Karen Richards

Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22, but many organizations are celebrating in the days and weeks around the holiday. Among the many events planned around Earth Day this year are Friday tree walks with Eugene - Metro Friends of Trees , on April 24 and May 8.

Three fire protection services in Lincoln County have measures on the May 19 ballot. The Yachats Rural Fire Protection District and the North Lincoln Fire and Rescue District seek to renew five-year levies, and the Seal Rock Rural Fire Protection District proposes to increase its levy.

The Eugene Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday expects a record-shattering number of runners. Officials say 10,000 runners are signed up for Sunday’s races, and another 4,000 for Saturday’s 5-kilometer race and kids’ Duck Dash.

Lane Fire Authority is asking voters to approve a 20-cent increase to the expiring levy, bringing the total to 55 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value. If it passes, Lane Fire Authority would be able to maintain services, as well as add two firefighters and modular living quarters at the Spencer Creek station.

Trees are a big deal on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene. The UO even has a tree walk outlined on its website.

David Handy's Oregon State University laboratory is conducting NASA-funded studies to determine the viability of growing potatoes on the moon.

Nearly three years since the Lookout Fire tore through the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest near Blue River Reservoir in eastern Lane County, scientists are finding surprising opportunities in the ashes.

McKenzie River floodplain projects use heavy machinery and thousands of logs to improve water quality, restore wildlife habitat and help buffer wildfires.

McKenzie River floodplain projects use heavy machinery and thousands of logs to improve water quality, restore wildlife habitat and help buffer wildfires.

The sheer number of ticks in Lane County is higher this year because of a milder winter. But there are ways to prevent tickborne diseases.