May 2025 | Columbia Slough Watershed Council News

Thank You for an Incredible Earth Month! 


This April, our community came together in the spirit of connection - with each other and with the land we all share. From our final planting events of the season to immersive mushroom talks and tree walks, we explored the wonders of the watershed in meaningful, hands-on ways. Hundreds of you showed up to learn, connect, and care, and we’re feeling deeply inspired and grateful for your energy and support.


As we step into May, we invite you to keep the momentum going. Join us for more opportunities to explore, learn, and fall in love with the watershed all over again.


If you haven’t yet, consider becoming a monthly donor to help sustain this work throughout the year - every contribution helps protect and nurture this special place. 

DONATE TODAY

Get to Know Your Well Field!

In partnership with the Portland Water Bureau, we're offering two opportunities to learn about the Columbia South Shore Well Field, located throughout the watershed! Events will offer conversation about how groundwater provides flexibility and reliability to the City’s water supply, and how we can all protect this important resource.


Join us for a 17 mile bike ride on May 31, or pack your picnic and join us for Slough Science on June 10.

RSVP ASAP FOR BIKE RIDE
RSVP ASAP FOR SLOUGH SCIENCE

In Need of Merch?

Our friends over at Nightowl Custom Apparel are offering a 10% discount on all new orders placed by May 30.


In addition, the Council will receive a 20% referral bonus for everyone who mentions our name with their order. Our Paddle Team love their tees, and our drinks benefit from their perfect Slough-zies.

Check out their new location on NE Glisan! 

VISIT NIGHTOWL'S WEBSITE

Apply for CSWC Board of Directors

Are you passionate about the Columbia Slough Watershed Council and want to become more involved?


Applications to join our Board are open to all, regardless of experience level. While we are actively recruiting right now, we welcome applications and questions about Board service throughout the year. We are currently seeking to fill a wide range of needs and welcome expertise in various areas. At this time, specific needs include:

  • Finance or accounting experience
  • Ability to provide legal expertise (contracts, employment, general counsel)
  • Interest in serving as an officer on the Executive Committee 


Does this sound like you or someone you know? Share the application link below!

APPLY HERE

If you have questions, reach out to Maya at maya.hurstmayr@columbiaslough.org

Thanks for Joining us

at McMenamins Kennedy School!

With the support of our community, we raised $2,814.25!!


A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this successful night. You helped us finish Earth Month strong!

The 10th Vanport Mosaic Festival

Our friends at Vanport Mosaic are hosting their annual memory activism festival from May 17 - June 1, 2025!



Remembering is an act of resistance. Join them for two weeks of memory activism to remember, repair, reclaim, and reimagine our collective story.

LEARN MORE

CSWC's Event Line-Up

Join CSWC for spring events to help improve the watershed's important natural resources, learn about native plants, and connect with the community!


You can also find out more information about CSWC and our events on our website.


FULL Paddle Team Volunteer Buddy Shift

Wednesday, May 7, 11 AM - 3 PM

Interested in becoming a Paddle Team Volunteer? Join us for a Buddy Shift! Volunteers must have an interest in learning, interest in supporting community events and be 16 or older - no previous paddling experience necessary!


FULL Paddle Team Volunteer Buddy Shift

Sunday, May 18, 9 AM - 1:30 PM

Interested in becoming a Paddle Team Volunteer? Join us for a Buddy Shift! This opportunity is reserved for Ukrainian and/or Russian speakers.


Slough Science: Climate Resilience at Home, In Your Yard, and Beyond

Wednesday, May 21, 6 PM - 7 PM

This Slough Science will take place at StormBreaker Brewing in St. Johns. This month we are excited to partner with East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District for a workshop on Climate Resilience. Learn how climate change is impacting soil & water resources, and what that means for local plants, wildlife, and people.


Paddle Team Volunteer Buddy Shift

Wednesday, May 28, 3 PM - 6:30 PM

Interested in becoming a Paddle Team Volunteer? Join us for a Buddy Shift! Volunteers must have an interest in learning, interest in supporting community events and be 16 or older - no previous paddling experience necessary!


Queer Community Nature Connection Walk

Wednesday, May 28, 6 PM - 8 PM

Join facilitator and educator Jo Linden from Temenos Rising, Butch Support Group, and CSWC, for a free guided 2 hour nature connection and mindfulness exploration walk. This event is for our LGBTQIA2S+ community and is recommended for those 16 and older. 


Paddle Team Volunteer Buddy Shift

Thursday, May 29, 11:30 AM - 3 PM

Interested in becoming a Paddle Team Volunteer? Join us for a Buddy Shift! Volunteers must have an interest in learning, interest in supporting community events and be 16 or older - no previous paddling experience necessary!


Cycle the Well Field

Saturday, May 31, 8:45 AM - 1 PM

Join CSWC and the Portland Water Bureau for a free 17 mile bike ride through Portland's Columbia South Shore Well Field! Experts from the Portland Water Bureau will lead this moderately paced and scenic trip. Our group will make frequent stops to break up the ride and offer opportunities for conversation about how groundwater provides flexibility and reliability to the City’s water supply, and how we can all protect this important resource.