Celebrating 75 Years of Collective Action
The Land, The Water, Our Story.
Whether you grow food, plant trees, or just love your backyard, you’re part of this.
Small actions. Local roots.
Big difference.
From its founding in 1950 to prevent soil loss on local farms, EMSWCD has grown into a trusted community partner serving nearly 700,000 residents across urban neighborhoods, working farms, and forested landscapes east of the Willamette River.
Today, EMSWCD supports urban residents, farmers, and local organizations with free resources, technical support, and education, so that everyone has what they need to nurture healthy soil, clean water, thriving habitats, and vibrant communities.
We believe our communities thrive when we support the people who care for our environment. A healthy landscape not only sustains wildlife, agriculture, and clean water, it also brings people together, improves mental and physical health, and helps create a future where everyone can thrive.
In honor of our 75th anniversary, we’re taking time to celebrate what makes our efforts worthwhile: the land, the water, and the people who care for them.
We’re honoring that legacy through a season of events and highlights designed to bring neighbors together, uplift stories of conservation in action, and inspire hope for the future. Whether you’ve joined a workshop, grown a native garden, farmed with care, or simply love the outdoors, we invite you to celebrate with us.
This is your land, your water, and your story. Let’s write the next chapter together.
Save the Date to Celebrate! Free Community Block Party
Saturday, September 20 from 1 to 4 PM
Swing by the EMSWCD Office for a free, family-friendly neighborhood open house, celebrating our 75th Anniversary!
Live music, hands-on activities, food & treats, and MORE! We have a lot of special surprises in store, so we cannot wait to see you there.
Celebrating Our Past, Cultivating Our Future
Our History & Our District
Explore the history of EMSWCD and how we got our start. From forests to farms, neighborhoods to natural areas – see how the district has changed over time, and the people who have helped shape it.
Coming Soon: People & the Land
This short film highlights the rich history of the land and the collective conservation efforts that have shaped it. Discover how EMSWCD and the community have worked together to protect and care for East Multnomah - past, present, and future.
Your Stories, Your Impact
Celebrating the people behind the progress.
From backyard gardeners to seasoned farmers, from community champions to dedicated District employees and volunteers – we’re spotlighting the folks who make East Multnomah bloom. Check back throughout our 75th year for inspiring stories, handy conservation tips, and little sparks of joy from across the District. Whether you’re looking to dig into native planting, learn how others are making a difference, or just feel a little more connected, this is your place to grow.
