Category Archives: Conservation Legacy

Gordon Creek Farm to be sold, permanently protected

The berry fields at Gordon Creek Farm

The berry fields at Gordon Creek Farm

EMSWCD has listed the Gordon Creek Farm property for sale. The listing for this property can be found here. All interested parties should direct inquiries to EMSWCD’s brokers, Chris Kelly and Jamey Nedelisky of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices NW Real Estate, at (503) 666-4616.

EMSWCD operates a Working Farmland Protection Program, which works to ensure that farmland remains available for current and future generations of farmers. One way we make this happen is by buying farm properties that are at risk of conversion to non-farm uses – like the Gordon Creek Farm property – and then reselling to farmers subject to a working farmland easement. The working farmland easement will ensure the farm remains in farmer ownership, continues to be actively farmed and that the soil and water resources on site are protected.

The sale proceeds will be used by EMSWCD to protect additional working farm properties to help ensure farmers continue to have access to farmland in our district.

Apply for a Partners in Conservation grant!

Recently-planted red flowering currant at a grant project restoration site

Want to grow healthy food, improve water quality, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and support strong and sustainable communities? We are now accepting applications through Dec. 15, 2022, for 2023 Partners in Conservation (PIC) grants! Our PIC Grant Program supports conservation projects that are located within the District service area (all of Multnomah County east of the Willamette River) or serve its residents. Funding areas include:

  • Soil health and water quality
  • Reducing and addressing climate impacts
  • Sustainable agriculture and community gardens
  • Outdoor and garden education programs
  • Fish and wildlife habitat restoration

Visit our PIC Grants page to
learn more and get started!
Read more →

Applications are now open for the Headwaters Farm Incubator Program!

aerial view of Headwaters Farm property, showing barn and shed structures with solar panel rooftops, farmland in the foreground and beyond the structures to the upper right, a stretch of natural forested land surrounding the north fork of Johnson Creek that passes through the property. Residential areas, trees and distant hills are visible in the view beyond

An aerial view of Headwaters Farm

We are excited to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Headwaters Farm Incubator Program’s (HIP) 2023 season! HIP is a five-year farm business development program near Portland, Oregon that provides experienced farmers affordable access to farmland, equipment, farm infrastructure, and more as they launch their farm business. Full details on program offerings and structure can be found in the 2022 Headwaters Farmer’s Manual.

Who should apply? We are looking for candidates who have strong farming skills and a clear vision for their farm business. Well-qualified applicants typically have at least three years of farming experience, including one or more seasons of farm management responsibilities, such as overseeing irrigation or field labor crews. We work hard to create an inclusive space and welcoming community at Headwaters, and encourage growers from a diversity of backgrounds to apply.
Read more →

Announcing our 2022 Partners in Conservation grants!

Recently-planted red flowering currant at a grant project restoration site

East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District awarded 2022 Partners in Conservation (PIC) grants totaling $700,000 in new funding. The funds are awarded to 14 nonprofits, schools and local governments for fish and wildlife habitat enhancements, urban agriculture, community garden and conservation education projects in the EMSWCD service area (all of Multnomah County east of the Willamette River). Please see the list of the PIC 2022 grantees below.

Since it was created in 2007, the District has awarded $10 million to more than 130 organizations through the PIC grant program. Projects restore habitat for native fish, get kids outside to learn about and care for nature, give people opportunities to learn to garden and grow food close to home, and support more healthy, sustainable communities.

Board member Jim Carlson, who served on the Grant Review Committee this year, says, “as a new member of the Board of Directors, I learned a great deal about the diversity of programs and projects we fund through our Partners in Conservation Grant Program. These investments play an important role in helping us achieve our mission.”

Visit this page for the full list of 2022 PIC Grant projects!

EMSWCD helps protect Shaull property

A grove of Douglas fir trees and a future access way at the Former Shaull property

EMSWCD was pleased to partner with the City of Gresham and Metro to acquire and preserve the former Shaull property in the Grant Butte area! This 8-acre property builds upon our previous investments in the surrounding area and further protects the water quality of the adjoining Fairview Creek headwaters and wetlands complex. It will also set the stage for improved access to the adjacent Southwest Community Park.

Learn more about this project here!

Apply for a 2022 Partners in Conservation (PIC) grant!

Recently-planted red flowering currant at a grant project restoration site

EMSWCD is happy to announce that we are again conducting our normal PIC grant application process after last year’s “PIC Pause” due to COVID. The PIC program awards grants annually from $5,000 to $100,000 to non-profits, local governments and educational institutions for conservation projects, environmental education, school and community food gardens, and participation of diverse communities in conservation work.

Update: The 2022 PIC Grant application cycle ended on December 15th, 2021. Applications will be reviewed by EMSWCD staff and our PIC Grant Review Committee. The final decision on the 2022 PIC grant awards will be made by the EMSWCD Board of Directors in the spring of 2022.

Learn more about our PIC Grant Programs and how to apply on our PIC Grants page.

We are making some changes this year. Some highlights: Read more →

Equity-focused evaluation of the PIC grant program

A new report on our equity initiatives is now available!

EMSWCD recently conducted an evaluation of the Partners in Conservation (PIC) grant program focused on our efforts to address equity through the grant funding we provide to local organizations. The evaluation was conducted by an independent consultant. We are pleased to share the final report: “EMSWCD Partners in Conservation (PIC) Grants Program Evaluation Report” by Jamie Stamberger, which can be found here. This report is the product of an online survey and interviews that were conducted in spring of 2021 with the participation of recent PIC grantees and other partners. Read more →

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