Free Advice and Inspiration
On this page:
You may also be interested in:
Everyone benefits from clean water and healthy soil.
When we care for our gardens and yards, we can support plants and wildlife, improve water quality, and even connect with neighbors.
Do you want to start a project or change your landscape, but don’t know where to start? We offer free resources, practical tips and expert guidance to help you get started.
Learn and Get Inspired
Beautify your landscape, protect the environment, and build confidence for your next project with free help from EMSWCD.
Create a Thriving, Low-Maintenance Yard
Not sure where to start? Our resources guide you through every step:
- Free Workshops: Typically offered fall and spring. Learn how to design, plant, and care for your landscape.
- Recorded webinars of our previous workshops.
- Native Plant Guide: Explore Northwest native plants! Learn about their characteristics, growth habits, and light and moisture needs.
- Native Plant Sale: Access affordable, high-quality native plants through EMSWCD’s seasonal sale.
Support Nature at Home
- Attract Birds & Pollinators: See how naturescaping can turn your yard into a haven for bees, butterflies, and birds.
- Conserve Water: Discover ways to reduce outdoor water use without sacrificing beauty.
- Boost Climate Resilience: Make your landscape more resilient to heat waves, heavy rain events, and other climate impacts with sustainable practices.

Personalized Solutions
Technical Assistance
Contact Whitney Bailey, Senior Urban Conservationist:
Free Advice and Assistance
If you live east of the Willamette River in Multnomah County, you can get practical, personalized advice to help you care for your land. We’re here to help, not to enforce rules–and all our services are free.
If your property borders a creek, we may be able to help with the following:
- Control invasive weeds
- Plant native trees and shrubs
If you live in the Gresham Downspout Disconnection Zone, we may be able to help you install a rain garden or downspout planter.
Fill out the form below and one of our staff will respond to you!

Visit our Demonstration Garden
Want to see how conservation practices work? Visit our garden and office to see naturescaping, rain gardens, stormwater planters, pervious pavement, green roofs and more.