Dear ,

We know you are receiving many messages for Giving Tuesday, from worthy causes looking for support. This past year has been a hard one for many, including the Columbia Slough Watershed Council.

However, despite challenges, did you know that we helped over 600 people paddle on the Slough in the last year? Our Paddle Team, a dedicated group of 36 volunteers, has set up, taken down, and led 31 canoe paddles this year, 11 of which were bilingual paddles in Spanish, Ukrainian, and Russian.

CSWC makes access to the outdoors from North Portland to Gresham possible for all, and right now, we are in need of your support to continue offering these unique experiences to the community. This Giving Tuesday, please consider the impact you can make for the Council to create access and community. Help us reach our end-of-year goal of $20,000, funding the next year of paddles, cleanups, education, plantings, and more!

An essential part of our mission is protecting and enhancing the Slough through stewardship, and we are excited to announce that our new Stewardship Director, Kara Caselas, started in November. Please join us in welcoming Kara to the organization! You can read about her first few weeks below.

With Gratitude,

Maya Hurst-Mayr

Development Manager

Help CSWC reach 40% of our Give!Guide goal today!

Welcoming Our New Stewardship Director

Kara joined CSWC in November as our new Stewardship Director and we are excited to see where she takes the program! She shared some thoughts on her start at CSWC:

"In my first few weeks, I’ve been genuinely inspired by the strong partnerships and the deep sense of community pride for the Slough. It’s clear that so many dedicated people are already doing incredible work across the region. I’m really looking forward to contributing to that momentum, supporting the initiatives already in motion, and collaborating with such an exceptional group of colleagues and community partners. I’m excited to be part of something that has such a meaningful impact."

Thanks, Kara, and we're so excited to have you on the team!

BIG BLAZERS DAY

Today’s Big Give Day is a slam dunk. Donate $10 or more today for a chance to win one of three game-day prize packages from the Trail Blazers, March Madness!



Prize Package #1: Portland Trail Blazers Game Day Package

• Four 100-level tickets and two parking passes to the Blazers vs LA Lakers game on Saturday, January 17, 2026 (valued at $1780)
• Basketball signed by The Blazers
• An Adidas Dame 7 Extended Play shoe, signed by Damian Lillard himself!
• BONUS: $75 gift card to Pastini! Their Broadway location is just five minutes away from the Moda Center — grab some apps and drinks before the game!

Prize Package #2: March Madness Package (sponsored by John O’Connor at Leonard Adams Insurance Inc.)

• Two 100-level, all-session tickets to March Madness at Moda Center
• Valid for all games March 19 and March 21
• Tickets will be delivered digitally — valid email address required to win!

Prize Package #3

• Two courtside tickets to Team Rip City Remix, the Trail Blazers’ G-League affiliate
• Tickets valid for any game in December 2025 based on availability
• Remix game ball signed by the whole team!

Recycle and Support the Slough!

Want to recycle and donate to CSWC at the same time?



Simply collect your redeemable cans and bottles, and pop them into a blue Bottle Drop bag, and drop them off at the nearest bottle drop location. We have bags with a QR code on them so when you scan them and drop them at the bottle drop, the funds automatically go to Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s account. You can also transfer funds from your own Bottle Drop.

Just fill out the form below if you'd like to pick up some blue bags, or we can mail you a box of 10 bags!


ITS THE LAST DAY TO DROP OFF BOTTLE DROP BAGS FOR HOLIDAY GIVE! Drop off CSWC BottleDrop blue bags today at any BottleDrop location to help us receive up to 20% match on funds raised!

How to Double Your Donation

Did you know that about 91% of companies match their employees' donations dollar for dollar? You can turn your $25 gift into $50! That makes a huge difference for a small organization like CSWC.

Here are steps you can take to see if your employer matches your donation:

1. Ask your employer if they offer a workplace matching program. Human Resources Departments usually handle this.
2. After making a gift to CSWC, request the appropriate form or verbal confirmation of your gift from your employer.
3. Complete the form or submit an online request if your company uses an application for online requests.
4. Email the form or ask your employer to contact CSWC at info@columbiaslough.org to confirm the donation.
5. CSWC will complete our side, and you’re all set!

Taking a few moments to ask about a workplace matching program can have a significant impact on the Council. There are thousands of potential dollars available to fund our Education, Stewardship, and Events programs. Ask today!

CSWC's Events Line-Up

Join CSWC for winter events to help improve the watershed's critical natural resources, learn about nature, and connect with the community! 

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

Bird Walk at St John's Prairie - Registration coming soon

Saturday, January 24, 9 AM - 11 AM

Join local bird walk leaders Ryan Gilpin and Thomas Meinzen, Metro, and CSWC for a free bird walk at St. John's Prairie. This 240 acre site, once a landfill, is now a protected prairie providing habitat for wildlife. A space typically closed to public access, will be open for the group to bird, learn, and explore!

January Board Meeting

Monday, January 26, 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s Board meetings are open to the public! Join us this month to get involved with the Council’s behind-the-scenes operations. This meeting will be held virtually on Zoom.

Coffee with the Council

Thursday, January 29, 9 AM - 12 PM

Our office will be open from 9am to 12pm for you to stop by and chat. Whether you’re a long-time partner of the Council, interested in getting your organization involved with our work, or a community member, we’d love to meet you. This is also a good opportunity to talk with other local organizations and agencies. Coffee and pastries will be provided! 

Bird Walk at Company Lake - Registration coming soon

Saturday, January 31, 9 AM - 11 AM

Join CSWC and bird walk leaders, Ryan Gilpin (of Nidus Consulting) and Thomas Meinzen on a winter bird walk. This event is at Company Lake, an urban lake in Troutdale on the edge of the Columbia Slough Watershed. This free event is open to all ages.

P.S. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM UNSUBSCRIBING. While we send weekly emails during Give!Guide, we will go back to our monthly emails once January comes.