YOU CAN HELP!

You can help protect watershed health! Volunteer to plant trees, sign up for our newsletter, host a presentation, or attend a free workshop.

Join us for periodic work parties involving the removal of invasive species and installation of native plants!  Please email Jack at jack@oswegowatershed.org to be added to our volunteer mailing list! You will be notified of new volunteer opportunities when they are scheduled.

OLWC COVID-19 Plan (Updated May 2021)

Oswego Lake Watershed Council (OLWC) prioritizes the safety of our community, including staff, volunteers, board members, contractors, interns, landowners, partners, and community members. Our COVID-19 field work plan lays out the protocols that will be implemented in response to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis in Oregon. This plan will be updated regularly in response to recommendations and requirements from the State of Oregon, Clackamas County, 

Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization. All staff, interns, and volunteers working as a representative of OLWC while conducting group work are expected to understand and follow these guidelines.

MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

Educational Opportunities

• Oswego Lake Watershed Tour   During Summer and Spring OLWC offers monthly watershed tours for area residents to introduce them to Oswego Lake Watershed and provide an overview of watershed science and issues affecting watershed health.  Transportation is in individual vehicles and carpooling for the tours is arranged at the beginning of the tour. Custom tours can also be arranged for groups of up to 15 individuals. Tours are free, but pre-registration is required.

  When: The third Saturday of each month from May through October,  9:00am – 11:00am

  Where: Uplands Elementary School, 2055 Wembley Park Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, United States (map)

  Description: This field trip begins at one of the headwaters of Springbrook Creek and follows the creek route to Oswego Lake with visits at several key areas along the creek. The tour concludes at Oswego Creek as water leaves the lake and makes its way to the Willamette River. This event is free and family-friendly. RSVP is required. Please e-mail Stephanie at stephanie@oswegowatershed.org to reserve your space.

  RSVP Required — email stephanie@oswegowatershed.org to reserve your space.

• Watershed Education Volunteers Needed
  Volunteers are needed to support school programs and watershed tours and programs.  We are particularly looking for individuals who are interested in supporting the 5th grade watershed programs at Tryon Creek or leading watershed tours. Training is provided for all volunteer opportunities. Please contact Stephanie Wagner at stephanie@oswegowatershed.org for details.

Volunteer Opportunities with Our Partner Organizations

• Education Events. Events throughout the school year (Dates to be determined.). Project Details: A member of Friends of Springbrook Park will partner with Lake Oswego School District and district faculty to develop and implement curriculum that encourages students to learn about and explore the plants, animals, and ecosystems of Springbrook Park.
  Contact: Anne Lider (503-701-2291).

DO YOUR PART AT HOME!

Garden naturally:

• Certify your yard through the Backyard Habitat Certification Program – CLICK HERE to learn more. 
• Reduce your use of toxic gardening products
• Use slow-release fertilizers, and compost
• Avoid combined fertilizer and pesticide products like “weed and feed”
• Remove invasive weeds and replant with native vegetation
• Keep soil from washing into the storm drains in the street
• Learn how to remove invasive ivy from trees in your backyard
• Plant trees and take care of them, in your yard, business, school campus, or local park!

Watershed-friendly household maintenance:

• Soak up driveway spills with kitty litter and throw in the garbage
• Sweep your driveway instead of washing it
• Dispose of household hazardous waste at a disposal facility – drains in the street lead to local streams
• Install a rain garden to slow down and soak up stormwater runoff on your property

Maintain your vehicles to reduce pollution:

• Fix vehicle fluid leaks to keep them from washing into streams
• Wash your car at a car wash or over grass

Even your pets can help:

• Please pick up after your pets – bacteria from dog waste pollutes our waterways