Soil Assessment for Farmers – A Free Workshop!

Presented by Jen Aron of Blue Raven Farm – a seasoned farmer and educator extremely passionate about restoring farm ecosystems and weaving the complexities of soil into accessible and relatable content.

Monday, April 8th
9am – noon
Headwaters Farm
28600 SE Orient Dr., Gresham, OR 97080

Join us for a hands-on, in the field, workshop and learn about various tools and methods for assessing the health and productivity of your soil. Topics include:

  • Soil compaction
  • Soil structure
  • Infiltration
  • Root and cover crop analysis
  • Worm counts
  • And more!

This workshop is outdoors. Please dress for the weather and be prepared to walk on uneven terrain. Email Chelsea at chelsea@emswcd.org if you have accommodation requests.

Please note that Headwaters Farm is a no-pets and no-smoking zone (registered service animals are okay).

NRCS Local Work Group Meeting on February 29th

NRCS’s Local Work Group Meeting has been scheduled and your participation is requested!

Agricultural producers – farmers, ranchers, foresters, nursery growers and other land managers- in Clackamas and Multnomah Counties are encouraged to attend. The meeting is being offered in a hybrid format (virtual and in person) and registration is required for either option, details below.

What is a Local Work Group Meeting?

Each year, local NRCS field offices around the state hold a Local Work Group Meeting. These meetings provide an opportunity for NRCS staff to hear from the people they serve in their communities. Local landowners and conservation partners know first-hand about the natural resource needs in their area. This locally-led process helps inform conservation priorities and strategies across Oregon. Learn more here.

Feedback provided by growers will enable NRCS to update the county Long Range Plan and develops new Conservation Implementation Strategies to address identified resource concerns.  Continue reading →

OSU Field to Market classes

Check out these upcoming Farm to Market Classes from OSU Extension! From the OSU page:

Oregon’s Farm direct Marketing Law (ORFDML) allows small farmers and aspiring food entrepreneurs to produce certain low-risk, value-added products from the produce that they grow and sell them directly to the consumer without having to obtain a processing license. The law was passed in 2011 and amended in 2023 to include new products, new sales channels, and a raised sales limit.

The passage of the updated law has prompted new interest among those who want to take advantage of the new opportunities. Those who attend this interactive workshop will be able to:

  • Interpret and apply the new guidance to a potential product
  • Design a sample label
  • Practice taking pH meter readings of acidified food samples
  • Share best practices to ensure that products are produced in a clean, healthful and sanitary manner
  • Ask questions of a farmer panel

Continue reading →

photo of the EMSWCD office sign with logo mounted on a board, framed by oceanspray bushes behind the sign

We are hiring for a Community Outreach and Engagement Communications Assistant

East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking an effective communicator who is passionate about engaging diverse communities in climate action and conservation! The Community Outreach and Engagement Communications Assistant will help to support the organization’s communications, grow our digital marketing efforts, and help implement community engagement projects. The ideal candidate is motivated to help advance our strategic priorities of soil health, water quality, equity and climate action.

This position is offered within the Community Outreach and Engagement program of the organization with pay commensurate with experience. Applications are due on February 5th, 2024. Please visit the job description page here to review the position and apply.

photo of the EMSWCD office sign with logo mounted on a board, framed by oceanspray bushes behind the sign

We are hiring for a Rural Lands Conservation Technician/Specialist

East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking a career and conservation minded individual to execute conservation projects related to habitat restoration, invasive plant species control, and to provide guidance related to such projects to a diverse audience. The work includes outreach to landowners, identification and mapping of noxious weed species, as well as performing control work in the Columbia River Gorge and Sandy River watershed.

We at EMSWCD believe we are stronger together, and actively work to build a diverse, connected, and healthy staff and community. We are seeking someone to join our work family who is passionate and motivated to help create the biggest impact that they can concerning the environmental and global issues facing our natural resources.

This position is offered within the Rural Lands program of the organization at either the technician or specialist level with pay commensurate with experience. Applications are due on January 22nd, 2024. Please visit the job description page here to review the position and apply.

Photo headshot of Kelley Beamer

EMSWCD has a new Executive Director!

We are thrilled to announce the selection by the Board of Directors of our new Executive Director, Kelley Beamer!

Kelley Beamer served as the Executive Director at the Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT) for more than 10 years and will bring to East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) her experience in forging partnerships with diverse communities and advancing land conservation to protect farm and forest lands.

“We are excited to welcome Kelley as our new Executive Director,” says Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky, EMSWCD Board Chair. “Her passion for place-based conservation aligns beautifully with the Board’s recently adopted Strategic Plan. Kelley will bring experience, great communication skills, and time-tested partnerships to the organization. We feel very fortunate to have found a home-grown leader who has worked with urban and rural communities across the state and in our district.” Continue reading →