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January 2025 | Columbia Slough Watershed Council News

Hello everyone,

 

Wishing everybody a happy new year and hoping that 2024 was all you wanted it to be and, maybe, a little bit more than you expected.


As we enter 2025, the Columbia Slough Watershed Council will continue to work hard to make a positive impact throughout the watershed in each of our program areas. Our organization is dedicated to ensuring that the watershed continues to get healthier and that the people’s voices continue to be heard.

 

We already have a lot on our schedule for this coming year, and I hope to see you all at an event soon!

 

I’d like to thank every one of you who was able to support CSWC with a donation during the end-of-year fundraising campaign. Though we didn’t quite reach our goal, we continue raising more money with each campaign than in previous years. The support shown for CSWC through financial donations, boots-on-the-ground volunteer work, and your beautiful and supportive messages do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

 

Wishing you all the best in 2025,


Heather King

Executive Director

Networking Opportunity with the Council

Coffee and pastries will be provided!


Our office will be open from 9am to 12pm January 31st, for you to stop by and chat. Whether you’re a long-time partner of the Council or interested in getting your organization involved with our work, we’d love to meet you. This is also a good opportunity to talk with other local organizations and agencies.

REGISTER HERE

Stewardship Saturdays!

REGISTER HERE

Partner Highlights

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality


In 2025, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will lead an in-water sediment cleanup in the Columbia Slough at Moore and Wright Islands Natural Area. 

Heidi Nelson and Sarah Miller from DEQ’s Cleanup Program will provide an overview of the project, including the 2025 project schedule, upcoming project activities, and how to stay informed. DEQ will also answer questions and hear concerns from the community.

Join the virtual conversation this Monday, January 13th at 6pm.

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83619557758?pwd=f8xL9kwUFGciSNz94NhGHKKNQtV4Rg.1


Meeting ID: 836 1955 7758

Passcode: 760675

LEARN MORE HERE

Johnson Creek Watershed Council

Johnson Creek Watershed Council's Creek Crew Leaders work hand in hand with environmental professionals across the watershed to help lead events throughout the year. This program is a great way for folks to get experience developing leadership skills, learn about ecology and restoration practices, and gain familiarity with PNW plant and animal species.

Join the Orientation Cohort!

  • January 30th from 6pm-7:30pm and
  • February 1st from 10am-2:30pm
LEARN MORE HERE

Native to the Slough: Cattail

Also known as Typha. This genus is largely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, where it is found in a variety of wetland habitats.


This semi aquatic perennial grows from aggressive rhizomes producing long, flat grass-like leaves that have countless ethnobotanical uses since time immemorial. This plant improves water quality and provides excellent erosion control and wildlife habitat. 


CSWC's Event Line-Up

Join the CSWC for a summer of events to help improve the watershed's important natural resources, learn about native plants, and connect with the community!


You can also find out more information about CSWC and our events on our website


Stewardship Saturday: Planting at Wilkes Creek Headwaters

Saturday, January 11, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Join CSWC and Portland Parks and Recreation we plant native trees and shrubs to help restore one of the only remaining surface creeks flowing into the Columbia Slough, Wilkes Creek Headwaters!


Slough Science! Vanport Trees: Potential Survivors of the 1948 Flood

Tuesday, January 14, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Join CSWC for the monthly Slough Science event. This month we are headed to Level Beer for a discussion on trees of Vanport, potential survivors of the 1948 flood with Ryan Gilpin, Dave Hedberg, and Thomas Meinzen.


Bird Walk & Trash Cleanup

Friday, January 24, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join CSWC Güero Bird Club, and community leader, Ryan Gilpin, for a combined event of two of our favorite things - birding and trash cleanup! This event will be held along the Alderwood Trail in NE Portland. This event is free and open to all ages.


Coffee with the Council

Friday, January 31, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Our office will be open from 9am to 12pm for you to stop by and chat. Whether you’re a long-time partner of the Council or interested in getting your organization involved with our work, we’d love to meet you. This is also a good opportunity to talk with other local organizations and agencies. Coffee and pastries will be provided!


Winter Bird Walk

Sunday, February 2, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Join CSWC and local bird walk leaders, Ryan Gilpin and Thomas Meinzen for a bird walk at Force Lake. This free event is open to all people, of all ages.


Parkrose Trash Cleanup

Friday, February 7, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Please join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a cleanup at a unique site, the Parkrose Boat Launch in NE Portland. This space, usually closed to the public is a part of a large restoration project with the Council and Mosaic Ecology, and needs community support for trash removal. This event is best suited for those 14 and older - minors must be accompanied by an adult.