Happy First Days of Fall!

As the crisp air settles in, our team is reflecting on a Slough-filled summer with meaningful programming and exciting connections. While we look back with gratitude, we're also eagerly gearing up for the stewardship season — a time to get our hands in the dirt and continue nurturing the natural beauty of the Columbia Slough and its surrounding watershed.

A Summer Full of Connection and Learning 


This summer, we were thrilled to bring 33 events to the Columbia Slough. Whether through paddles, bird walks, educational talks, or other community activities, it was an unforgettable season of connection, education, and environmental stewardship.

One of the highlights for our staff was a local Watershed Council paddle on the Willamette River. We had the chance to learn more about the important work of the Johnson Creek Watershed Council and the North Clackamas Watershed Council, while also reconnecting with friends from Tryon Creek and Oswego Lake. It was such a beautiful reminder of how interconnected our work is across the Portland Metro Area, and how lucky we are to collaborate with such incredible people who share a passion for protecting our watersheds.

Final Summer Paddle: Salmon & River Otters 



For our last summer paddle, we were joined by community members eager to learn about salmon and their life cycle in the Slough. As we launched into the water, we were treated to a special moment - three playful river otters joined us, one of which even caught a fish right in front of us! What an incredible experience to witness.

These moments remind us of how fortunate we are to support not only the salmon and the Slough, but also the otters and all the people who live, work, and recreate within this vibrant watershed.



Wishing you a rejuvenating fall, filled with connection to nature and community. We look forward to seeing you out there this season!

We're in Give!Guide!

What is Give!Guide?

Give!Guide is Willamette Week’s annual effort to raise funds for — and draw attention to — the good works of local nonprofits. This end-of-year campaign offers opportunities to win incentives when you donate to participating nonprofits.

Give!Guide kicks off on November 1st and has weekly "Big Give Days" (BGD). If you give on these days to a participating nonprofit, you'll be entered to win cool stuff from local businesses. In addition to Willamette Week's incentives from Powell's, New Seasons, Portland Spirit, and more, CSWC is also working with some awesome partners to get you even more opportunities to win a prize when you give to us! Partners this year include Wonder Ballroom, Stoller Wine Group, Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Patagonia Portland, and others!

CSWC's goal is to raise $20,000 through Give!Guide - a big goal, but one that we can easily reach with your help!

Are you 35 years or younger?

You've got extra chances to win cool incentives! In an effort to inspire a new generation of givers, many of the Big Give Days have extra prizes for donors 35 and under. In addition, your donation acts as a vote, and the organization in each category with the most donors aged 35 and under gets an additional $1000! Keep an eye out for weekly BGDs.

Cleanup Project Updates from DEQ

Please join the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for a conversation about the cleanup project at Moore and Wright Island Natural Area, located on the Columbia Slough. The cleanup site has been in active construction since late July 2025 and the in-water placement of the reactive core mat cap with fish-friendly rock and sand is close to completion. The next phase of work will include re-planting the bank with native plants. DEQ will discuss project updates, the status of the project, next steps, and more. Time will be reserved at the end of the presentation for questions.

When: Wednesday, October 8, 2 - 3 PM

Where: Online via Zoom

Slough Science: Fall Mushroom Identification

Join CSWC for the monthly Slough Science speaker series! This month we are excited to welcome back Leah Bendlin for a conversation about the basics of mushroom identification and common fall mushrooms of the PNW. We will focus on common edibles, indicator species, as well as other interesting and beautiful non-edible species.

NEW VENUE ALERT! CSWC is excited to have this month's Slough Science at Von Ebert Brewing on Glisan! This is an all ages venue. Drinks (alcoholic and NA) and food can be purchased in the brewery throughout the event. Thursday is BOGO pizza, or get there early to order from their Happy Hour menu.

When: Thursday, October 9, 6 - 8 PM

Where: Von Ebert Brewing, 14021 Northeast Glisan Street

Volunteer Highlight: Mike Beymer

One of our dedicated volunteers, Mike Beamer, recently reflected on the restoration work he's been doing:

"I’ve been volunteering with CSWC for just about 3 years now, starting back in the Fall of 2022. I had been feeling very unplugged because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So I started volunteering because I was looking for a way to plug back into my community."

"I eventually found my way to the CSWC, and I sort of caught the “bug” for nature restoration. After two years of project work, we have planted 64 species of Oregon Natives, equating to nearly 1,000 plants, and have been managing and removing several noxious species of weeds. It has been very meaningful to get to be a small part of the larger restoration efforts to improve the slough. It can be hard work but it's very rewarding to restore a beautiful stretch of slough."

Thank you, Mike, for your contributions to the watershed's health!

Cider Fest on October 25th!

CSWC will be tabling at Cider Fest, hosted by Portland Fruit Tree Project! Bring your own harvested fruit, or Portland Fruit Tree Project will also have hundreds of pounds on hand from harvests. There will be fresh Apple Cider and cider baked goods, Kettle Korn, NourishmentPDX Burrito Truck, kids activities, learning opportunities and more!

When: October 25, 12 PM - 3 PM

Where: Leaven Community 5431 NE 20th 97211

NO RSVP NECESSARY