A Season of Awareness

Holiday greetings and a challenge to slow down and observe, from Executive Director Glenn Lamb

Earlier this month I watched in awe as chum salmon splashed in the shallow waters of the Columbia River just a stone's throw from the I-205 bridge. The tour group I was with was startled when a 500-pound sea lion suddenly breached the river surface, clearly on the chase. Later, only ten miles away, I witnessed tall sandhill cranes elegantly soaring a mere 30 feet above my head as they travelled between foraging and roosting grounds.  

As part of our new approach to our annual Wild Splendor fundraiser, hundreds of you joined me on the edge of the Portland/Vancouver urban wildland interface to watch salmon and cranes and to learn about their life cycles and habitats. These two migrations have been happening here for millions of years, long before humans stood up in the Northwest, and yet these ancient rites of passage are often invisible; taking place out of sight in the river or sky. Read Glenn's full message. 

Tualatin River Restoration

A conservation easement protects watershed health

Columbia Land Trust is excited to spotlight restoration work being done along the Tualatin River in Washington County, in partnership with Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District, Clean Water Services, and the Bankston Family.

After two years of preparatory work that included the removal of blackberry, ivy, and Reed canarygrass, the 12-acre site was ready for its first planting and in 2020 welcomed 14,000 new native trees, shrubs, and plugs.

A connective natural space in a rapidly urbanizing landscape, the site provides important wildlife habitat; deer and coyotes are often spotted and bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and herons visit frequently. Beavers have constructed an 8-foot dam on the eastern edge of the property, and an impressive wetland now extends through the lowland. Read the full story. 

Letter to the Future

"And with a good heart you will grow up well."

In celebration of friend of Columbia Land Trust Chuck Sams' unanimous confirmation by the United States Senate to lead the National Park Service, we are excited to re-share his "Letter to the Future", which eloquently explains the importance of being responsible stewards and reminds us of our shared reliance on the land, air, and waters of the Columbia River Basin. Watch the video.