Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District

11/11/2026

🌱 Help Give Native Plants a Helping Hand!

We're looking for volunteers to help care for young native trees and shrubs in St. Helens!

About three years ago, a variety of native trees and shrubs were planted at this site to improve local habitat. Now, we're giving these growing plants a little extra TLC to help them thrive!

Volunteers will help with mulching, removing w**ds, collecting seeds, and other hands-on habitat maintenance activities. Whether you're an experienced volunteer or just looking for a way to give back to your local environment, we'd love to have your help!

📍 Location: 35350 E. Division Road, St. Helens, OR 97051

What to bring: Dress for the weather and bring work gloves and a hand trowel if you have them.

Interested in helping out? Follow the link below to let us know you're coming!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4DA4AE22A5FCC34-67529436-volunteer

11/09/2026

"Women in the Woods webinars: Practical approaches to habitat enhancement for forest pollinators
December 8, 12–1 p.m.
Online
Free

Join the quarterly Women in the Woods Webinars spotlighting women woodland owners and stewards. For the kick-off session, hear from wildlife biologist Eliana Pool on how to design and monitor projects for native pollinators in your forest.

Topics will include project design and site preparation, key habitat components, seasonal timing, plant selection and sourcing, slash management, and monitoring considerations.
Monarch butterflies, western bumble bees, and solitary bees such as mining and leafcutter bees will serve as case studies, connecting pollinator phenology and habitat needs with practical forest management strategies to benefit common and at-risk species."

Learn more and register for this free, online class here: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/wownet/events/women-woods-webinar-practical-approaches-habitat-enhancement-forest-pollinators

11/04/2026

As temperatures drop, embrace a little less yard work this fall! Holding off on a deep cleanup creates vital winter habitat for birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects while supporting healthy soil and cleaner water.

(One important exception! Keep storm drains clear of leaves and debris so rainwater can flow freely and prevent localized flooding.)

First, leave the leaves where they fall. They insulate the soil, shelter small animals, and gradually break down into rich nutrients that help soil retain moisture.

Next, build a simple brush pile. Stacking fallen branches in a corner or behind shrubs gives hibernating critters a safe shelter for the winter.

Finally, hold off on cutting back your plants. Standing perennial stems offer winter shelter for native bees and insects, while seed heads provide essential food for birds.

A little less cleanup can go a long way! By taking a lazy-gardening approach this autumn, you'll support local wildlife, build healthier soil, and help your yard better absorb rainfall rather than sending it rushing into storm drains. You'll also set the stage for a healthier yard come spring.

Check out East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District's free resources for more tips on creating a beautiful, water-wise yard: https://emswcd.org/urban-residents/free-advice-and-inspiration/.

10/30/2026

New A-Rated W**d Detected in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) has confirmed A-rated Hydrilla verticillata on private property in Jackson County, marking its first detection in Oregon.

The ODA enforces a quarantine against specific noxious w**ds to prevent their introduction and spread. As an A-rated species, hydrilla requires a high-priority response. If established, it could significantly threaten Oregon’s aquatic resources and irrigation infrastructure.

Hydrilla verticillata is an invasive aquatic plant native to Asia, Africa, and Australia. It is considered one of the most problematic invasive plants in the United States and worldwide. H. verticillata is listed on both the Oregon Noxious W**d List and the USDA Federal Noxious W**d List.

ODA is working closely with the land owner to assess the extent of the Hydrilla verticillata and to develop restoration plans. ODA will provide updates at the December Oregon State W**d Board meeting.

10/28/2026

We had a great turnout at Monday's pre-bid site tour for our Conyers Creek Habitat Diversification & Enhancement Project!

Representatives from 14 different companies joined us to tour the project site and learn more about the upcoming restoration work, which aims to improve habitat for native salmon and lamprey.

We're excited to see so much interest in this project and appreciate everyone who took the time to attend!

Want to learn more? Check out the earlier planning and design work that helped lay the groundwork for this project: https://www.columbiaswcd.com/conyers-creek-habitat-diversification-and-enhancement-technical-assistance

This Project is funded in full or in part by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Private Forest Accord Grant Program, a result of a landmark conservation initiative working to conserve Oregon’s forests for current and future generations.

10/24/2026

Scappoose Bay Watershed Council (SBWC) and the Friends of Nob Hill Nature Park invite community members to join their semi-annual volunteer work party in Nob Hill Nature Park on Saturday, November 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The work party will focus on removing blackberries and putting in new native plants in the lower park area.

Nob Hill Nature Park is an oak woodland overlooking the Columbia River on the St. Helens riverfront.

Dress for rainy weather. This work party takes place rain or shine. Please bring gloves, hand tools, water, and snack items. Meet at the kiosk across from the City’s wastewater treatment plant at 451 Plymouth Street, St. Helens. All are welcome.

Pre-registration is requested by Friday, November 6 by calling Scappoose Bay Watershed Council at 503-397-7904 or emailing [email protected]. For day-of event questions, call 503-349-8586.

10/14/2026

This webinar will focus on the practical applications of fish habitat and riparian (creek-side) restoration by a small woodland owner who has successfully completed these activities for many years on their own place as well as for others in his community!

Join us for a free webinar on October 20, 6-7:30 p.m. to learn what makes salmon such fascinating fish, what does healthy habitat look like for them, and how can small woodlands help. 🐟

We will hear from Dave Bugni, small woodland owner and OSU Extension Master Woodland Manager, as he shares his 13-year journey on how he transformed his Clackamas County forest riparian area and stream into improved fish habitat.

Register online at: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mwm/events/promoting-salmon-habitat-small-woodland-owners-journey

10/12/2026

**Notice: Office Closure**

Today, we recognize and honor the Indigenous peoples who have called this region home for countless generations, acknowledging their rich cultures, histories, and enduring connections to the land.

Long before modern conservation practices, Indigenous communities were actively caring for and managing the natural world. Their knowledge, traditions, and stewardship practices have helped shape the landscapes and ecosystems we know today.

At Columbia SWCD, our mission is to help protect and conserve the soil, water, wildlife habitat, and natural resources of Columbia County. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of caring for these resources, learning from generations of ecological knowledge, and recognizing the people whose stewardship continues today.

🌿 Our office is closed today, October 12, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We will reopen tomorrow during regular business hours.

09/09/2026

Registration is now open!

Join the Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) and the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council for a Japanese Knotw**d Workshop on September 12 from 10 am to 12 pm.

During this workshop, participants will learn how to:

- Identify Japanese Knotw**d at different stages of growth
- Learn best practices for management and removal
- Identify other high-priority w**ds found in Columbia County

Location: CSWCD Office
35285 Millard Road, St. Helens, OR 97051

Doors open at 9:30 am. The workshop will run from 10 am - 12 pm, and breakfast will be provided!

The workshop will take place primarily indoors, with a short outdoor demonstration.

⚠️ Space is limited! Please complete a separate registration form for each person attending.

Register here: https://arcg.is/1memaX3

We hope to see you there!

07/17/2026

Do you have Tansy ragwort growing on your property? If so, your neighbors may be talking about you!

With the mild spring, the tansy ragwort has really taken off this year. We are receiving a lot of calls from people complaining about their neighbors. But, the days of w**d inspectors are long gone. So your best bet is to call your neighbor to discuss the issue, and have them call us for tips and recommendations they can take to control the tansy ragwort on their property.

To learn more about tansy ragwort and its impacts on neighbor relationships check out our latest web post.

https://conservationdistrict.org/2026/tansy-ragwort-poisons-livestock-and-neighborly-relations.html

Happy Pulling!

**dWise