Category Archives: News

Nature Notes 4: Native Plant Gallery

Welcome to EMSWCD’s Nature Notes series! Nature Notes shares small moments and interesting observations from our property, as well as related natural history tidbits, on a weekly to monthly basis.

May 23rd, 2018

May is Native Plant Month!

This month in celebration of Native Plant Month, we’re highlighting a variety of native plants, all of which you can come see any time at our Conservation Corner!

May is Native Plant Month in Portland for good reason — everything is blooming in all the colors of the rainbow. Check out these beauties in our gallery below, or come explore our grounds and see all these and more in person! Read more →

Vacancies for EMSWCD Zone 1 and Associate Board Director positions

The East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) has a vacancy for a Zone 1 Board Director and is also seeking new Associate Board Directors. EMSWCD is a local government entity that serves over 700,000 residents who live, own, and/or manage land east of the Willamette River in Multnomah County, Oregon. The EMSWCD service area encompasses 230,000 acres, which includes the City of Portland and portions of three major watersheds, all of which contribute to the Greater Columbia River Basin.

The EMSWCD Board is composed of five publicly elected Board Directors and several appointed Associate Board Directors. Board Directors and Associate Board Directors help EMSWCD achieve its mission to help people care for land and water by participating in monthly board and committee meetings, by representing the EMSWCD in the community, and by providing input on programs, policies, and grants. Board Directors and Associate Board Directors are both non-staff volunteer positions. Associate Directors do not vote on Board decisions, but may be appointed to Board Committees wherein all Committee members vote. Read more →

From our farmers: Making the jump

Amica Farm - rolling up tarp

This is a farmer-contributed post in our “From our farmers” series, written by Nicki Passarella and Irina Schabram of Amica Farm, both enrolled in our Farm Incubator Program.

Amica Farm is the product of two female friends who forged a bond through hard work, sweat equity and a deep love of agriculture and community. We work with one-half acre of land, growing an extensive array of annual vegetables, herbs and strawberries to sell directly to our community at two weekly farmers markets.

As first year farm business owners, having the opportunity to utilize the Headwaters Farm Incubator Program (HIP) has already proven invaluable in our first months of participation. The obvious places of gratitude to start with include land, water, propagation space, and the ability to share orders to get bulk pricing and keep shipping low. There are also scheduled learning sessions with industry professionals about farm financials, record keeping and more. A less tangible benefit is the community with other farmers at Headwaters and the direct support from EMSWCD staff we are experiencing. Read more →

Nature Notes 3: May is Native Plant Month!

Welcome to EMSWCD’s Nature Notes series! Nature Notes shares small moments and interesting observations from our property, as well as related natural history tidbits, on a weekly to monthly basis.

May 7th, 2018

May is Native Plant Month!

This month in celebration of Native Plant Month, we’ll be highlighting a variety of native plants, all of which you can come see any time at our Conservation Corner!

This week we’re seeing purple everywhere with common camas, Henderson’s shooting star, Menzie’s larkspur, and Oregon Iris in full bloom. Read more →

Link

Upcoming EMSWCD Board and Committee Meetings

The East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD), serving all of Multnomah County East of the Willamette River, has scheduled Board meetings and Budget Committee, Land Legacy Committee, and Personnel Committee meetings at the District Office (5211 N. Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97217) for the months of May and June 2018.

Visit this page to see a calendar of upcoming meetings.

Irrigation Efficiency Workshop on May 15th

Learn how to save water and money by improving irrigation efficiency on your property! EMSWCD is offering a free workshop on May 15th at the Columbia Grange in Corbett. Topics covered will include converting to drip, sprinkler efficiency, moisture monitoring, and the frequency and duration of irrigation.

Register now!

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