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question,” and more.
Ongoing Activities
Attend our monthly online meeting: Join our next regular Climate Group’s online meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, February 9. These “business meetings” are focused on policy issues and task distribution for our group activities. If you want to attend, please send us an email we will send you the link.
What’s New for January 2026
Dear Climate-Concerned Friends,
This year, we will host monthly public events at the Monmouth Senior Community Center on the evening of the second Thursday of every month, starting January 8. The first four events, called “Climate Cafés,” will focus on our emotional reactions to the climate situation (see below). Other events, to be announced, will feature speakers, films or topic-focused discussions. Please plan to join us, and bring a friend.
Fire Chief Ben Stange addresses community safety and climate change
He gave an engaging talk and led a good group discussion. At our December 18, 2025 event, the Chief of the Polk County Fire District No. 1, which includes Monmouth and Independence, addressed our Monmouth Senior-Community Center meeting on the topic of “Community Safety in the era of climate change.” The thrust of his message — illustrated with informative powerpoint graphs, photos and statistics — was that there has been a sharp uptick of climate exacerbated natural disasters since the turn of the century. Therefore, we should begin to take measures, including creating “defensible space” around our homes to reduce the risk of losing them to a fire in an wildland-urban-interface-zone (WUIZ), where human development meets forests or grasslands.
Other measures, such as the pros and cons of installing a siren to warn the community about nearby wildfires, floods and natural hazards were also discussed.
The Monmouth-Independence Climate Action wishes to once more thank Chief Stange for his contribution to this ongoing discussion.
New Climate Café series to focus on personal reactions to climate change
Climate Emotions Wheel © Climate Mental Health Network (Creative Commons License - non commercial public domain)
Building on the success of our October 16, 2025 Climate Café that focused on our emotional reactions to the climate problem, MICG plans a series of four such meeting beginning on January 8 of this year.
These, informal, guided discussion — with the look and feel of an actual cafe with table cloths and snacks — will provide a safe, welcoming space where community members can connect and share how they feel about the “too big to hold” climate challenge.In line with the quadrants of the Climate Emotions Wheel above, the first monthly discussion (January 8) will focus on fear engendered by climate hazards; followed by a focus on sadness (February 12); anger (March 12); and, in the spring, positivity (April 9.) Please join us to share your feelings and hear those of others.
Related: Climate Magic - A podcast on the psychological challenges of climate change. Sarah Jaquette Ray, author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to keep your cool on a warming planet hosts a podcast on how your feelings about the climate issue affect your agency to do something about it. The hour-long sessions with experts in many fields include topics such as “Neuroscience and hope,” “Apocalyptic Optimism,” “Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question,” and more.
Ongoing Activities
Monthly Zoom Meeting: Join our next regular Climate Group’s online meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, January 12. These “business meetings” are is primarily about organization and task distribution for our various group activities. Since you are on this Newsletter’s mailing list, you should automatically receive a notice and link to the Zoom page a day or two before the meeting. If you don’t receive that, and want to attend, please send us an email we will send you the link.
What’s New for November-December 2025
Dear Climate-Concerned Friends,
Our public events are going well, and we have more planned for December and next year.
Pilot discussion of “Personal Response to Climate Change” gets positive feedback
Our October 16 Climate Café at the Monmouth Community/Senior Center had the look and feel of an actual cafe. M-I Climate Group members provided table cloths and snacks for the guided discussion.
They also provided a safe and welcoming space where community members connected and shared how they feel about the “too big to hold” climate challenge. People were able to open up about their concerns, anxieties and frustrations with trying to address the problem, and participants came away feeling connected to others who were experiencing many of the same emotional issues.
Positive feedback from participants has encouraged us to sponsor several more such events in 2026. They will be announced as we flesh out next year’s calendar.
Related: Climate Magic Podcast - Sarah Jaquette Ray, author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to keep your cool on a warming planet, hosts a podcast on how your feelings about the climate issue affect your agency to do something about it. The hour-long sessions with experts in many fields include topics such as “Neuroscience and hope,” “Apocalyptic Optimism,” “Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question,” and more.
M-I Fire Chief Ben Stange to address December’s meeting
On December 18, the Chief of the Polk County Fire District No. 1, which includes Monmouth and Independence, will discuss “Community Safety in the era of climate change” at our meeting at the Monmouth Community/Senior Center from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.
Stange will take questions and feedback from the community. Don’t miss this important event, and come prepared with your questions.
New monthly public events schedule for 2026
Starting in January, we will hold public outreach events at the Monmouth Community/Senior Center from 7:00-8:30pm on the second Thursday of every month. These will include the Climate Cafés mentioned above, public speakers and topic-focused meetings. (For example, a meeting might focus on the community response to a wildfire, the most effective measures we can take to reduce our carbon footprint and so on.) The Center is at 180 Warren Street S., Monmouth.
Ongoing Activities
Attend our monthly online meeting: Join our next regular Climate Group’s online meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, December 8. These “business meetings” are focused on policy issues and task distribution for our group activities. If you want to attend, please send us an email and we will send you the link.
What’s New for September-October 2025
It all begins with an idea.
Dear Climate-Concerned Friends,
We are excited to share several new developments in our ongoing public outreach about climate issues:
FAMER’S MARKET TABLE
Several group members hosted an information table at the Independence Farmer’s Market on Saturday, September 20. Shoppers stopped by to talk about climate issues and take fliers or photos of our posters announcing the next Climate Café (See below.) We plan to host tables at other local events including craft fairs. Look for special announcements of these opportunities for you to stop by and chat with us.
EXPLORING OUR PERSONAL RESPONSES TO CLIMATE CHANGE
A 2026 Climate Café series We are considering hosting a short series of Climate Cafés focused on the personal side of climate change. The goal is to provide a free, safe, and welcoming space where community members can connect and share how they feel about this “too big to hold” challenge. These sessions would be participatory, with an emphasis on group conversations in our regular Café format. The focus is on fostering connection and mutual support through shared dialogue.
Possible discussion topics include:
Climate anxiety
Eco-grief
Intergenerational impacts
“What can I DO?”
If you are interested in joining these discussion please send us an email.
OREGON SENATOR DEB PATTERSON
Senator Patterson will meet briefly with our group at 6:00 PM on November 20 at the Monmouth Senior Center. We will discuss how we can interact with the state’s climate-related programs. You will receive further notices about this important event in the coming weeks.
VIDEO: IMAGINE OUR FUTURE
Our climate group sponsors an annual contest called Imagine Our Future where we invite everyone to share their vision of a positive future for our community in original poems, essays or artworks. Look for an upcoming announcement of the 2026 contest.
Meanwhile, inspire your vision with this inspiring video:
UPCOMING SPEAKERS: Seeds for the Sol
A speaker from the Corvallis based solar-energy promotion group will address the public at St. Patric’s Parish in Independence one evening in October. You will receive a special announcement once the exact date and location within the Parish are determined.
From the group’s website (seedsforthesol.org):
Seeds for the Sol is a nonprofit, grassroots organization taking action now to remove the financial barriers to residential energy efficiency. Our neighbor-to-neighbor funding model mimics the natural cycles of planting, harvesting, and renewal, helping more households move toward net zero. This funding model addresses climate mitigation and adaptation, energy equity and outreach, and workforce development by making affordable housing more energy efficient.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES
Climate Cafés: Our Climate Cafés are free and open to the public. For the remainder of 2025, we will meet from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on the third Thursday of every other month (October and December, 2025) at the Monmouth Senior/Community Center, 180 Warren Street, Monmouth. Join us to discuss your climate concerns and ideas for climate action.
Monthly Zoom Meeting: Join our next regular Climate Group’s Zoom meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, October 13. This meeting is primarily about organization and task distribution for our various group activities. Since you are on this Newsletter’s mailing list, you should automatically receive a notice and link to the Zoom page a day or two before the meeting. If you don’t receive that, and want to attend, please send us an email we will send you the link.
What’s New for July-August 2025
Dear Climate-Concerned Friends,
CLIMATE CAFÉS
Our Climate Cafés are free and open to the public. For the remainder of 2025, we will meet from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on the third Thursday of every other month (August, October and December, 2025) at the Monmouth Senior/Community Center, 180 Warren Street, Monmouth. Join us to discuss your climate concerns and ideas for climate action.
Oregon’s new recycling law (was) explained:
Joshua Brandt, owner of Brandt’s Sanitary Service, explained Oregon’s new Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) during an informal talk at our June 19 Climate Café. In an engaging and wide-ranging talk, Brandt explained the basics of the new law, the first phase of which began in July of this year. That first phase is implementing a rule, almost unique in the U.S., that requires companies that make, sell of distribute packaging, paper products and food serviceware to pay fees to help ensure their products are recycled responsibly.
In essence, the Act shifts the cost of recycling from local governments and residents to producers of those products by requiring them to join a PRO (Producer Responsibility Organization) that oversees and coordinates the recycling process. The PROS are responsible for funding improvements to Oregon’s recycling infrastructure, collection systems and facilities. Ultimately, these improvements will make recycling in Oregon easier, cheaper for citizens and cities, and more comprehensive.
Although there is not room here to discuss the law and Brandt’s presentation in detail, more information may be found at Oregon Department of Environmental Qualitiy’s website about the RMA. Our thanks to Mr. Brandt for helping those of us in attendance to understand the law, and his willingness to communicate about it to members of the public who are interested.
Michael Cairns Memorial
About 100 people attended the dedication of two interpretive panels at the site of the recently-established wetland in North Riverside Park in Independence on the bright, warm morning of June 28. The panels commemorate the life of one of our group’s founders, Michael Cairns, who was instrumental in the establishment, planting and permanent protection of the wetland. In attendance were members of Michael’s family, Independence’s former and current mayors, and a number of community members including several members of our Climate Action Group.
The wetland, which should still be vibrant a century from now, serves as a reminder of what dedicated community members, such as Michael and others, can accomplish with persistence and dedication to a good cause or project.
Planned Projects
Community Garden and City of Monmouth Climate Plan: Both of these projects are in their early stages. Some of us are meeting with community members about the Community Garden idea, and we should soon be hearing from the City of Monmouth staff about how we can help them formulate a Climate Plan. We should have more information about both of these projects in our next newsletter. If you are interested in working on either project, contact us.
Monthly Zoom Meeting
Join our next regular M-I CAG Zoom meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, August 11. This meeting is primarily about organization and task distribution for our various group activities. If you want to receive an invitation to attend, please contact us to let us know.
What’s New for May-June 2025
Dear Climate-Concerned Friends,
CLIMATE CAFÉS
Our Climate Cafés are free and open to the public. For the remainder of 2025, we will meet from 7:00 to 8:30pm on the third Thursday of every other month (June, August, October and December, 2025) at the Monmouth Senior Community Center, 180 Warren Street, Monmouth. Join us to discuss your climate concerns and ideas for climate action.
Special Speaker Presentation: Joshua Brant, owner of Brant’s Sanitary Service — which serves Monmouth, Independence and Dallas — will explain Oregon’s new Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act at our Thursday, June 19 Climate Café. The law is designed to update Oregon’s recycling system by building local community programs and leveraging the resources of producers to create an innovative system that works for everyone. Josh will take questions from the audience. To learn about the local impacts of this new environmental regulation, please attend and bring a friend.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wetland interpretive panel dedication.
This notice about the celebration of an important achievement of one of our Climate Group’s founders is from the Lukiamute Watershed Council’s website .
Join us at North Riverside Park on June 28 at 10am for the unveiling of two interpretive panels that celebrate the importance of wetlands and Michael Cairn's efforts to protect and restore them in our local community! Afterwards, we invite you to Divine Distillers to raise a toast in honor of Michael and the many community partners and individuals who helped bring his vision to life. We hope to see you there!
Michael Cairns (1948–2024) was a visionary leader and advocate for both environmental and social causes in the Monmouth and Independence communities. In 1999, he helped establish the Luckiamute Watershed Council and later became its first manager after retiring. His legacy includes a beautifully designed wetland near the Willamette River west of the Independence Sports Park, now thriving with native plants, birds, and wildlife. He alsoplayed a key role in restoring Ash Creek’s streamside habitat at what is now OSU Extension’s Mt. Fir Inspiration Gardens. To honor Michael, we’re working with his wife, Gail Oberst, to create an educational display about the wetlands he helped bring to life.
Also, here are some Watershed Council Projects and volunteer opportunities.
Destination Inspiration
Our local Master Gardners will host open-house tours of Mt. Fir Park and Inspiration Garden all day on Saturday, June 21. The seven-acre garden is located on F street between 7th and 9th Streets in Inspiration. Dogs on leash are welcome, and there is a play area for kids.
Our 2025 Imagine Our Future contest winners!
See the poetry, art and short stories of community contributors to our 2025 contest to visualize our area’s near future when climate change is in abatement and the world has chosen a more sustainable path. Kirsten Bachmeier’s poem, If I Had Time, Someday I Will is our Best In Show.
Look for upcoming announcements of our 2026 Imagine Our Future contest.
ONGOING PROJECTS
Community Garden and City of Monmouth Climate Plan
Both of these projects are in their early stages. Some of us are meeting with community members about the Community Garden idea, and we should soon be hearing from the City of Monmouth staff about how we can help them formulate a Climate Plan. We should have more information about both of these projects in our next newsletter. If you are interested in working on either project, contact us.
Monthly Zoom Meeting
Join our next regular M-I CAG Zoom meeting at 6:00 PM, Monday, August 11. This meeting is primarily about organization and task distribution for our various group activities. If you want to receive an invitation to attend, please contact us to let us know.