During these tough economic times volunteers become an even more valuable resource to us. Volunteer events connect your community to your work and our natural environment and provide an opportunity to involve and educate the public. Whether you coordinate projects through work or are a community leader, SOLV can support your efforts for successful volunteer events.    This spring SOLV has two events designed to support outdoor volunteer projects. The application deadline for both events is Saturday, February 28th.   On Saturday, April 18th, thousands of volunteers will converge on approximately 100 project sites in the greater Portland metropolitan area and work together for SOLV IT, one of the largest Earth Day projects in the nation.  Typical projects include neighborhood cleanups, watershed restoration, planting, invasive removal, and community beautification. Apply now to lead a project for SOLV IT at http://www.solv.org/programs/forms/form_solv_it_app.asp.   On Saturday, May 16th, volunteers all over Oregon and SW Washington will work together to restore our natural areas and improve our public spaces. This year, Down By The Riverside is a sanctioned event of Take Care of Oregon Days, commemorating the state of Oregon’s 150th birthday. Typical projects include neighborhood cleanups, watershed restoration, planting, invasive removal, and community beautification. Apply now to lead a project for Down By The Riverside at http://www.solv.org/programs/forms/form_dbr_app.asp.   SOLV provides the following resources for projects taking place as part of these events:   ·        Free project coordinator training for those interested in learning more about coordinating a SOLV project.  ·        Project Planning Reference Guide (step-by-step guide to coordinating a SOLV project) ·        Brochures and editable flyers, and pre-event publicity ·        Some assistance with volunteer recruitment and placement, including online registration, confirmation emails to all online registrants, and volunteer registration/waiver forms ·        Free materials such as litter bags, vinyl gloves, safety vests, first aid kits, and sharps containers   In addition, a limited number of projects may receive: ·        A maximum reimbursement of up to $100.00 to cover qualifying project expenses (SOLV IT & Down By The Riverside Projects) ·        Partial assistance with disposal fees/services (drop box, disposal and/or portable restroom (SOLV IT Projects Only)   This is your opportunity to become a SOLV event coordinator and to apply for assistance for your community volunteer project as part of these great events!