Posts by WMSWCD Admin
Skyline Ridge Wildfire-Ready Workshop
We are proud to offer this new event for community members in the Skyline Ridge area, including unincorporated parts of NW Multnomah County and Washington County in the Tualatin Mountains. This day-long event offers 3 hands-on workshops from local experts on how to increase the chance of your family and your home getting through such…
Read MoreA Community Coming Together for Riparian Restoration on Rock Creek
Sometimes, the most meaningful restoration projects aren’t just about the environment—they’re about supporting the people and communities that live within it. That is exactly what happened when we partnered with Mary Lawlor, a local landowner on Rock Creek, to start restoration of a section of stream that’s been in need of more trees and shrubs…
Read MoreWe Want You to Become a Weed Watcher: Event April 9
Last year, we treated over 1800 patches of invasive weeds on private property in our District. Could you identify pokeweed, spurge laurel, and garlic mustard? What about ludwigia and lesser celandine? As you see leaves popping out of the ground and flowers opening, it’s an exciting time to start thinking about plants. You might recognize…
Read MoreBittersweet Goodbye to Sauvie Island Center
We are sad to be ending our longtime partnership with The Sauvie Island Center as they move out of our service area and into the eastside. Fortunately, Sauvie Island Center will be continuing its work as it merges its programs under the umbrella of the Learning Gardens Lab in SE Portland beginning in early 2025. …
Read MoreEarly Spring 2025 E-Newsletter: Soil School, Weed Watchers, and more!
We’re excited to share the latest updates from West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District! As February unfolds, we have some fantastic events coming up that you won’t want to miss. First, we’re opening registration for Soil School 2025—a symposium-style day of learning designed to help you understand and improve the health of your soil and…
Read MoreSoil School 2025
Calling all gardeners– from aspiring to advanced–to Soil School 2025! The event offers 8 sessions taught by experts to learn about how improving soil health improves plant, garden, and habitat health. $35 covers the whole day, including breakfast and lunch. Scholarships are available, see details and registration link below. Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 8:30…
Read MoreFind Local Produce at Westside Portland CSAs, Markets, and Farms
When you think of greens in our region, you probably think of thick forests, moss, and lovely pollinator gardens. You might not be thinking about lettuce, kale, and fruit trees—but you can get local produce in many different ways if you’re looking to support local farmers and agriculture. Portland CSAs, farmers markets, and farmstands are…
Read MoreWinter 2024 E-Newsletter: Looking for native plants or a paid internship?
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…
Read MoreRiparian restoration from West Multnomah Sites are Successful in Carbon Sequestration
In 2023, scientists from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and University of Oregon (U of O) began a study to measure the carbon sequestration of restored riparian areas in western Oregon. The study included two sites on private land where West Multnomah SWCD staff had planned and implemented restoration projects. In the preliminary results released in…
Read MoreRemembering Brian Lightcap
Photo of Brian in 2016. It is with heavy hearts that we share that our long-time board member, Brian Lightcap, recently passed away at the age of 80. Brian was a dedicated and engaged board member, for Zone 5 and then Zone 4, from January 1983 until his passing in November 2024– an incredible 41…
Read MoreWe Need You For Our Budget Committee
West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking community members to serve on the Budget Committee. As a committee member, your input will help shape local conservation efforts. Are you interested in protecting the natural spaces in your community?Do you like numbers?Would you like a say in how tax dollars are spent?Do you want…
Read MoreFall 2024 E-Newsletter: Talk to a soil scientist and be wildfire-resilient!
As folks come back from vacation, leaves start changing, and chill hangs in the air longer each day, it’s feeling like fall. And with it, our team and partners are working hard to offer new teachings and workshops—there are many exciting events below to add to your calendar. Always, let us know if you have…
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