Clackamas River Basin Council

06/19/2026

Did you miss our unconventional pollinator pub talk? Worry not! We are taking this show on the virtual road. Join us 6/30 at noon for a 30 minute webinar on the less famous pollinators doing fantastic work for our ecosystems!

Register here: https://clackamasriver.org/events/webinar-pretty-pollinator-friendly-garden-designs-that-do-more-copy/

Beyond Bees: Unconventional Pollinators and the Hidden World of Invertebrates
When we think of pollinators, honey bees and bumble bees usually come to mind. But flowers are visited by a remarkable diversity of insects—including flies, beetles, moths, wasps, ants, and many others—that also play important roles in pollination.

Join the Clackamas River Basin Council & resident entomologist Dakota Hufford for an exploration of these often-overlooked pollinators and the fascinating ways they interact with plants and ecosystems. We’ll learn how to identify common groups of insects, discover some surprising local species, and examine the habitats they need throughout their life cycles.

Along the way, we’ll explore why pollinators are just one piece of a much larger story. From decomposers and predators to aquatic insects and scavengers, invertebrates fill countless ecological roles that keep ecosystems functioning. By understanding and supporting these diverse organisms, we can create healthier habitats for pollinators and the broader communities they depend on.

Whether you’re a gardener, naturalist, land steward, or simply curious about the small creatures around you, this webinar will offer a new perspective on the incredible diversity of life right outside your door.

Topics include:

What makes an insect a pollinator?
Flies, beetles, moths, wasps, ants, and other unconventional pollinators
Basic insect identification tips
Creating habitat beyond planting flowers
Local species and ecological interactions in the Clackamas Basin
Why learning the names of the organisms around us can deepen our connection to place
When: Tuesday June 30th at 12pm

05/29/2026

Pub Talk: Sustainable Propagation for Low Maintenance Gardening

Register here: https://clackamasriver.org/events/pub-talk-propagation/

Join us for an evening of learning and discussion on plant propagation!!

Bring the family, friends, dogs and any burning plant questions!

Want more plants without the cost—or the ecological impact? Join us for a hands-on pub talk and workshop where you’ll learn how to propagate plants sustainably and build a thriving, low-maintenance garden.

This interactive session will walk you through the basics of plant propagation, including how to take and root cuttings you can bring home with you. We’ll also cover best practices for collecting and growing plants responsibly—so you can expand your garden without harming natural ecosystems.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, you’ll leave with new skills, fresh plants, and a better understanding of how to garden in harmony with nature.

When: Sunday May 31st from 5:00pm – 7:00pm

5-5:30 – Mingle
5:30-6:30 – presentation
6:30-7 – Q&A

Where: Ruzzo’s Retreat
15252 OR-224
Damascus OR, 97089

05/27/2026

Pub Talk: Sustainable Propagation for Low Maintenance Gardening

Register here: https://clackamasriver.org/events/pub-talk-propagation/

Join us for an evening of learning and discussion on plant propagation!!

Bring the family, friends, dogs and any burning plant questions!

Want more plants without the cost—or the ecological impact? Join us for a hands-on pub talk and workshop where you’ll learn how to propagate plants sustainably and build a thriving, low-maintenance garden.

This interactive session will walk you through the basics of plant propagation, including how to take and root cuttings you can bring home with you. We’ll also cover best practices for collecting and growing plants responsibly—so you can expand your garden without harming natural ecosystems.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, you’ll leave with new skills, fresh plants, and a better understanding of how to garden in harmony with nature.

When: Sunday May 31st from 5:00pm – 7:00pm

5-5:30 – Mingle
5:30-6:30 – presentation
6:30-7 – Q&A

Where: Ruzzo’s Retreat
15252 OR-224
Damascus OR, 97089

05/04/2026

Register here! https://clackamasriver.org/events/clackfestcleanup/

In partnership with this years ClackFest - Join us for a spring time cleanup in the Wild and Scenic Upper Clackamas River! Taking place after the races at ClackFest, we are calling on volunteers like YOU to help us clean up around the Carter Bridge area!

When: May 17th, 2026 1pm - 5pm

Where: This cleanup is on-land only. We will meet and work near the Carter Bridge area off hwy 224.

Head East up Hwy-224 along the Clackamas River for 15 miles to Carter Bridge!

Parking is available in a few small lots before and after the Carter Bridge Event Site as well as along the road.

Why: Help Mother Nature and the Clack Fest leave the area better place.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a day along the Clackamas River while also joining your community in removing litter and debris that accumulate over the busy summer season.

Information about the spring Cleanup:

-Advanced Registration: Is required. Please sign up register (using the form above) ahead of time
-Meeting Location: Carter bridge
-What to Bring: Please wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a backpack for hands-free convenience. Feel free to bring a reusable water bottle to support our sustainability efforts.
-What's Provided: Trash grabbers, trash bags, gloves
-Restrooms: Bathrooms are available at several pull out areas along 224 as well as the event site
-Parking: Parking is available in a few small lots before and after the Carter Bridge -Event Site as well as along the road.
-Transit: Not available nearby
Accessibility: This area may not be easily accessible for folks with mobility concerns.
Translation Services: There will not be a Spanish speaker present at this event.
Participant Age Guidelines: Recommended for Ages 13 and up with an adult.

04/29/2026

Join us for a fun night out! Dakota from CRBC will present on some of the lesser known pollinators, and how we can support them 🤩🐜🐞

Register through link in bio. website or DM for link!

04/24/2026

😎Register here: https://clackamasriver.org/events/%f0%9f%92%9aearth-day-at-cross-park%f0%9f%92%9a/

Sunday, April 26
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Cross Park, Gladstone, Oregon – 2 82nd Dr, Gladstone, OR 97027

Celebrate Earth Day with us at Cross Park by giving back to your local environment! Join our community for a hands-on stewardship event focused on removing invasive plant species and helping restore healthy habitat.

No experience is needed—just come ready to get a little dirty and make a difference. Please bring your own gloves and a water bottle. Coffee and light snacks will be provided to keep you fueled while we work.

Come connect with neighbors, learn about local ecology, and be part of something positive for our watershed this Earth Day 🌎

What to Bring & Expect:

-Wear thick clothing and sturdy shoes – weather can be a doozy!
-Gloves will be provided, but bringing your own is encouraged.
-Please bring your own water bottle.
-Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

This is a great opportunity to care for a beloved local park, connect with neighbors, and make a positive impact on the watershed. All ages and experience levels welcome!

04/21/2026

Join us for a fun night out! Dakota from CRBC will present on some of the lesser known pollinators, and how we can support them 🤩🐜🐞

Register here: https://clackamasriver.org/events/pub-talk-unconventionalpollinators/

04/09/2026

Register here: https://clackamasriver.org/events/pub-talk-unconventionalpollinators/

Join us for an evening of learning and discussion on Unconventioal Pollinators & How to Protect Them at Ruzzo’s Retreat in Damascus!

Bring the family, friends, dogs and any burning bug questions!

Join us for an engaging pub talk exploring the fascinating world of unconventional pollinators—those often-overlooked insects and animals that play a critical role in keeping our ecosystems thriving. Beyond bees and butterflies, we’ll take a closer look at beetles, flies, moths, and more, with a focus on species right here in the Clackamas watershed.

Learn how these diverse pollinators support native plants, food systems, and overall ecosystem health, and why protecting them matters. We’ll also share practical, accessible ways you can create habitat, reduce pesticide impacts, and support pollinators in your own backyard or community.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, nature enthusiast, or just curious, this talk will leave you with a new appreciation for the small (and often misunderstood) creatures that keep our landscapes blooming.

When: Thursday April 30th, 6:00-8:00pm

Where: Ruzzo’s Retreat
15252 OR-224
Damascus OR, 97089

Register here: https://clackamasriver.org/events/pub-talk-unconventionalpollinators/

03/24/2026

What's new in the Clackamas watershed -

We are keeping you up to date on seasonal happenings in your Clackamas watershed. Read on for updates on upcoming free events, project updates, local wildlife news, new blogs posts, and more!

03/23/2026

Register here: https://clackamasriver.org/events/mulching-at-tickle-creek-3/

Folks absolutely crushed it at our first event in November, removing hundreds of pounds – ALL – of blackberry and clearing the whole site! And then in February we planted 400 native shrubs and trees. Now its time for our final mission – to mulch our baby plants and get them ready for their first summer in the ground.

Join the Clackamas River Basin Council, The Girl Scouts, The City of Sandy, and community volunteers for a morning of stewardship at Tickle Creek Park! Together we’ll mulch our new plantings, helping ensure their summer time survival. This planting will help stabilize stream banks, improve habitat for wildlife, and support long-term watershed health by re-establishing native vegetation adapted to local conditions. Community volunteers will play a hands-on role in restoring this area and helping ensure the site continues to recover and thrive!

The site is about an acre and is a stormwater retention area. This work will help to improve water infiltration and water quality.

What to Bring & Expect:
- Wear thick clothing and sturdy shoes – weather can be a doozy!
-Gloves will be provided, but bringing your own is encouraged.
-Please bring your own water bottle.
-Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Lunch will be served!

This is a great opportunity to care for a beloved local park, connect with neighbors, and make a positive impact on the watershed. All ages and experience levels welcome!

Register here: https://clackamasriver.org/events/mulching-at-tickle-creek-3/