Kathy Shearin, our Urban Lands Program Supervisor, was interviewed last week on XRAY.FM! Her interview took place on a segment called Grow PDX, a show that focuses on horticulture, urban gardening, community food systems and agriculture. Learn about Naturescaping, rain gardens and the benefits of native plants, and pick up some simple tips for your yard or landscape!
Be sure also to check out our free workshops to learn more about these topics!
We are seeking educator/landscape professionals to conduct additional workshops! Please note that this is a contract and not a staff position. Our workshops are held evenings and on weekends, and are on topics such as Naturescaping, Site Planning, Site Planning Feedback, Rain Gardens, Native Plants and Simple Drip Irrigation.
Please see our Workshop Presenter page for more information about this position and how to apply.
Join our tour of Headwaters Farm on September 16th! If you are a farmer considering applying to lease land and farm infrastructure, our Farm Incubator Program may be just for you. Learn all about the farm incubator and EMSWCD’s efforts to utilize and promote conservation agriculture. All are welcome!
The tour will take place on Wednesday, September 16th from 6:00 to 7:30pm. This will be a rain or shine event; please dress accordingly! Contact Rowan ((503) 935.5355 / rowan@emswcd.org) for more information or to RSVP. Directions to the farm will be provided upon RSVP.
See photos of the farm in the Headwaters Farm photo gallery.
Our work plan for the 2014-15 fiscal year is now available! You can download it here.
The mission of the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District is to help people care for land and water. Our vision is that our lands and waters are healthy and sustain farms, forests, wildlife and communities. Each year we create a work plan to organize and prioritize our work, and set specific program goals to further our mission and vision.
You can also learn more about EMSWCD and the work we do in the District in the About EMSWCD section.
Update: the application period for this position has ended. We are currently reviewing and interviewing final candidates. Thank you for your interest!
EMSWCD is seeking an Outreach Specialist! This temporary position serves as an integral team member for EMSWCD’s urban programs, coordinating and managing workshops and annual events, keeping and maintaining detailed records, engaging in outreach activities, tabling at community events and much more. Find out more about the position in the Outreach Specialist page!
We are also seeking workshop presenters, and currently in the review stage for two other full-time positions. Learn more about EMSWCD job opportunities in the Employment page.
Students at Outdoor School – photo courtesy of MESD Outdoor School
The Outdoor School For All campaign seeks to secure lasting public funding for every Oregon fifth or sixth grader to experience a full week of Outdoor education. At our last Board Meeting on March 2nd, 2015, the EMSWCD Board of Directors joined 11 other organizations by approving endorsement of the Outdoor School for All campaign.
Many District residents have come to our Board meetings to relate the positive impact that Outdoor School has had on their lives. Outdoor education has been shown to help students develop leadership, social and critical thinking skills, while also fostering an appreciation for the natural environment and the importance of conserving it. In recent years, EMSWCD has joined with other local entities to provide funding to our local Outdoor School. We believe a long-term, statewide funding solution is necessary to ensure all Oregon students have access to this valuable, engaging and highly educational experience. Continue reading
We are still looking for a few new groups to partner with so we can offer more free workshops! Our workshops teach gardening practices that reduce pollution and conserve water while saving time, money and energy. Give your neighbors the opportunity to learn about landscaping for clean water and healthy habitat – host a workshop!
We are especially seeking more workshop locations in Gresham and North/Northeast Portland.
Anyone can host, it’s easy! Here’s how it works:
An interested Host (that’s you!) invites us (EMSWCD) to provide a free workshop to your community. We manage registration and promotion, providing professional presenters, fliers and workbooks. You reserve or provide a workshop location, help get the word out by distributing our workshop fliers, and assist with day of workshop needs.
Learn more about hosting on our Host a Workshop page.
Are you planning on applying to the Headwaters Farm Incubator Program (HIP) for the 2016 season? Or are you interested in learning more about how the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District supports the development of beginning farmers?
Either way, come join us for a tour of Headwaters Farm on Wednesday, June 24th at 6:30pm. We’ll discuss how the incubator program works, what the farm offers, how to apply, and other interesting topics relating to the intersection of stewardship and productive small-scale agriculture. Light refreshments will be provided!