Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District

08/10/2026

Registration is now open!

Join the Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) and the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council for a Japanese Knotw**d Workshop on September 12 from 10 am to 12 pm.

During this workshop, participants will learn how to:

- Identify Japanese Knotw**d at different stages of growth
- Learn best practices for management and removal
- Identify other high-priority w**ds found in Columbia County

Location: CSWCD Office
35285 Millard Road, St. Helens, OR 97051

Doors open at 9:30 am. The workshop will run from 10 am - 12 pm, and breakfast will be provided!

The workshop will take place primarily indoors, with a short outdoor demonstration.

⚠️ Space is limited! Please complete a separate registration form for each person attending.

Register here: https://arcg.is/1memaX3

We hope to see you there!

07/17/2026

Do you have Tansy ragwort growing on your property? If so, your neighbors may be talking about you!

With the mild spring, the tansy ragwort has really taken off this year. We are receiving a lot of calls from people complaining about their neighbors. But, the days of w**d inspectors are long gone. So your best bet is to call your neighbor to discuss the issue, and have them call us for tips and recommendations they can take to control the tansy ragwort on their property.

To learn more about tansy ragwort and its impacts on neighbor relationships check out our latest web post.

https://conservationdistrict.org/2026/tansy-ragwort-poisons-livestock-and-neighborly-relations.html

Happy Pulling!

07/16/2026

“To save the salmon, we have to save the beavers.” 🦫

07/15/2026

Day 1 of the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo is underway!

Stop by the Columbia SWCD booth to learn about the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle, explore resources from our local watershed councils, and chat with us about conservation in Columbia County.

We’ll be here throughout the fair:
• Wednesday and Thursday: 10 AM to 10 PM
• Friday and Saturday: 10 AM to midnight

Come say hello! 🤠

06/26/2026

🍃 McCormick Park Volunteer Work Party
🌳 Saturday, July 11, 2026
🪻 9 a.m. to Noon
🌿 Meet on the exercise trail near the intersection of South 18th Street and Old Portland Road
🌱 Pre-register at https://arcg.is/0S951a1

The Friends of McCormick Park had to reschedule their June work party due to a thunderstorm threat. Join them on Saturday, July 11 for a rescheduled work party in McCormick Park.

This event will largely be focused on clearing invasive blackberry and periwinkle for fall planting. No prior experience is necessary. Youth age 15 + may volunteer without an adult present. Younger kids must be accompanied by an adult.

The Friends group has been granted a habitat kit from the Xerces Society!

Meeting Location: The northeast exercise trail, near the intersection of Old Portland Road and South 18th Street

Accessibility: The worksite isn't far from either parking area and plenty of free parking is available. The project area ranges from flat and grassy to muddy and sloped.

Provided: Small selection of tools

Please bring: Your own water, sun/raingear, gloves, and tools (shovel, trowel, pruning shears) as supplies are limited.

9 a.m. - Check in
9:15 a.m. - Introductions & project orientation
9:30 a.m. - Work begins! Removal w**ding, mulching, and watering around new plantings
Noon - End of event

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

Our office will be closed on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth, a national holiday recognizing the end of slavery in the United States. It is a day to reflect on freedom, history, and the importance of community.
We wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday.

06/11/2026

06/05/2026

Congratulations to our Board Chair, Michael Calhoun, on being featured in Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve's Pride Month environmental exhibit!

Michael was recognized for his contributions to conservation, salmon habitat restoration, urban forestry, and community stewardship.

Read the full article here: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__columbiacountyspotlight.com_2026_05_21_vernonia-2Dadvocate-2Dfeatured-2Din-2Djackson-2Dbottom-2Dpride-2Dmonth-2Denvironmental-2Dexhibit_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=HWKKyPN_-DiQQScZYRYx0JGXri_G2Dss2NjNPwntV_3uIgUA6ymTfWpQHcmsVFYm&m=dc42G683fc1KtBnxw4Ox9X1EgmrwjqRClZltHbDL3aa15aVATaIWceKe-zt7Go3J&s=_zhGZzyeUxKIHimp_iB5vjpgs1Lo1J6ociLY2VKYy_o&e=

In honor of Hillsboro’s 150th — or sesquicentennial — birthday, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve will spotlight LGBTQ+ voices in environmental work with a monthlong exhibit in June. Connecting Pride Month […]

05/28/2026

Looking for a hands-on way to support our local parks? 🌿
Join this volunteer work party and help keep these shared spaces healthy, beautiful, and thriving for everyone! Every bit of effort makes a difference.

You’re invited to attend the Friends of McCormick Park work party scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon!

The group will be w**ding, mulching, and watering new plantings and surveying the site for any missed or new Scotch broom. Depending on the volunteer group size, the work party may also tackle a patch of invasive Periwinkle and blackberry in preparation for fall planting.

No prior experience is necessary. Youth ages 15+ may participate without an adult present. Younger kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Meeting Location: Trailhead near BMX track. Follow the signs! McCormick Park, 475 S. 18th Street, St. Helens.

Accessibility: The worksite isn't far from either parking area and plenty of free parking is available. The work area ranges from flat and grassy to muddy and sloped.

Provided: Small selection of tools.

Please Bring: Your own water, sun/rain gear, gloves, empty jugs for watering plants, and tools (shovel, trowel, pruning shears) as supplies are limited.

Schedule:
9 a.m. - Check in
9:15 a.m. - Introductions & project orientation
9:30 a.m. - Work begins! Removal, w**ding, mulching, and watering around new plantings
12 p.m. - End of event

Volunteers can pre-register for the work party at https://arcg.is/veOSC1

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1572701947124119