No matter where you are, you’re in a watershed.
We all live in a watershed and what we do matters. Here are some resources to help you do good in your space.
- Backyard Habitat Certification Program, a unique program of Portland Audubon and Columbia Land Trust that supports urban gardeners in their efforts to create natural backyard habitats.
- Weed Watchers, a volunteer training program of West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District for anyone interested in learning more about how to prevent the spread of invasive weed species.
- EMSWCD Workshops, classes to help you care for your land in ways that benefit people, water and wildlife hosted by East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District.
- Stormwater Stars demonstrations lead participants in hands-on planning and installation of yard-scale stormwater management techniques, including soil amendments, permeable walkways, pavement removal, lawn reduction/replacement, native landscaping, and biodegradable erosion control to reduce the volume of stormwater runoff and sediment pollution generated by their property.
Reducing Pollution in Stormwater: Garden-wise practices
Stormwater is a major pollutant. Click the following photos to access PDF files with helpful information on reducing pesticide use!
Managing Nonnative Plants
Did you know that declines in suburban backyard birds is linked to the presence of nonnative plants? Read more about the Smithsonian study here. And learn more about managing nonnative plants with these resources:
Weed Management Fact Sheets – These fact sheets can help you identify some of the common trouble species in the Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah and Washington County Cooperative Weed Management Area (4-County CWMA) and provide tips and recommendations on how to control them.
WeedWise Program – Working to improve the management of invasive weeds across Clackamas County.
Planting Native Plants
Most insects are specialists, depending on one or a few native plants during their life cycle; most terrestrial birds feed their young on high-protein insects, regardless of what they’ll eat as adults. Having native plants present helps to build a strong ecosystem from the ground up!
Portland Plant List
The Portland Plant List is comprised of two lists and supporting information: the Native Plants List and the Nuisance Plants List.
Native Plants for Willamette Valley yards
Use the plant descriptions and icons to find the “right plant, right place” for your garden.
Native Plant Swap
The Native Plant Swap allows Portland-area folks to access free native plants from the gardens and yards of other community members.
Environmental ContractorsSpecially trained in habitat restoration, skilled in identifying invasive plants and choice & installation of native plants, environmental contractors can help you transform your space into higher habitat quality. Some environmental contractors we work with: |
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Do It Yourself
Ready to get dirty in your backyard, but possibly short on some of the tools you need? Check out the Westside Watershed Resource Center Tool Loan Program.
Collaboration & Grant Funding
At Tryon Creek Watershed Council, we seek grant funding in order to advance habitat restoration work amongst neighbors. If you and your neighbors are interested in seeking grant funding, contact us.
Larger projects may be eligible for one of several grant programs. The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) is a state agency that provides grants to help Oregon residents take care of streams, rivers, wetlands and natural areas. OWEB grants are funded from the Oregon Lottery, federal dollars, and salmon license plate revenue.
Live outside of the Tryon Creek watershed? (Find out at our Interactive Map!) Here are some nearby organizations that may be able to help you: