Free Advice and Insipration
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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: Learn how to design, plant, and care for your landscape.
- Photos and Videos to Get You Started
- Recorded webinars of our workshops.
- Transform Your Lawn: Convert a water-thirsty lawn into a vibrant native landscape.
- Conserve Water: Discover ways to reduce outdoor water use without sacrificing beauty.
- Boost Climate Resilience: Use smart plant choices to protect your home and green space from heat waves, ice storms and other climate impacts.
Support Nature at Home
- Attract Birds & Pollinators: Turn your yard into a haven for bees, butterflies and birds.
- 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.
Personalized Solutions
Technical Assistance
If you live east of the Willamette River in Multnomah County, you can get personalized, practical advice to help you care for your land. We’re here to help, not to enforce rules — and all our services are free.
Contact Whitney Bailey, Senior Urban Conservationist:
Free Advice and Assistance
If you live east of the Willamette River in Multnomah County, you may be eligible for free, personalized land management advice.
If your property borders a creek, we may be able to help with the following:
- Control invasive weeds
- Plant native trees and shrubs
- Reduce erosion and flooding risks
- Improve water quality for your family and wildlife
You may be eligible for a site visit if your property is located within 300 feet of a priority stream, river, wetland, or important natural area.
Low-income, multifamily housing within Portland’s urban growth boundary may be eligible for a free site visit.
Schools, public lands and government facilities may also qualify.
In Gresham, you may be eligible for stormwater help if you live within the downspout disconnection zone.
Fill out the form below and one of our staff will respond to you!
Community Grants
Do you have a neighborhood that needs more nature?
We provide grants each year for local projects that improve soil health and water quality, reduce climate impacts, support more sustainable agriculture, provide outdoor and garden education programs, and restore fish and wildlife habitat.
See conservation in action!
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.
