Dear Friends of the Columbia Slough Watershed Council,

It is with a heavy heart that I let you all know that I am stepping down as Executive Director on March 14. This decision did not come lightly or easily. When I joined the Council three years ago, I knew I was joining an organization that did hard and amazing work throughout this watershed. I had no idea how much the watershed could become a part of who I am and shape my understanding and work as an environmentalist. A part of me will always reside in and champion for this incredible watershed and community.

The past three years have been filled with building a stable foundation and growth. During that time, we have:



• Built and expanded our community programming, working with dozens of community groups and thousands of participants each year, increasing access to natural areas throughout our watershed. 
• Diversified and increased our funding base by bringing on more than 20 corporate partners, building an individual donor base, and increasing foundation funding. 
• Continued to make improvements to our office near Whitaker Ponds, including new roofs and a garage overhaul.
• Received funding for two new Electric Vehicles. 
• Continued to integrate our Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion into programming, operations, board, and staff.
• Increased staffing from to build a team of 7 dedicated people and doubled our free programming.
• Shared a slough full of laughter and joy.

The Council is well-positioned to continue creating change and growth throughout the watershed. Thank you for all you do for our watershed and the kindness and generosity you have shown me over the last three years. 

In Solidarity, 

Heather D. King

Executive Director

A Note From the Board

Dear Friends and Partners, 

It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces Heather King’s departure as Executive Director of the Columbia Slough Watershed Council. 



On behalf of the Board, I want to offer Heather our sincere congratulations and best wishes on her new endeavor as Executive Director and Lower Willamette Riverkeeper. 

Heather brought strategic vision, strong leadership, and her fundraising superpowers to the council. During her tenure she pushed the board and staff to grow the organization’s donor base and to offer more and more diverse events to our community throughout the year. She celebrated our “slough-per hero” volunteers who do so much to clean and cherish the water. Heather has been a proud, outspoken champion of the Slough and the work of the Council.

Our staff and Board are working closely with Heather to ensure a smooth transition for the Council and partners. Her last day is March 14th, and Amanda Gallegos, Events Director, will serve as Acting Director until the board can complete a recruitment for the next Executive Director. Our priority is to find the best individual to support our talented staff and lead the organization as the next Executive Director. We appreciate and welcome your support as we take these next steps.

Please join me and the entire Board of Directors in thanking Heather for her service. She will be greatly missed by staff, Board members, and partners alike. Thanks to her leadership and accomplishments, we look ahead to the next chapter of the Columbia Slough Watershed Council with hope and excitement.

Sincerely,

Carrie Sanneman 

Chair, Board of Directors

Columbia Slough Watershed Council

Moore and Wright Islands Natural Area Brownfield Sediments Cleanup

First Phase begins early March 2025

In 2025, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will lead an in-water sediment cleanup in the Columbia Slough. The first phase begins early March.

The first phase will prepare the area in by removing vegetation along approximately 400ft of the Columbia Slough’s southern bank before bird nesting occurs in spring. Erosion controls will also be installed. The second phase will occur summer 2025 includes in-water cap construction, bank soil removal and revegetation. Bank soil stabilization and monitoring will occur between phases.

March Slough Science!

Kick Off Earth Month with CSWC

Partner Highlights

East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District

EMSWCD FREE spring workshops are *officially* open for registration

With topics ranging from naturescaping to attracting wildlife to water conservation to climate resilience and more, you will learn how to plan for and create the yard benefit people, water and wildlife!

• Sat, 3/9: Rain Gardens 101 10-12:30 PM via Zoom
• Wed, 3/12: Creating an Edible Landscape w/Columbia Slough Watershed Council from 6-8:30 PM at the Double Mountain Overlook Taproom (1700 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217)
• Sun, 3/23: Intro to Naturescaping from 10-11:30 AM via Zoom
• Wed, 3/26: Intro to Stormwater: Solutions for Healthy Waterways w/SymbiOp from 6:30-8:00 PM at SymbiOp Garden Shop (3454 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202)
• Thu, 3/27: Landscaping for Wildlife from 6-7 PM via Zoom
• Sat, 3/29: Urban Invasive Weeds from 10-12:30 PM via Zoom

Sparrowhawk Native Plants

Plants for the Planet! 

Proceeds for the Community! Sparrowhawk is ecstatic to be working alongside another inspiring line-up of community partners to fill your gardens with native plants that seed hope, support insects and wildlife and bring us back outside to talk to neighbors and deepen our connection to the ecosystems that sustain us.

The spring sale is going on NOW through Sunday, March 2!

Native to the Slough: Red-flowering Currant

Also known as Ribes sanguineum - a deciduous shrub growing to 3 meters (10 feet) tall and broad.

In early spring, the entire shrub explodes with prolific tubular flowers, ranging from pale pink to bright magenta and even deep red, which are an important food source for queen bumblebees.