Hello Everyone, 

Writing this month’s introduction was harder than I could have imagined. Like many of you, CSWC is working to navigate the tumultuous waters that are the new administration’s policies. 

CSWC, like many other nonprofits, has programmatic funding that could be lost at a moment's notice. For example, a portion of our Stewardship and Slough School programmatic funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act. To that end, CSWC is taking strides to ensure we can still provide programming, restoration, and advocacy across the watershed. Even if we must reduce our services, we will continue to be here for the watershed.  

CSWC is grateful to those who have worked and continue to work on making sure our funding remains in place and that the checks and balances built into our Constitution hold true. If there is anything that CSWC can do to help you or your organization navigate these uncertain times, please reach out. 

Years ago, I took a yoga teacher training, and my instructor, Usha, said, “Behind every storm cloud is always a blue sky.” I have thought of her words often over the past two weeks, and they have helped me move forward, even on the hardest of days. I hope you each find some blue sky every day, even if only a small glimpse. 

In Solidarity, 

Heather King

Executive Director

Join Us for The Shamrock Run!

The Council is lacing up and hitting the pavement for The Shamrock Run on March 16th—all to raise funds for our mission!

• Join Our Running Team! There’s still time to sign up and run alongside us. Let’s cross that finish line together!
• Donate to Support the Mission! Not a runner? No problem! Your donation helps fuel our work and keeps our community strong.
• Join Our Community Training Runs! Want to get race-ready with us?Or want to run for fun? Lace up and come out for our community training runs on: Sunday, Feb. 23rd and on Monday, March 10th. You will have the opportunity to win HOKA running shoes if you attend!

Let’s make this Shamrock Run one to remember!

Tap the button to donate, sign up, or train with us.

We Are Recruiting!

CSWC's Development Committee is currently recruiting new members!

This year, the Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s Development Committee seeks several new members to contribute fundraising ideas and assist CSWC in raising funds. 

We invite you to apply, nominate a member of your organization to join this committee, and help spread the word! We are looking for 2-3 new members who live, work, or otherwise have a vested interest in the watershed to commit to a year-long term who are interested in sharing their fundraising skills and/or learning more about nonprofit development.

Interested? Fill out our short application! No previous experience on a committee is necessary. Have questions? Reach out to Maya!

Partner Highlights

BIRD ALLIANCE OF OREGON

YOU'RE INVITED! 

Bird Alliance of Oregon is hosting the Hawks and Hot Chocolate event on Saturday 2/22 from 10AM-2PM. 

The event is a casual, free, community birding event around Sauvie Island! This event is open to anyone, feel free to bring your crew and drop in anytime between 10:00AM and before it ends at 2:00PM. 

What you can expect:

• Free coffee & chai from BIPOC owned NEO Cafe and hot chocolate!
• Awesome Birds
• Family friendly fun at Topaz Farm Community

THANK YOU PAUL TAYLOR!

If you’ve ever spent time near the Slough, chances are you’ve seen Paul Taylor out on his kayak, tirelessly cleaning up our waterways—sometimes up to three times a week! His dedication to keeping our environment clean and healthy is nothing short of incredible.

Over time, Paul has pulled out:

• A quarter million pieces of trash
• 250 tires
• 800 hypodermic needles
• Five empty safes (yes, really!) 
• A cast iron pedestal sink

Paul’s efforts are a reminder of the impact one person can have on their community. Next time you see him out on the water, give him a wave or a heartfelt thank you!

Native to the Slough: Goldenrod

Also known as Solidago canadensis (aka Solidago lepida and Solidago elongata). Goldenrod is a notably long-lived magnet for pollinators, beneficial insects and birds.

Its rhizomatous clumps of lance-leaved vegetation can grow up to five feet high and last for decades.

It commonly grows in open woods, meadows, dunes, riverbanks, and roadsides, in all eco-regions of Oregon, California, and Washington.