One of the first questions people have when visiting the SAGE Center is, what does “SAGE” stand for? It stands for Sustainable Agriculture and Energy, and that’s a good summary of what we’re all about.
The official mission statement of the SAGE Center is: "The SAGE Center will strive to showcase the global impact of local industries and foster curiosity on the sustainability of agriculture and energy in our region to all who pass through our doors, through interactive exhibits, hands-on learning, and community-centered events.”
The SAGE Center is full of fun learning opportunities for all ages and for locals and travelers alike. Visitors walk away from the Center with an appreciation for all the exciting agriculture and industry happening in Morrow County, and how those activities benefit the region and countries around the world. Agriculture might make you think of growing produce on a farm, and a lot of that does happen in this region and is reflected in several of the SAGE Center’s exhibits (including one popular attraction that lets visitors drive a virtual tractor). But agriculture is about so much more. Agriculture is every step of the process, from planting, growing, and harvesting a potato, to preparing, packaging, and shipping frozen French fries to grocery stores and restaurants worldwide.
The layout of the museum encourages interactive exploration and learning. It’s the perfect place to stop in during a journey through Morrow County, or to bring kids and students for those who call this area home. As an official Travel Oregon Welcome Center, we hope that people from all over the world will use the SAGE Center as a starting point in enjoying all that eastern Oregon and beyond has to offer, including sampling some local products we have for sale in the gift shop.
We also host fun and educational events throughout the year, including Science Fridays, SAGE Saturdays, both of which support STEAM learning (with the added “A” for “agriculture) and the annual Harvest Festival, where local producers, artisans, and businesses gather for a celebration of the best of Morrow County. We have dedicated classrooms, a movie theater, and a new Event Center that can welcome gatherings of up to 500 people. The goal of all this is to provide agricultural learning in fun and fresh ways.
And to top it off, the SAGE Center hosts the Boardman Chamber of Commerce, cementing its ties to the local community and our efforts to connect residents and visitors to the exciting, diverse opportunities in the area.
The next time you’re in town, be sure to stop by and say hello! We love welcoming people and introducing them to what makes this part of the country so special. And if you’ve been before, we’d love to have you back! There’s always something new happening at the SAGE Center.
