Restore Your Property: Big or Small

As a home, property, or land owner you can make a dramatic difference. Whether it’s a small DIY project or a larger scale project that needs a little consultation from an expert at the council. We can help with do-it-yourself ideas and restoration project resources.

Restoration Project Resources

There are things you can do at home to improve the health of our vital watershed and we’re here to help. We work on many types and sizes of restoration projects throughout the watershed. Removing invasive species and planting natives along riparian buffers are our highest priority. 

Get Started:

Use the do-it-yourself ideas below to inspire changes in your own backyard. Or, if you need even more help, reach out to SBWC and start your own Restoration Project.

  • Contact Rachell by phone at 503-397-7904 or email: info@scappoosebay-wc.org
  • Schedule a site visit.
  • Be prepared to describe your property concerns and your goals.
  • Together, we can determine the best options for your situation.
  • Depending on the options, grant opportunities could be available. Learn more about Small Grants.
  • Keep in mind, proper planning and restoration takes time.

Together, we can all do our part to create healthy communities and creeks from the headwaters to the Scappoose Bay.

5 Ideas for Property Owners to Help our Watershed

As a home, property, or land owner you can make a dramatic difference. Below are a few DIY projects you can do that will dramatically improve our watershed.

Plant Native Plants

Eliminate Invasive Species

Increase Wildlife Habitat

Improve Water Quality

Support Salmon Habitat

1. Plant More Natives

Consider planting native plant species first. Wildlife prefer native species and they thrive in their natural environment. Consider a variety of vegetative types and heights that flower and bear fruit at different times of the year.

Start by checking out our quick reference guide, Scappoose Bay Watershed Council Native Plant List, for a list of area plants. Then purchase natives at the SBWC Native Plant Nursery sales the second Saturday in April and October.

Anyone in our community can play a role.

Other Resource Links

2. Eliminate weeds and invasive species

Learn how to identify invasive species and prevent and/or remove weeds and other invasive plants. Be sure to stay vigilant – invasive plants are aggressive growers.

In Columbia County, be on the lookout for:

  • Riparian Areas: Himalayan blackberries, Reed canary grass, English ivy, Knotweed, Garlic mustard, Yellow archangel, Giant Hogweed
  • Wetland Areas: Purple loosestrife, Yellowflag iris, Reed canary grass

Newer invaders: Spurge laurel, Yellow archangel, Lesser celandine, and Spotted/Meadow knapweeds

3. Create an Inviting Habitat for Wildlife

  • Wildlife habitat = Food + Water + Cover
  • Encourage bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects.
  • Leave snags and some downed, woody materials for perching, hiding, and nesting.
  • Plant small grains or large-seeded grasses as food for wildlife.
  • Develop ponds, stock water tanks or other watering facilities.
  • Add bat boxes and bird houses to encourage species that feed on insects.
  • Trees and shrubs supply habitat and travel corridors for wildlife.

Are you ready to get started on a naturescaping project but need a little help designing your landscape? Watch the video below.

4. Improve Water Quality

  • Conserve water
  • Minimize the release of chemicals in waterways
  • Maintain septic systems
  • Landscape and build wisely

5. Support Salmon Recovery Efforts

  • Plant stream banks with healthy native plants
  • Increase ability for fish to access areas to spawn and reproduce
  • Restore habitat in streams and rivers by leaving or placing large wood
  • Reduce sediment and pollution by minimizing erosion

Our Partners

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