Greetings!

As the days grow longer, we’re excited to welcome a new season of connection, renewal, and exploration in the watershed. It’s a perfect time to get outside, enjoy the beauty around us, and deepen our shared commitment to protecting this special place.

This season also brings a bittersweet transition for our staff as we say goodbye to our Stewardship Director, Kara Caselas. Kara has been an integral part of our work this fiscal year, and her passion and leadership have left a lasting impact. Reflecting on her time with the Council, she shared:

“I’ve deeply enjoyed my time working in the Columbia Slough watershed, where there is such a strong passion for its natural beauty and resources. I’ll especially miss collaborating with our dedicated partners and the incredible CSWC staff, who have been wonderful colleagues.”

We are deeply grateful for Kara’s contributions and wish her all the best in her next chapter. 

As we move into a new season, please join one of our Earth Month events and grow your connection to the watershed! We have lots of options, including Stewardship Saturday, Bike & Bird, and Paddle Team Training. We look forward to seeing you out there soon!

Save the Date: Slough Celebration June 13th!

CSWC is thrilled to announce Slough Celebration will take place on June 13th from 2-6 pm at the Flood Safety District!

1880 NE Elrod Drive, Portland, OR 97211



Join us for a family-friendly afternoon of celebration, community, and adventure featuring paddling, birding, stewardship, outdoor education, free food and drinks, music, a raffle, and more.

We are currently looking for sponsors for this event. If you own a business that is interested in sponsoring Slough Celebration, please contact Maya.

Join the 2026 Paddle Team!

The paddle season kicks off with our Online Paddle Team Training Webinar. This webinar is required for any new volunteers or for those who haven't taken Paddle Team Training since the 2024 season or earlier. For anyone who had training in 2025, this is optional.

WHEN: Thursday, April 17, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE: Virtual via Zoom, the link will be sent to your email 1 week before the webinar.

In-Person training is also required for new volunteers and will take place on Sunday, May 3rd, from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Whitaker Ponds! To attend this training, you must have attended the online webinar or watched the recording.

Bike and Bird: Vanport Loop

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and community bird walk leaders Thomas Meinzen and Ryan Gilpin for a day of biking and birding! The group will ride ~8 miles from Vanport to Smith and Bybee and back, hitting some of the best bird habitat that Portland has to offer. All participants will also be entered to win a pair of Nocs binoculars and a guide book!

WHEN: April 12th from 9:00 AM - 12 PM

WHERE: Vanport Marker, 1809 North Broadacre Road

Tackle the Weeds: Hands-on Tool Training for Gardeners

CSWC and EMSWCD are partnering to bring you this hands-on workshop on effective weed removal using a variety of gardening tools. We’ll cover proper tool use, safety tips, and how to select the right tool for different types of weeds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this workshop will equip you with practical skills to tackle invasive plants more efficiently and confidently.

Please wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes to stay safe and comfortable while working outdoors.

WHEN: Saturday, April 4, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

WHERE: 3655 NE 154th ave, Portland

East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District has many free online and in-person workshops this spring. See all their upcoming workshops at the link below.

New Columbia Slough Map!

We’re excited to share a new way to explore the watershed! Our updated  interactive map is now live on our website, making it easier than ever to plan your visit and discover all the area has to offer.

The map includes helpful filters so you can find exactly what you need—whether it’s available parking, paddling launches, restrooms, or other amenities. To better serve our diverse community, all content is available in English, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Russian.



We’re grateful to Oregon State Parks for funding this project and helping make this resource possible. Visit our website to check out the new map and start exploring!

DEQ Community Webinar: Moore & Wright Island Project

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 under active construction since late July 2025 and is completed!

Heidi Nelson and Sarah Miller from DEQ’s Cleanup Program will provide an overview of the completed Moore & Wright Island Natural Area Sediment Cleanup project. Time will be reserved after the presentation for community questions.


WHEN: April 23, 3-4 PM
WHERE: Virtual via Zoom

Flood Safety District Survey

Help Shape the Future of the Columbia Slough:

Take the Community Survey & Be Entered to Win $100!

The Flood Safety District wants your input as they plan the next decade of watershed improvements, focused on environmental health and reliable flood protection.

The survey is:

• 10 minutes or less
• Confidential
• Open to anyone who lives, works, or spends time in the watershed

Share your connection to the land and water, and what you think should guide future decisions. Take the survey by April 19, 2026.

Community Partners Spotlight

Join Urban Forestry for the Black Earth Day Tree Talk!

This event will consist of a presentation, Q&A, and social time. We will begin with a 30-minute social hour with light refreshments to allow people to arrive and to take an initial look at the educational posters around the room. The talk will last 30-45 minutes. The remaining time will be for Q&A, mingling, reviewing posters, and materials from other Black environmental organizations. 

WHEN: April 15, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

WHERE: Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave

POIC Roots of Change Internship Program

Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center (POIC) provides training, education, and job placement services to disadvantaged and underserved members of the Portland community.

They host a program with the opportunity to intern at an environmentall focused nonprofit! Formerly known as the PGE Project Zero, the Roots of Change internship engages young adults, age 19-24, in 6-month/600-hour paid internships with environmentally focused organizations to learn about stewardship and explore green job pathways.

Join POIC for an info session to learn more. You must attend one of the info sessions to apply for the program.



All info sessions will be held via Teams. To attend, RSVP to

Leigh Rappaport Lrappaport@portlandoic.org and sign up for one of the following sessions:

• Thursday, April 9th, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
• Tuesday, April 14th, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
• Wednesday , April 15th, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm