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

• All Electric Yard Care Fact Sheet by Electrify Now_June 2022

Disconnected Downspouts (where appropriate)

• Downspout Disconnection Program – program by City of Portland
• Downspout Disconnect Program – program by Clark County

Ecoroofs

• Ecoroofs – website with general information, resources, and permitting, policy, and code details by City of Portland

Erosion & Slopes

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

Rain Gardens

• Rain Garden Guide – manual by OSU and EMSWCD on how to  design, prep, and install a rain garden
• Rain Gardens – webpage by East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District with info on how to manage your roof water onsite
• Rain Garden Design for Sun – design template by City of Gresham
• Rain Garden Design for Shade – design template by City of Gresham

Soil Health

• Leave the Leaves! – article by Xerces Society on how to support pollinators and other invertebrates over the winter.
• Healthy soil – webpage 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 Health – recorded presentation by Tualatin SWCD & West Multnomah SWCD about how different gardening practices can increase soil health.
• Composting – webpage by Metro highlighting how composting can be easy and offers many benefits, from helping your garden grow greener – for free.
• How to Depave – guide by Depave for removing impervious surfaces in your yard. You’ll get a link upon submitting the form.

Additional Resources

• Free Water Audits for Lake Oswego Residents – website by City of Lake Oswego
• Westside Watershed Resource Center – website by WWRC about technical information and referrals for noxious weed removal, native plant landscaping, stormwater management, and natural gardening