Urban Conservation

Services

What we do

The urban landscape west of the Willamette River is a living ecosystem of streams, soils, forests, gardens, and wildlife. We help residents, schools, community groups, and other land managers turn conservation goals into practical projects.

We provide technical guidance, project planning, connections to resources, and financial assistance for eligible projects.

On this page:

    How we can help

    WMSWCD-MiniLeaf

    Restoration projects

    Restore habitat, improve ecological connectivityConnectivity the degree to which patches of landscape are connected, either helping or impeding animal movement and other ecological processes like the flow of water or dispersal of seeds, and care for native vegetation.

    For properties 1 acre or larger, we can provide site visits and conservation planning to help you:

    • Prioritize invasive species removal and restoration
    • Select native plants
    • Improve habitat connectivity
    • Protect streams, wetlands, forests, and other sensitive habitats
    • Navigate permitting and implementation resources

    For smaller residential properties, we partner with the Backyard Habitat Certification Program, who can assist in similar ways.

    Stormwater & erosion

    Manage rain where it falls and protect soil and waterways through approaches such as:

    • Rain gardens and other stormwater solutions
    • Native plants for erosion control
    • Erosion-prone slope and streambank stabilization

    Stormwater Stars

    We proudly support the Stormwater Stars program—properties that have improved their landscape spaces to help manage rain in our city. If you are interested in learning more about how to revamp your yard or community space join a hands-on installation workshop, offered in the spring and fall.

    Urban Heat and Tree Canopy

    Trees and vegetation can cool neighborhoods, reduce heat exposure, and strengthen habitat corridorsCorridors Wildlife corridor: a stretch of habitat that connects natural areas separated by human land use.

    We provide guidance on tree selection, planting opportunities, and ways to increase canopy and habitat connectivity.

    Wildfire Resilience

    Fire resilience and habitat conservation can work together. We provide guidance on managing vegetation around homes and other structures while retaining important habitat.

    Support may include:

    • Selecting appropriate plants
    • Managing dense or invasive vegetation
    • Protecting existing trees and habitat

    Community & school gardens

    Gardens can provide food, habitat, community connections, and opportunities to care for the land.

    We provide guidance on:

    • Garden planning and design
    • Native and culturally appropriate plants
    • Habitat-friendly planting
    • Soil testing for lead and other contaminants
    • School and community garden projects

    Conservation priorities

    Beaver Coexistence

    Beavers create wetlands and influence stream and groundwater processes. We provide guidance to help landowners coexist with beavers.

    Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) & Oregon Ash

    We help landowners identify Oregon ash, understand EAB pest risks, and consider strategies for maintaining canopy and habitat as conditions change.

    Financial Assistance and Resources

    Staff contact

    Ariana Scipioni

    (she/her)

    Urban Conservationist

    Contact me about:

    Ripple grant, urban heat islands, community gardens, increasing habitat connectivity, beaver, Northern Red-legged Frogs, Northwestern Pond Turtle, invasive reptiles and mammals.
    503-238-4775
    x103
    971-265-9872

    Rachel Dvorsky

    (she/her)

    Stormwater Specialist

    Contact me about:

    Stormwater Stars workshops, urban stormwater runoff
    971-265-9869