Manage Your Land for Wildfire
6 PM, Monday, January 10

We invite you to our annual meeting, with guest speaker Amanda Rau, OSU Extension’s Fire Specialist in the Willamette Valley and North Cascades. Amanda will discuss wildfire risk reduction management options. Click here to join or visit  zoom.us | Meeting ID: 844 6825 0202 | Passcode: 640956

FY20-21 Annual Report

Our ability to adapt when faced with disasters, is in many ways a product of our preparedness. This is true for organizations and for nature. In this report, we share some of the ways BSWCD prepared for and responded to adversity in fiscal year 2020-2021.

Time to Uproot

When I applied for this job in 2006, the hiring committee asked what my long term plans were, and I responded that I wanted to put down roots - an appropriate metaphor for a soil scientist, and one I have held true to over the past 15 years. Looking back, my warmest memories are working with co-workers, interns, volunteers, and so very many community partners to create opportunities for residents of all ages to deepen their understanding of and appreciation for the natural world.

Here are some of my favorite memories:

• Conservation Chutes and Ladders Game
• The Soil Tunnel Scavenger Hunt
• Thank You Celebrations from 2006-2015
• Urban Creek Tours 2008-2017
• Weed Spotters and Teen Weed Spotters 2009-2014
• Salmon Watch
• Native Plant Sale & Outreach
• Bee Buddies
• Benton County Cooperative Weed Management Area
• Let's Pull Together Annual Community-wide Weed Pull
• Bilingual Family STEAM Night
• Equity Change Process for BSWCD and the Confluence

Now the time has come for me to take root somewhere new. As of January 10, I will begin building community in Marion County as Marion SWCD's new environmental education coordinator. I have learned so much from all of you, and express my gratitude for all the ways you care for the earth and each other.

Many thanks and a fond farewell, Heath Keirstead