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"The Westside Watershed Resource Center inspires action and awareness on behalf of watershed health in
Portland neighborhoods."
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Community trail volunteer day
Saturday, January 11
1030am-1230pm at Jackson Middle School
Join friends and neighbors to help add a new layer of wood chips to a community trail at Jackson Middle School this weekend! This work will help maintain a safe walking space for students and families, and reduce stormwater runoff into a nearby creek.
Snacks, tools and safety gear will be provided. To sign up to volunteer, or for questions, email watershed@swni.org, or call 503-823-2862.
Volunteers have been working hard to restore and maintain this area since 2017 (photo courtesy of Corey Shelton).
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Learn about urban coyotes from a world-renowned expert
This FREE wildlife talk takes place at the Oregon Zoo on Tuesday, January 14 from 7-9pm.
The Portland Audubon Society is hosting Stanley Gehrt, PhD to share his nearly 20-year study of how coyotes in Chicago have adapted to the city as their natural environment, and share previously unknown details of how they live in harmony with the bustling concrete jungle. Dr Gehrt’s one-of-a-kind work has been featured on NPR, PBS, National Geographic, and more!
This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the wonders of urban wildlife. You can learn more about the event and sign up here.
Coyote spotted in SW Portland (photo courtesy of Ken Brashier).
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Resolutions for healthier watersheds in 2020
A new year (and a new decade!) gives an opportunity to strengthen conservation efforts throughout Portland.
Back in 2008, the City of Portland developed a strategy to control the spread of invasive weeds in our parks, natural areas, and waterways. It's an ongoing challenge, and although many invasive weeds are well established throughout the city, much has been done to slow and reverse the damage caused by these plants.
The city is rolling out an updated strategy to expand invasive weed control over the next 10 years. This will build on current efforts, increase community-scale involvement, and also begin to include animals (such as invasive insects and aquatic life). You can learn more about the updated strategy here.
We all have a part to play in protecting our watersheds. Removing invasive weeds is one important way we can do this, and you can learn more about another simple (and fun!) action in the next article below!
Volunteers play a key role in protecting our watersheds from the spread of invasive weeds that can harm native plants and wildlife habitat, and cause damage to property and structures (photo courtesy of Tryon Creek Watershed Council).
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Tis the season to add native plants to your landscape
Now is the perfect time to plant native species for a beautiful landscape this spring and summer.
Dark and gloomy weather might have you feeling down, but native plants are rejoicing! Winter is a great time for planting as it allows plants to get their roots well established and ensures that plants can continue to thrive through the hot and dry and summer. Now is also a great time of year to take plant "cuttings" and stick them directly in the ground so that they can turn into a new plant!
Planting native plants is a key tool in efforts to prevent the spread of invasive weeds in our watersheds. Best of all, there are opportunities coming up to purchase native plants at discounted prices! The Watershed Resource Center's Native Plant Swap is always a great place to find native plants that can be shared for FREE between neighbors. If you want to purchase specific plants and quantities, check out the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District Native Plant Sale. Online ordering for the sale opens on January 15, and plants can be picked up from the Conservation District on February 8. If you're looking for even more variety, check out this listing of native plant nurseries throughout the Portland metro area.
Cuttings can be taken from red twig dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) in winter and placed right into the ground to create new plants (photo courtesy of NW Native Plants).
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January 16: Southwest Neighborhoods
Watershed Committee Meeting, 7-830pm
Join the Watershed Committee for our monthly meeting in room 30 of the Multnomah Arts Center.
January 18: Friends of Terwilliger, 9am-Noon
Meet at the restrooms on SW Terwilliger and Hamilton for a restoration work party. More info is available here.
January 18: No Ivy League in Forest Park, 9am-Noon
Help with ivy removal and planting native plants. More info on work party location and activities is available here.
January 25: Friends of Marquam Nature Park, 9am-Noon
Meet in the nature park for a restoration work party. More info on work party location and activities is available here.
January 25: Friends of Woods Park, 9am-Noon
Meet at the stairway trailhead off of SW Woods Parkway for a restoration work party. More info is available here.
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