"The good feelings of sharing with the earth and its creatures brings deep satisfaction. It seems to bring returned love and bounty from the earth." - Pat Straub, 1974
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"Americans expect Oregon to take a lead role in developing and implementing
imaginative and effective environmental laws. These responsive and
sometimes daring measures evolve from the special kinship that Oregonians
have always had wiht the land." - Governor Bob Straub, Spring 1976. "The good feelings of sharing with the earth and its creatures brings deep satisfaction. It seems to bring returned love and bounty from the earth." - Pat Straub, 1974 |
The Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center Mission:
In partnership with the community, we create an awareness and understanding of our relationship to the environment.
Gov. Bob and Pat Straub were the inspirations for the Friends of the Straub Environmental Learning Center, a non-profit organization, established in 2004 and dedicated to environmental education. The Straubs were renowned for their love of Oregon and their efforts to preserve its natural beauty. The Friends seeks to promote that spirit by fostering public awareness of the beauty and cultural history of the Willamette Valley. The centerpiece of the Friends’ activities is the Straub Center (click here for directions), a structure that provides a lab, classroom, and meeting space for local organizations. Throughout the year, the Straub Center offers a stream of programs for students and adults alike, all designed to heighten concern and respect for Oregon’s environment. The Straub Center also functions as a showcase of sustainable building and landscape practices. The stream bank setting is an ideal site for students of all ages to learn about watersheds, riparian areas, water quality, and their importance to an increasingly urban environment.
Bob Straub's contributions to the people of Oregon during his terms as state treasurer and governor were considerable. Bob's unyielding efforts to protect the free use and access to Oregon's public beaches, especially at Nestucca Spit (not in Bob Straub State Park) and his tireless support for Oregon's statewide land use program, clean air and forested wilderness helped place Oregon at the forefront of the environmental movement. He also initiated the Willamette Greenway program, one of the most important conservation and recreation initiatives in Oregon history.
Pat Straub helped shape and support Bob's environmental views. She also served on the Oregon Forestry Council and wrote a book on organic gardening, a testament to her devotion to the health of Oregon's lands.
Their homestead included an organic garden and native woods which they donated to the City of Salem as a park.
The Straub Environmental Learning Center is a unique partnership between the Salem-Keizer School District, City of Salem, the Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center.
The Board is made up of an Executive Committee that assisted by a Board of Directors. The board is supported by the work and input of an Education Committee, a Finance & Development Committee, a Marketing & Outreach Committee, and a Facilities Committee. Please join us in helping to bring educational programming to the community by becoming a volunteer or a donor.