Corvallis Environmental Center: Growing a More Sustainable Community
At Oregon State Credit Union, we believe strong communities are built when people come together around a shared purpose. That’s one reason we’re proud to support the Corvallis Environmental Center (CEC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, engaging, and inspiring people to create a healthy, sustainable community through food and agriculture education and nature-based learning. For more than 30 years, CEC has helped people of all ages connect with the environment through hands-on experiences that promote sustainability, strengthen food security, and inspire lifelong learning.
Through educational programs, community gardens, youth experiences, and public events, the organization creates opportunities for individuals and families to learn, connect, and contribute to a healthier, more resilient community. At its core, CEC’s work demonstrates how caring for our environment can also strengthen communities—expanding access to healthy food, creating meaningful learning opportunities, and bringing people together around a shared investment in the future.
More than a concert: The impact of the SAGE Concert Series
One of CEC’s most anticipated annual traditions is the SAGE Concert Series, held each summer at Bruce Starker Arts Park. While the family-friendly event brings together local musicians, food vendors, businesses, volunteers, and community members, its impact extends far beyond a summer evening of entertainment.
As Karen DeWolfe, CEC Outreach Coordinator, explains:
“One of the things that makes the SAGE Concert Series so special is that it happens because of the partnerships with local businesses like Oregon State Credit Union. Local businesses help bring these concerts to our community while sharing our values of creating sustainable communities. Oregon State Credit Union has supported the SAGE Concert Series for over a decade. It is this kind of long-term support that has helped make the SAGE Concerts a staple in our community.”
The concert series serves as a fundraiser that helps power CEC’s work throughout the year, including programs that strengthen local food security. Through its SAGE Food for Families program alone, CEC donates more than 5,000 pounds of fresh produce annually to local food banks, soup kitchens, and community organizations serving those in need.
The impact is felt across the community. One local partner, Community Outreach, Inc., shares that:
“SAGE provides 50% of our overall produce and 100% of our fresh produce. This is our only current source of fresh produce, and our residents rely on this for their healthy meal prep.”
By supporting the SAGE Concert Series, attendees help sustain programs that provide fresh, healthy food to local families while creating opportunities for education, volunteerism, and community engagement. The event also reflects CEC’s commitment to environmental stewardship, encouraging concertgoers to bike to the venue, bring reusable dishes, and participate in activities that promote sustainable living.
More than a concert series, SAGE demonstrates how a community can come together around a shared purpose—helping ensure that more of our neighbors have access to healthy food while investing in a stronger, more sustainable future for everyone.
Growing together through service
The impact of CEC’s work extends well beyond summer events. Throughout the year its gardens and educational spaces create opportunities for learning, food production, volunteerism, and community connection. Community members play an important role in helping maintain these spaces and advancing CEC’s mission.
One example is the SAGE Garden, where volunteers help grow fresh produce, support educational programming, and strengthen local food security efforts. As part of Oregon State Credit Union’s annual Day of Service, our team is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside CEC staff and volunteers in support of these efforts.
For us, it’s an opportunity to roll up our sleeves and contribute to a community resource that nourishes individuals, families, and neighborhoods throughout the region.
Looking ahead
The Corvallis Environmental Center demonstrates what’s possible when sustainability, food access, and community connection come together. Whether through its educational programs, community gardens, or the SAGE Concert Series, CEC continues to create meaningful impact throughout our region.
We are honored to support their work and grateful for the opportunity to partner in building healthier, more vibrant communities for generations to come.
Interested in learning more? Visit the Corvallis Environmental Center to explore its programs, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming community events.
