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"The Westside Watershed Resource Center inspires awareness and action on behalf of watershed health in
Portland neighborhoods."

May 2022 Contents

Spring Stormwater Stars workshop highlights

Thank you to everyone who participated in spring workshops!
 
This spring, we held 3 workshops with 14 volunteers contributing 28 hours. We enhanced 1,240 square feet of landscape by amending soil, creating porous walkways, planting contained planters, and installing over 200 native plants!  
 
During our February 26 workshop, we amended soil and planted Willamette Valley native plants in the Multnomah Neighborhood. The site receives significant sun exposure, so we created three planting zones: a small wet meadow, sun loving shrubs and perennials, and part shade shrubs and perennials.
 
On March 6, we mulched with wood chips, created a porous walkway, and planted Willamette Valley native plants in the West Portland Park Neighborhood. This is a north facing site, so it was planted with native plants that like part shade.
 
For our April 30 workshop, we partnered with Seeking Space Yoga to bring some landscaping to their otherwise paved entry way/parking lot using two large containers planted with Willamette Valley native plants.
 
To see photos of these workshops as well as other past events please visit the “Be Inspired” section of our website!
 
This spring we also created metal signs for our Stormwater Stars Event Sites. You can find them at some of our past workshop sites. We hope you have spotted the new signs around your neighborhood!
 
We appreciate the continued support of program partners and funders West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District and City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services. We are also grateful for Eco City Landscape and Design with Nature Landscape Design helping our workshops be a success.
 
Workshops are wrapped up for now, but Rachel is still doing site visits and would be happy to come visit your space to answer questions or help plan a project. You can connect with her by emailing hello@stormwaterstars.org.
 
Be sure to check back in the fall when the next round of workshops will be offered. In the meantime, check out resources for stormwater management in your neighborhood at stormwaterstars.org.
 
We look forward to seeing you at a future workshop!
-written by Rachel Dvorsky


Volunteers install native plants during a spring workshop.
Bee on the look out for beneficial bugs and wildlife

Birds and insects are starting to become more active; what can you do to support them this spring?
    
Different insects "wake up" during spring at different times, and use a variety of vegetation for shelter and food. When caring for a space, there are a number of things you can do to support habitat for pollinators and other beneficial bugs. Check out this resource from Oregon State University Extension to learn more about the habitat needs of various common insects in our area. 

Spring is also prime nesting season for many bird species, and these nests can sometimes be found in unexpected places. Be cautious when weeding or moving through areas with thick vegetation, or pruning branches on dense bushes and trees. Listen for birds excitedly chirping close by to let you know you may be close to their nest. 


Bird nests (like this one of a Dark-eyed Junco) are one of the many things to be mindful of when planting, weeding, pruning or just generally spending time outside this spring.

Borrow tools (for free!) for your community or individual project

The WWRC tool shed is here to meet your tool needs. 


Located in Gabriel Park in SW Portland, the WWRC tool shed has a wide variety of tools to choose from. Whether you need to remove just a few weeds on your own, or plant hundreds of trees with 25 volunteers, we've got you covered! 

Check out the full list of tools and complete an order request form at westsidewatersheds.org/tool-loan. For questions about the program, email us at manager@westsidewatersheds.org.


WWRC tools can be used for volunteer activities or projects in your own yard.  

Stay up to date on future volunteer or educational event opportunities and public health safety guidelines by checking the Portland Parks and Recreation Stewardship Calendar.

Friends of Marquam Nature Park - May 28, 9am-Noon
Meet in the nature park for a restoration work party. Click the link above for work party meeting location and details.

Friends of Terwilliger - May 21, 9am-Noon
Meet in the parkway for a restoration work party. Click the link above for work party meeting location and details.

SOLVE - Various dates and times throughout Oregon
SOLVE volunteer activities typically involve litter clean up, invasive weed removal, and/or native planting. Check the list of current events to find one that fits best for you.
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Westside Watershed Resource Center | A program of Neighbors West-Northwest and
City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services  
(503) 865-6759 | manager@westsidewatersheds.org | westsidewatersheds.org


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Watershed Resource Center · 2257 NW Raleigh St · C/O Neighbors West Northwest · Portland, OR 97210 · USA

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