Getting Involved in Your Watershed
There are so many ways to help; volunteer, join the council, or take steps to become a better watershed steward...
Volunteer With Us
There are plenty of opportunities for you or your community group or class to volunteer with NCUWC or our partner organizations. To learn more email us at chair@ncuwc.org
How can I become a better watershed steward?
Restoring our urban watersheds is within everyone’s reach. Each of us who live, work, and play within North Clackamas' urban watersheds have the power to make positive changes that benefit fish, wildlife, water quality, and our communities. Consider taking these simple steps toward becoming a better watershed steward.
· Plant native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. Native vegetation provides multiple ecosystem functions. Trees and shrubs are extremely effective at diverting urban stormwater (through evaporation off leaves and absorption through transpiration), improving infiltration, providing essential habitat for wildlife, shading streams, and filtering the air we breathe. Native plants are perfectly adapted to local conditions and thrive without chemicals, extra water, or maintenance.
· Reduce or eliminate your use of yard chemicals, particularly pesticides, weed-n-feed products, and synthetic fertilizers. Rely on non-toxic methods such as grasscycling (leaving your grass clippings on the lawn provides an excellent source of nitrogen), airorate, overseeding annually, and applying organic, slow-release fertilizer. Contact us for more info on non-toxic lawn and garden care.
· Dispose of your old and unused household chemicals safely. Free disposal of household toxins such as paints, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and old cleaning products is available throughout the Metro region. Metro manages two permanent facilities (located in Oregon City and NW Portland) and hosts free neighborhood collection events each weekend. Call 503-234-3000 for an event near you.
· Install rain gardens, bioswales and other home-scale stormwater management facilities. Contact NCUWC, your local government, or surface water management agency for free construction information.
· Decrease the amount of impervious surfaces on your property. Allow rainwater to absorb into the ground on your propoerty rather thn running off to storm drains that go straight to rivers.
· Pick up after your pets. Urban pet waste has a significant effect on our waterways. It may not seem like much, but picking up after your pets and safely disposing of waste in the garbage is an important step toward improving watershed health.
· Drive Less. Driving is a stress on urban watershed in multiple ways; through harmful emissions, gas and oil leaks, and residue from copper brake pads.
· Wash your car on the grass. Washing your car on the grass allows harmful chemicals present in most detergents to absorb into the lawn before entering streams. Additionally, choose a phosphate-free detergent or take your car to an eco-friendly wash center.
· Get involved in your local watershed council. Come join NCUWC as a board representative, a member, or as a volunteer!
