Hello everyone,

This month, I am writing a quick note of appreciation and gratitude. 

To the incredible CSWC staff: From the programs you create and run to your passionate belief in our mission, you are a large part of what makes this organization tick!

To our volunteers: Whether it’s sunny or raining sideways, your selfless contributions are why our programs succeed. You are a huge part of why people continue to return and engage with us. THANK YOU for everything you do to bring our programming and mission to life.

To our community partners: You help us guide the direction of CSWC programming. You help spread the word, stand with us—both on land and water—while we continue to learn and grow as stewards of the watershed.

To our financial supporters—from foundations to government organizations, corporate partners, and individual donors: Thank you for believing in CSWC's mission and work.

I am immensely proud of CSWC's mission and work, and it is my honor to serve as Executive Director. I cannot wait to see where we will go together.

In Solidarity,

Heather King

Executive Director

PS: Don’t forget to check out our events calendar to see all the cool things happening over the next month!

Everyone, meet George!

You may notice a new face on our staff page, so I’d like to take a moment to introduce him.

Meet George King, CSWC’s Deputy Dog and Chief Medical Officer! Some of you may have already met George at the CSWC office or our events, but for those who haven’t, I wanted to explain his role. George is a fully trained service animal who works alongside me daily, helping me manage my MS.

This might seem like an unusual newsletter topic, but over the past month, several people have asked why George accompanies me to places like Whitaker Ponds and other natural areas. As a service animal, he is allowed to be in these spaces. I understand concerns about dogs in natural areas, but because I spend so much time outdoors, George has been trained to minimize his impact when we walk, hike, or spend time in these environments.

Have questions? Please feel free to email me: heather.king@columbiaslough.org.

August Slough Science:

Turtles of Whitaker Ponds

Have you ever wondered where the Slough’s turtles go in the winter?

Did you know our native turtles breathe through their butts? 

Answers to these questions and more can be found out at this month’s Slough Science with Laura Guderyahn, Urban Ecologist at Portland Parks & Recreation. This free event is open to all ages, advance registration is necessary.

Event Details:

• Tuesday, September 17, 2024
• 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
• Whitaker Ponds, 7040 NE 47th Ave, Portland 97218

October Slough Science:

Slough Cleanup with DEQ

Learn all about cleanup efforts on the Columbia Slough.

For our October Slough Science we will be joined by Sarah Miller, Sediment Project Manager, and Heidi Nelson, at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for a presentation about cleanup efforts on the Columbia Slough!

Event Details:

• Wednesday, October 2, 2024
• 5:30 PM  7:00 PM
• N Columbia Blvd & N Fiske Ave, Portland, OR 97203

We will miss you Barbara!

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend and dedicated volunteer, Barbara Wildern.

She was a passionate member of our community, giving time and energy to make a lasting impact.Barbara touched countless lives through [his/her/their] kindness, compassion, and commitment to our mission.



In memory of Barbara, we are collecting donations to support causes that were close to her heart. You can contribute to:

• A Caring Closet

Barbara's legacy by continuing the work she cared so deeply about.

Calling all CSWC Volunteers:

You are invited!

Please join us for our Volunteer Appreciation Celebration as we celebrate your incredible dedication, hard work, and the positive impact you have made in our community.

This event is our way of saying thank you for all that you do. There will be food, fun, & a few surprises in store as we express our gratitude for your time, energy, and passion.

If you are a current Volunteer, please RSVP to ensure we have a headcount for catering

If you have any questions, please contact Valeria at valeria.villanueva@columbiaslough.org.

Please note this event is only for our current Paddle Team Volunteers :)

Free First Aid & CPR Training!

CSWC is hosting Free CPR and First Aid Trainings in October!.

This training will be a 2 part All Ages CPR/First Aid Training. First part is a required online module, then the second half is an in person training. 

Date #1 : Wednesday, October 9, 2-6pm Register HERE

Date #2 : Thursday, October 10, 2-6pm Register HERE

Date #2 : Friday, October 11, 2-6pm Register HERE

It's almost sweater weather!

Order you CSWC Paddle Team Sweater

Sweatshirt Price - $32

• Don't miss out! To get your Sweatshirt email Amanda Gallegos with your size
• Payments can be made via check, exact cash, or through Venmo (@columbia-slough)

You're Invited!

Sunday Funday!

Join us in celebrating our Kids with the Slavic Community Center of NW!

Sunday, September 8

2-6PM

Ventura Park, 460 SE 113th Ave

There will be:

Music & Dance Activities,

Food,

Kids Activities,

Arts, Crafts, & Much More!

Join local Portland author, Bruce Campbell, for a reading and book launch of his latest novel, "High Noon On Come Along Slough".

Sunday, September 15th

4-6pm

Level Beer on NE Marine & 148th Ave

Books will be available for purchase during the even or you can purchase on here.

"Rampant human pollution threatens the animals living on Come Along Slough. They form a shaky alliance to survive."

Swift Viewing Party

Volunteer Opportunities

Every September, thousands of Vaux’s Swifts roost in the Chapman Elementary School chimney, bringing with them joy, wonder, crowds of people, and tons of cardboard left by families who bring it to “sled” down the hill.

Join the "Swift Watch Swiffers" to help the Chapman community clean up after each roost at Chapman Elementary School!

Several Dates Available

What you’ll get:

• Front row seats: We’ll put a blanket out for Swiffers at 5pm to hold a spot at this iconic event
• Cool swag: Leave with a t-shirt as a thank you!
• Visibility: If your organization would like to table at Swift Watch, we’ll set up a table and welcome your group for the duration of the evening

Native to the Slough : Oregon Iris

Iris tenax is a species of Iris, known by the common names tough-leaved iris, Oregon iris, or more colloquially, flag

Like many irises, Iris tenax has large and showy flowers. The flowers bloom in mid to late spring and are usually lavender-blue to purple, but blooms in white, yellow, pink, and orchid shades are known to sometimes occur.