Resources

Stormwater Management

When the rain washes over our roofs, driveways, and sidewalks, it picks up a variety of pollutants, such as pesticides, motor oil, metals, other chemicals. This polluted stormwater eventually drains into our rivers and streams, endangering water quality and making these waterways unhealthy for people, fish, and wildlife. Our program will help you identify stormwater strategies for your yard to better protect rivers and streams.

Adopt Eco-Friendly Maintenance Practices

Disconnected Downspouts (where appropriate)

Ecoroofs

  • Ecoroofswebsite with general information, resources, and permitting, policy, and code details by City of Portland

Erosion & Slopes

  • Erosionwebpage by West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District highlighting how erosion occurs when soil detaches and moves downhill
  • Managing Steep Slopeshandout by Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District
  • Geotechnical Engineers – online directory by East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District

Rain Gardens

Soil Health

  • Leave the Leaves!article by Xerces Society on how to support pollinators and other invertebrates over the winter.
  • Healthy soilwebpage by Tualatin Soil & Water Conservation District about building and maintaining healthy soil. Includes helpful resources for learning more about your soil.
  • The Four Principles of Soil Healthrecorded presentation by Tualatin SWCD & West Multnomah SWCD about how different gardening practices can increase soil health.
  • Compostingwebpage by Metro highlighting how composting can be easy and offers many benefits, from helping your garden grow greener – for free.
  • How to Depaveguide by Depave for removing impervious surfaces in your yard. You’ll get a link upon submitting the form.

Additional Resources