DECEMBER RIVERSCAPE

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FROM THE RIVERKEEPER: LOOKING FORWARD

Dear Friends,

Does anyone else feel like 2024 blew by in the blink of an eye? In fact, this year has been one of great reflection and change at Willamette Riverkeeper, as we navigated significant leadership transitions and shifting public funding priorities, all while mourning the loss of Bob Sallinger—a remarkable conservation leader whose passion for collaboration and vision for bold action continue to guide our work. As we look ahead to 2025, we will continue to build on our solid foundation of 27 years and honor Bob’s legacy by expanding our capacity and embracing innovative, community-centered solutions to meet the challenges facing a growing Willamette Basin.

Imagine a Willamette River that thrives with clean water, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for everyone to connect with its beauty. At Willamette Riverkeeper, we’re not just imagining this future—we’re working tirelessly to make it a reality. With your help, we can ensure this vital waterway remains a cornerstone of health, sustainability, and community for all who call the Willamette Basin home.



PROTECTING & RESTORING YOUR WILLAMETTE RIVER

Your donation powers critical restoration projects, including freshwater mussel studies and salmon habitat mapping, which provide the science to support better water quality and habitat recovery for species that sustain our ecosystems. By combating invasive species and restoring floodplains, we protect the nutrient-rich soils that make the Willamette Valley a national leader in agriculture. Cleaner water means healthier crops and ecosystems, directly benefiting local communities and food security.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITY ACCESS & ENGAGEMENT

In 2025, we’re launching our “Learn to Paddle Your Willamette Water Trail” program, ensuring that everyone can safely explore the river while fostering environmental awareness and stewardship. Signature events like Pinot Paddle and next year, our re-imagined Paddle Oregon not only connect people to the river but also inspire a deeper commitment to preserving this incredible resource. Your support ensures these opportunities remain accessible for all, enriching lives while building an engaged community of river advocates.

DRIVING COMMUNITY ACCESS & ENGAGEMENT

Your gift strengthens our voice in advocating for policies that protect the Willamette. We’re addressing seismic risks to dam structures, ensuring their stability and safety for surrounding communities. From zero-trash standards and wake boat regulations to advancing conservation legislation, our advocacy safeguards the river’s ecological health and the safety of all who rely on it.

INSPIRING STEWARDSHIP FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Programs such as River Guardians and Paddle & Pull unite communities to clean, celebrate, and protect the river. These initiatives emphasize hands-on participation, empowering citizens to take an active role in stewarding their river and its surrounding ecosystems.

The Willamette River isn’t just a waterway—it’s the backbone of our environment, economy, and culture. Your support ensures cleaner water, vibrant habitats, and resilient communities for generations to come.

WE NEED YOUR HELP. Donate today and be a force for a thriving Willamette! Together, we’ll ensure that the Willamette River remains a resource that inspires, sustains, and connects us all.Ba

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WRK HAS A NEW HOME!

Back in September, our beloved and recently passed Riverkeeper, Bob Sallinger, made the point that "transformative change" was on the horizon for Willamette Riverkeeper. Sure enough, just as a contentious election season wrapped up, unexpected circumstances thrust WRK into a challenging transition, shifting our leadership and our physical office space, into a new location. Thanks to Bob's foresight, WRK has relocated to Green Anchors - a collaborative, eco-focused workspace and community hub in St. Johns, Portland, dedicated to supporting environmental organizations, artisans, and innovators working to restore and protect the Willamette River and its surrounding ecosystem.

Willamette Riverkeeper’s move from Oregon City to Green Anchors is a powerful symbol of our commitment to tackling the toughest challenges facing the Willamette River. Located at the heart of the Portland Harbor Superfund site, Green Anchors places us directly on the frontlines of river restoration and accountability. This community-centered hub fosters collaboration with like-minded organizations and neighboring stakeholders. Together, we are building momentum to elevate accountability for cleaning up the damage and restoring the river’s health in one of its most impacted urban areas. WRK's presence at Green Anchors will allow us to deepen partnerships, share resources, and create synergy to amplify our collective impact.

It’s more than a new address—it’s a commitment to ensuring the Willamette River is restored, resilient, and accessible for all..

Below: Scenes around Green Anchors are constanting changing, but between the beautiful pollinator gardens and the many repurposed you may run into a dragon (or two) among boats, tiny homes, greenhouses, and disco balls...