Fall 2026 e-Newsletter: Fall Events, Stormwater Stars, native plants and more

Fall might be about slowing down for some people, but not at a Conservation District! We are prepping our boots and jackets—gearing up for the rainy season with a bunch of workshops to help you prepare for urban stormwater, stream planting, and farm challenges. Whether you’re interested in exploring local conservation topics, meeting neighbors at an event, or finding new ways to care for your land, there are many opportunities to get excited about soil, water, or plants with us — read on!

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News from the District

Stormwater Stars Fall Workshops – Register now!
Learn to deal with rain on your yard—leave with skills, friends, and having made the neighborhood better. Dates on Nov 1, 8, and 15, in both NW and SW Portland. Free, registration required.

Depave with Stormwater Stars on October 31
We’re teaming up with local nonprofit Depave to remove pavement on a site before planting it with a rain garden. Participants will learn skills to apply on unwanted pavement. Cost: $25-$100, scholarships also available.

Native Hardwood Propogation Workshop
Harvesting willow and dogwood stakes from helps control erosion, improve water quality, and boost local habitat. Then take what you harvested home to improve your own streamside! Register to transform wet spaces with live stakes.

Next Farmer Breakfast on November 6, 8-10am
Our farmer breakfasts are casual conversations (over free coffee and pastries) where local farmers can come together to talk about issues, problem-solve, and ask for help from our farm and soil conservationist. It’s at Sauvie Island Grange, just show up!

Meet us at our Annual Meeting & Celebration
Every year, we have an annual meeting and celebration to honor community members making a difference and celebrate conservation work together. You’re welcome to join for appetizers, awards, and mingling. Register by November 10 to attend.

Conservation Connection

Tackle woody invasives and sow native seeds in fall
Fall is a great time for gardeners and land managers to tackle controlling woody invasive weeds like blackberry and knotweed. Then, the fun part: sowing native seeds. Read on for more steps for replacing invasives with natives this fall.

Get updates on Tree Health
Whether you’re a forest landowner or just a concerned citizen who loves trees, you might find Oregon Dept. of Forestry’s newsletter useful. “Oregon Tree Health Threats” is a monthly email newsletter with updates and resources on emerging threats to Oregon trees, in both natural and managed landscapes. Click here to sign up.

Partner Events

Events we recommend but are not hosted by West Multnomah SWCD.

10/10: Mud, Manure, and Pasture Management Workshop for Horse and Livestock Owners
8:30am-3pm, Beavercreek, Oregon. Free with registration. Hosted by Clackamas SWCD.

10/31: Depave Your Yard Workshop
9:30am-2pm. South Burlingame neighborhood. $25-$100 sliding scale cost, limited scholarships available. Hosted by Depave.

11/3: Election Day
Make sure to vote for your Soil and Water Conservation District board, as well as other local and federal offices in this general election. Register to vote by October 13 and make sure your mail-in ballot is postmarked by 11/3 to be counted! Hosted by Multnomah County Elections Division.

11/7: Activate Portland Summit
9:45am-4pm. TaborSpace, 5441 SE Belmont. Cost on a sliding scale. West Multnomah SWCD and East Multnomah SWCD will be participating. Hosted by Portland Placemaking Coalition.