As we move into the winter season, we’re excited to bring you some new opportunities and upcoming events to keep you engaged with the land and with our District.

We’re currently accepting applications for an open internship position and welcoming volunteers to join our Budget Committee, both great ways to get involved and contribute to our mission. Plus, we have two important in-person events to save the dates for: Soil School 2025 and the Skyline Ridge Wildfire-Ready Workshop—both offering valuable insights for the new year.

Keep reading for more details, and we look forward to connecting with you soon!

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News from the District

2025 Seasonal Internships Application Open Until 1/13: We have two open positions for our 2025 seasonal internships: Field Conservation Intern and Field & GIS Conservation Intern. The is ~20hrs/week and pays $20.83/hr. Read the details and apply, or share!

Looking for Budget Committee Members: If you are interested in getting more involved with us, now is a great chance. We’re looking for budget committee members to help allocate District funds to best fulfill our mission and protect the habitat in our community. Commitment is 5-10 hours per year. Learn more and apply now— closes 1/15/25.

Remembering Brian Lightcap: In November, we lost a long-time board member and important community member, Brian Lightcap, at the age of 80. He had served on our board for over 40 years and will be missed. Our staff and board remember his accomplishments and sunny personality in this article.

Study Finds West Multnomah Sites Successful in Sequestration: Two private sites in the West Multnomah SWCD service area were included in a study about carbon sequestration from riparianRiparian areas The land alongside a stream, creek, river, or floodplain restoration. The study found that our sites have sequestered carbon equivalent to taking 25 cars off the road.

Upcoming Events

-listed in chronological order-

• Local Native Plant Sales Happening Now and Soon!
  Several local Soil and Water Conservation Districts are having their plant sales now or soon—these sales offer great discounts from a nursery typically. Ordering is open for Clark Conservation District until 1/24/25. East Multnomah SWCD has its sale ordering starting 1/15/25. Check out a great list of where to find native plants at sales or shops.
• Save the Date for Soil School: 4/5/25: 8:30am-3pm
  Save the date for a great day of Soil School with many expert speakers at PCC Rock Creek. If you’re a new or seasoned gardener or curious about soil health for landscaping, stormwater solutions, or other reasons, be sure to mark your calendar. Registration is $35 and will open in February. This event sells out!
• Save the date! Skyline Ridge Wildfire-Ready Workshop. 5/3/25, 9am-2:30pm
  Learn how to make your home and land wildfire-resilient with hands-on workshops from Portland Fire & Rescue, Oregon State Fire Marshall, and West Multnomah SWCD. Tailored to the forested communities in the West Hills/Tualatin Mountains. See our site and newsletter for registration in the spring!