Spring 2010 eNewsletter
Calendar of Events
Multnomah Weed Watcher Training
Friday, May 14, 12-2:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 15, 12 -2:00 p.m.
Metro, 600 NE Grand Avenue, Portland
Become a Multnomah Weed Watcher and help protect Oregon's landscape by preventing the spread of invasive species, which disrupt ecosystems, push out native plants and decrease the value of your land.
Space is limited to 130 people. Free parking is available in the Metro garage on NE Irving Street. The same program is offered both days, so participants should register for only one day. Register under the "Events" drop down tab at www.wmswcd.org.
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| Oregon Native Plant: Red flowering currant |
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Grants Awarded
OWEB Grants
Spring is finally here and soon the flowering and fruiting plants we've installed at Malinowski Farm will be in bloom. With the help of grant funding from the state (OWEB) and conservation planning by WMSWCD staff, crews installed 2,000 trees and shrubs around 2 ponds and in 2 hedgerows. Read more...
FISH Grants
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| Invasive Nutria |
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In February a total of $14,953 was awarded to three conservation projects through the WMSWCD's Financial Incentives for Sustainable Habitats (FISH) grant program. Read more... |
WMSWCD Receives Grant to Attack Garlic Mustard
WMSWCD and its local partners just received $22,470 by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon State Weed Board to control 170 acres of highly invasive garlic mustard in Multnomah County! Read more...
Budget Progress
Thanks to District staff and the citizen budget advisory committee, work on the proposed 2010-11 budget was mostly completed and received a positive review from the Tax Supervision and Conservation Commission in March & April. The budget reflects the strategic goals and annual work plan approved by the Board and will allow WMSWCD to expand grant funds for conservation planning and restoration projects. Final review and action will occur at the June board meeting following a public hearing opportunity. Check the website for more information.
Sauvie Island
Planting Project Kicks off Healthy Streams Program
If you've been battling invasive weeds around your stream bank or trying to halt erosion, we have some solutions for you to improve water quality for fish, wildlife and livestock. Read more...
Sturgeon Lake
This winter Sturgeon Lake Restoration Planning Group learned some very good news! The US Army Corps of Engineers (US ACE) has decided to fund up to 75% of the cost of the feasibility study for Sturgeon Lake. Read more...
Wapato Access Area Bird Count Stations
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Over 30 volunteers will be out at Wapato Greenway State Access Area on April 24th for the District's second invasive weed pull. Volunteers will battle blackberry, ivy, holly, Scotch broom, garlic mustard, Herb Robert and Shiny Geranium which are threatening to overtake this natural area. Read more...
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| Wapato Greenway State Access Area |
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Invasive Weeds
Watershed Restoration Demonstration Updates
The McCarthy Creek Restoration project site at the Native American Rehabilitation Association on Hwy. 30 shows remarkable change. Over 2 acres of solid Armenian/Himalayan blackberry, English ivy and morning glory have been removed and 2,400 native plants have replaced them along McCarthy Creek. Read more...
Weed Control Tips...
It is time to pull garlic mustard, a highly invasive biennial herb. Garlic mustard forms a basal rosette of kidney-shaped scalloped leaves in the first year, and a long flower stalk with a white four-petaled flower in the second year. Read more...
Cut off English Ivy Blooms
If you don't have the time or energy to remove your English ivy roots and all, at least cut off the blooms before they go to seed. It doesn't take long for berries with seeds to show up on the invasive weeds. Read more...
WMSWCD Board Members Remove Ivy
WMSWCD Board Chairman Brian Lightcap, Vice-Chairwoman Jane Hartline, and board member Marshall Miller joined Forest Park Conservancy volunteers for ivy removal work off Newberry Road in NW Portland. WMSWCD sponsored a site for the Conservancy's annual Day of Stewardship. Read more...
Forestry
In February, WMSWCD hired Michael Ahr as its Forestry Conservationist. He is now available to answer questions and help with the management of your woodlands. Read more...
Education & Outreach
WMSWCD Gardens
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| Earth Day, Native Garden Installation |
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This Spring West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District (WMSWCD) has been hard at work in the garden. WMSWCD is committed to cultivating the next generation of land stewards using school and native plant gardens as classrooms. Read more... |
Biogas Development
WMSWCD is exploring renewable energy options in the Metro area that hopefully will serve the needs of both rural property owners, particularly forest and agricultural lands, as well as urban residents who want to recycle food waste and yard debris. Read more...
Growing Farms for Latino Women and Families
When the Adelante Mujeres program opened its doors in Forest Grove some eight years ago, the goal was to help Latino women pass their General Education Degree, or GED. And it's worked very well. Some 40 women are enrolled in the education program each semester now and even though they don't all graduate, most do. Read more...
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Contracts Awarded
Two landowners are now signed up to receive financial support from WMSWCD's federal partner, Natural Resource Conservation Service, for livestock-related conservation practices. Read more...
Enjoy Spring!
Dick Springer
District Manager
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