In 2024, Oregon Park Forever's friends, Kathy and Chris Bayha, rounded up a posse of 15 people to walk a 5K (3.1 miles) at Champoeg State Park for Bob Ross Happy Little Trees event. Each registration funded the planting of 10 trees. They raised enough to plant 150 trees and had a lot of fun, finishing with ice cream at the Butteville Country Store as a reward.
The Bayhas, who walk daily, suggest you pick a trail or place with a landmark midway, such as a bridge and a final destination goal - ice cream shop, coffee shop, or brewery for celebrating.
Plan your Earth Week event now! Put together a team or go solo. Participants can walk, run, paddle, or roll to complete their 5K (3.1 miles) anywhere outdoors, anytime between April 18 and 26 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day). Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your race swag arrives before the event week. After April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15. Packets will start mailing in March, in time for the April event. With the Happy Little Trees 5K filling up faster than a Bob Ross canvas, you'll want to register early to secure your spot. (Last year we sold out before the deadline)
REGISTER HERE
For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number, and a finisher’s medal. We will be allowing participation between April 18 and 26 to encompass Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24).
All proceeds support tree-planting and forest protection efforts (such as invasive plant and forest pest management and early detection surveys) in state parks and recreation areas, including locations affected by tree pests and diseases like emerald ash borer and oak wilt. Last year we sent 40,000 to the Santiam Canyon and hope to increase it in 2026.
Results and photo submissions can be made the weekend before Earth Day and the weekend after Arbor Day. Photos and result submissions are not required, but it is a great way to engage with other participants and celebrate your achievement. When posting about your adventure on social media, we encourage you to use #RunForTheTrees #BobRoss #HappyLittle5K #ORstateParks
And feel free to send us your story and photos.
If you don't plan to join the race, but want to support tree-planting in Oregon, you can donate to our Climate Protection Fund and your contribution will plant one tree for one dollar.
