Whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or share in our community spaces, you're connected to something bigger. Join us as we explore how our homes, neighborhoods, and everyday choices shape the health of our watershed. Through our 'Watershed Wisdom Begins at Home' event series, discover simple yet powerful ways to protect our rivers and lands right where you live and gather. From rain gardens to native plantings, from irrigation-free gardening to community volunteer projects, these next two years of events will focus on the power of individual actions to create ripples of positive change throughout our watershed!
Upcoming LWC Events
First Day Hike at Luckiamute State Natural Area
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Date: Thursday, January 1
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm Place: Luckiamute State Natural Area (North Unit) Explore five hidden natural wonders of Luckiamute State Natural Area—some right in plain sight—on a relaxed morning stroll with Park Rangers. As you walk along the North Tract loop trail, you'll be visiting 5 stations where you'll learn about mussels, woodrats, migrating rivers, enchanted gallery forests and more! Make sure to dress for the weather, since the trails can get a little muddy! Friendly for all ages, but please leave pets at home. Click here for details and to RSVP!
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Streamside Stewardship: Best Practices for Riparian Vegetation Management
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Date: Saturday, January 17
Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm Place: Monmouth Public Library(168 Ecols St., Monmouth) Join Aubrey Cloud for an informative talk on maintaining healthy streamside habitats through thoughtful vegetation management. Using the Inspiration Gardens’ riparian trail along South Fork Ash Creek as an example, this talk offers practical insights for anyone who cares for streamside landscapes. Hosted by the Polk County Master Gardeners and open to the public.
Click here for more details and to RSVP! |
Plan For Your Land Workshop
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Date: Wednesdays, from January 28 - March 7, 2026
Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm Place: Your choice! At home or at one of two watch party locations Apply* for this FREE 5-part workshop series to learn about natural resources, get professional guidance for conservation projects on your land, and connect with your neighbors in the watershed. Click here for more information and to apply!
*Note: Due to the popularity of this workshop, you will be required to submit an application. The application is open to any landowners and managers, but depending on the number of applicants, we will prioritize participation for those who care for at least five acres of land. The application process is open now, and selections will be made by mid-December 2025.
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Partner Events
Polk Soil & Water Conservation District
Fields to Streams Workshop Series
Fields to Streams Workshop Series
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Drainage Ditches: Ag Drainage Channel Design, Management & Water Quality
January 13th from 8:30–11am Amity Fire District (700 S Trade St., Amity, OR, 97101) Hear from local farmers and Derek Godwin, Watershed Management faculty at Oregon State University, as we explore effective drainage channel management, ODA’s maintenance program, design ideas to improve flow, and strategies for balancing ag drainage with water quality. We’ll also describe a new voluntary approach to roadside ditch management All local landowners and producers are welcome! Hosted by the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District. Register: Drainage Ditches - Polk Soil & Water Conservation District |
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Living Cover, Lasting Benefits: Soil Health and Erosion
February 10th from 8:30–11am Amity Fire District (700 S Trade St., Amity, OR, 97101) Hear from Shannon Cappellazzi, OSU Soil Health Specialist, and Priya Rajarapu, OSU Christmas Tree Specialist, as they share the latest science and on-the-ground research. We’ll explore soil health benefits and how to measure them, cover crops in Christmas trees and hazelnuts, results from OSU’s cover crop research, funding opportunities for soil health practices, and strategies for managing erosion “hot spots.” All producers and landowners are welcome! Hosted by the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District. Register: Living Cover, Lasting Benefits - Polk Soil & Water Conservation District |
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Edge Effects: Vegetation, Habitat, and Water Health
March 10th from 8:30–11am Amity Fire District (700 S Trade St., Amity, OR, 97101) Hear from Derek Godwin, Watershed Management faculty at Oregon State University, as we explore how historical conditions have shaped the Salt Creek watershed and how vegetation influence habitat and water health today. We’ll also look at strategies for balancing flood control, stream erosion, and water quality, review examples of successful wetland reserve projects, and highlight available funding sources for vegetation restoration and water quality improvements. All landowners and producers are welcome! Hosted by the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District. Register: Edge Effects - Polk Soil & Water Conservation District |
Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuges
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Winter - Spring 2025 Sips 'n' Science recordings:
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Traditional Ecological Knowledge Video Series
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This two-part video series was produced in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde (CTGR), Polk Soil & Water Conservation District and the LWC, with additional funding support by Benton Soil & Water Conservation District and Willamette Habitat Restoration Fund. This series focuses on teaching private landowners how they incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and partner with CTGR in maintaining oak habitat on their land.The first video begins by defining TEK and its importance to landscape restoration, and describing the cultural significance of many native plant species. The second video explains how landowners can incorporate the principles of TEK into their own land management strategies, and features the story of a Polk County landowner who is managing her cattle ranch to protect Oregon white oak and other native plants important to the Tribes. Click here to view video series!
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Click here to visit our library of virtual Love Your Watershed events
All of our virtual Sips 'n' Science webinar recordings and other video productions are now available for viewing in our virtual event library!
We also have several other virtual offerings, including a native gardening workshop, a virtual plant ID walk and resources for community science. Click on the images below to find out more!
We also have several other virtual offerings, including a native gardening workshop, a virtual plant ID walk and resources for community science. Click on the images below to find out more!
LSNA Self-Guided Walking Tour
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Date & time are your choice!
Place: Luckiamute State Natural Area - North Unit Head to Luckiamute State Natural Area (LSNA) for a self-guided walking tour around the North Unit loop trail. The tour includes six waypoints, where you are encouraged to stop and learn more about LSNA and its ecological and cultural importance. A brochure that includes a trail map and markers for each of the six waypoints is available at the LWC office, or you can print and download a copy for yourself! Click here for more details and to download a brochure!
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