April 2026
Find Your Inspiration at the Home & Garden Idea Fair
Pick up the perfect perennials, explore inspiring landscape designs, and connect with talented local contractors at the free 2026 Home & Garden Idea Fair April 25 and 26. For more than 30 years, Clark Public Utilities has produced this family friendly weekend event, packed with everything our customers need to make indoor and outdoor living spaces more beautiful, comfortable, efficient and convenient:
- Shop the largest plant sale in the county with more than 50 nurseries on site!
- Explore the beauty of the full-scale landscape showcase and discover the designs by local experts.
- Meet more than 150 local home and garden professionals, vendors and contractors who are ready to help with your next project.
- Visit the bustling and creative outdoor farmers market and children’s entrepreneur market with artisans of all ages.
- Connect with Clark Public Utilities in our interactive space for hands-on activities, and ideas to make your home more energy efficient and lower your bill — or just relax and watch our lineworkers climb an indoor power pole or our water operators tap a main.
Admission is free and, new this year, parking is also no cost from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. thanks to Tri-Tech Heating & Cooling! Fairgrounds parking before 2 p.m. is $6.
A special thank you goes out to Tri-Tech Heating Inc., Shovel & Thumb, Columbia Credit Union, the Building Industry Association of Clark County, and Rick’s Custom Fencing & Decking for continued support of this long community tradition.
For more information visit clarkpublicutilities.com/hgif.
Plan Before Planting
Trees bring shade, boost curb appeal, clean the air and support wildlife, but when planted too close to power lines or buried utilities, trees can become dangerous and cause significant damage.
Even shorter varieties can grow surprisingly high, including popular Cypress trees. So, for safety, avoid planting directly under power lines and always plant at least 6 feet from poles or utility equipment. And always remember to call 811 two business days before you dig.
Help Migrating Birds Make It Home Safely
Millions of migratory birds fly over Washington in April and May, and you can help them along their journey while also lowering your energy use.
Many migrators fly at night, using the moon and stars for navigation, but bright lights and nighttime glow from cities can create confusion and birds may collide with buildings or fly in circles to exhaustion.
Small changes at home and at work can make a difference — especially between midnight and sunrise, when reducing wasted energy not only lowers utility bills but also reduces risks to migrating birds.
- Turn off unnecessary exterior lighting (particularly lights near the tops of buildings)
- Ensure external lighting is shielded and directed downward — LED lights often include ways to direct light and decrease spill
- Put essential outdoor lighting on timers or use motion sensors for automatic shut-off
- Use curtains or blinds to reduce indoor light spilling out, especially from upper floors
For more tips, visit clarkpublicutilities.com/reducewaste.
For more information on the Lights Out! campaign, visit wa.audubon.org/lights-out-wa.
Utility Assistance is Available
As temperatures get higher in the Pacific Northwest, summertime energy use has also risen. High bills can happen in hot weather just like during the winter heating season. If you or someone you know is struggling to pay utility bills, we can help. Flexible payment arrangements are always available and we offer several energy assistance programs for customers with limited incomes or are struggling financially. Many eligibility thresholds have changed in recent years and customers who call about assistance are screened for all available programs.
Our trained customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day to talk through options at 360-992-3000.
Keep Balloons Anchored and Away from Power Lines
Whether your celebration is indoors or out, be extra careful to keep helium balloons tied down, away from windows, and far from power lines.
Mylar balloons — the colorful, shiny balloons made with metallic film — are especially dangerous and can cause neighborhood blackouts requiring hours of repairs. Keep all helium-filled balloons tied down or weighted, and deflate and dispose of them after festivities.