Greetings!

We’re finally enjoying warmer days along the Columbia Slough, and it already feels like a season full of momentum. In April, with the support of dedicated volunteers and our sponsors at Leatherman, we removed an incredible 6,750 pounds of trash from the watershed. We also welcomed 188 students outdoors through our field trip programs and are preparing for a busy month ahead in Slough School. Our annual Canoe Weeks series is a favorite for 4th graders in the watershed, before they leave for summer break. As the days grow warmer, you can expect even more opportunities to get outside and get involved.

This month, we’re excited to offer a wide range of ways to connect — join us for a community bike ride with the Portland Water Bureau, explore the urban canopy on a tree walk with Urban Forestry and 350PDX, and discover even more events below.

Looking for other ways to get involved? Consider becoming a monthly donor! Throughout May, we’re offering special incentives for new monthly supporters, including a bike, CBD gummies, and more. You can also make a hands-on impact by joining our Paddle Team Volunteer program, with our annual training coming up on May 3. Keep reading to learn more, and find the opportunity that’s right for you!

Sustain the Slough This Spring!

Columbia Slough Watershed Council is seeking 25 new monthly donors to sustain our work!

Why now? We are celebrating the founding of the Council, formed by concerned residents of the Slough over 20 years ago to protect this diverse and unique watershed.

Can you help us keep the Council's legacy alive by making a monthly contribution?

What's in it for you? Sign up for a monthly donor tier by June 15th for the following prizes:

• TURTLE ($5/month): Receive your choice of Wyld CBD gummies or a 6-pack of Portland Cider (must be 21+)
• BEAVER ($10/month): Be entered to win a Kayak or Canoe package worth $500+, plus Turtle tier benefit.
• HERON ($20/month): Receive two entries to win a Propain Gravel Bike, valued at $3,500, plus the benefits of Turtle and Beaver tiers.

Can't commit to a monthly donation? You can still make a one-time donation!


Every $15 you give to the Council enters you to win a customized Terrel CF Gravel Bike from Propain, valued at $3,500. The raffle opens 5/1/26 and closes 6/15/26 at midnight and the winner will be pulled that week.

Sparrowhawk Plant Pickup

This is a friendly reminder if you pre-ordered from Sparrowhawk Native Plants for pickup at Level Beer on NE 148th Ave.

Please refer to the pickup date and time you selected at checkout and arrive during that time frame. The Council and The Blueprint Foundation will have volunteers on site to help you gather your plants. We look forward to seeing you there!

Cycle the Well Field!

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 and the Council will lead this moderately paced and scenic trip. Our group will make frequent stops to break up the ride and offer opportunities to discuss how groundwater provides flexibility and reliability to the City’s water supply, and how we can all protect this important resource. Minors must be 12 years or older and accompanied by an adult. Check-in starts at 8:15, event begins at 8:45.

WHEN: May 16 from 8:45 AM - 1:00 PM

WHERE: Aloft, 9920 NE Cascades Parkway

Tree Equity Walk: Eliot to Irvington

Join CSWC, City of Portland Urban Forestry, and 350 PDX for a free educational urban tree walk! As we move from neighborhood to neighborhood, the trees here tell stories about the past that can be seen and felt today, inviting us to examine our urban canopy and racism in Portland. Local tree experts Marissa Richerson (Urban Forestry) and Ryan Gilpin (Nidus Consulting) will share not just information about the trees they see, but also the stories those trees hold. 

Join us and share your stories at this dynamic, outdoor conversation bouncing from tree to tree, story to story, street to street. This event is free and open to all ages.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 26, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

WHERE: Matt Dishman Community Center

77 Northeast Knott Street

See you at Slough Celebration!

Columbia Slough Watershed Council is celebrating 24 years as a 501(c)3 nonprofit! Join us for a family-friendly afternoon of celebration, community and adventure that will include paddling, birding, stewardship, outdoor education, free food, free drinks, music, a raffle, and more!

WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 2:00 - 6:00 PM

WHERE: The Flood Safety District, 1880 NE Elrod Drive, Portland OR 97211

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Raffle Sponsors:

Garnish Apparel, Tin Shed Garden Cafe, McMenamins, OMSI, One Green World, Party Shirt International, Movement Climbing Gym, The People's Courts, Milagro Theater, Stomping Grounds Coffee, Fire on the Mountain, and Bikes for Humanity.

Community Partners Spotlight

The Flood Safety District is hiring a Planning Assistant!

This role will support their strategic and infrastructure planning initiatives and will be involved in providing general planning support across the organization, including plan development and research. You can learn more and apply on the Government Jobs site linked below.