Volunteer!

The Tillamook Bay Watershed Council is always seeking volunteers for the office and in the field to work on projects such as our annual Down by the Riverside or Tillamook Bay Cleanup events. We work with Boy Scout groups to develop Eagle Scout projects and science students interested in learning more about watershed issues. The council is also interested in working with private property owners interested in participating in watershed restoration on their property.

For more information on how to get involved with the council, please contact the council director at 503-322-0002.

Be a Steward of the Tillamook Bay Watershed! A steward is someone who is entrusted with the preservation and protection of a natural area over a long period of time. We are all stewards of the land, air, and water around us. In a watershed, stewardship involves being sensitive to the fact that we share a common body of water that is impacted by our individual decisions on the land. By living responsibly and being aware of the impact we have on our environment, we can improve and protect the natural wonders around us.

1.Go native! Plant native vegetation in your yard to provide shade, shelter, and food for fish and animals, and to prevent erosion. Native species do not require pesticides or fertilizers and are well adapted to our local environment.

2.Eliminate invasive species from your garden or landscape. Invasive plants destroy local ecosystems by out competing the natives. They cost Americans billions in prevention, control and direct costs. Check out the Garden Smart Guide for information on the regions most intractable species along with alternative plants to encourage.

3.Put in a rain garden! Rain gardens are a beautiful way to manage stormwater runoff because they allow rain to soak into the ground naturally, reducing the amount of pollution that gets into our creeks, rivers, and wetlands. Rain gardens also help in maintaining the natural hydrology so streams do not flood as severely in the winter or go dry during the summer. For more information, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation district has how-to information and links on their website or you can use this useful brochure from Washington State University.

4.Disconnect your downspout. Leave gutters in place while directing the downspout into your yard or a rain barrel for yard watering. This can help prevent creek flooding by filtering the rainwater through the soil into groundwater, rather than sending it directly into the creek or into a combined sewer. Be sure to check with your local government before disconnecting, as some soil types and topography are not amenable to downspout disconnection.

5.Eliminate pesticides and minimize fertilizer use. Pesticides can be deadly to fish and other wildlife. Over-used fertilizers can also be harmful to wildlife by overwhelming streams with unusually high nutrient levels. Start your own compost pile as a source of free, natural fertilizer for your yard. Metro has complete instructions on where to start.

6.Prevent run-off by sweeping patios and sidewalks instead of hosing them. Hosing wastes water and carries contaminants into the creek. Also, wash your car on the lawn with biodegradable soap or at a car wash that recycles water.

7.Clean up animal waste to prevent it from washing into waterways and contaminating the water. For owners of small livestock, manage your waste within confined areas that cannot runoff into creeks or wetlands. Use vegetated filter strips or maintain existing riparian buffers to keep manure from entering local streams. Maintain a good gravel or sand bed in horse and other livestock yards. For more information small livestock manure management, go to: http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/manure-mud-management

8.Keep your car properly maintained so that oil and other automotive solutions do not run into the creek. Always recycle your leftover motor oil curbside or at automobile shops. Properly dispose of other hazardous automotive products, solvents, or yard chemicals at a hazardous waste facility or neighborhood collection events.

9.If you have one, maintain your septic system. Pump your system regularly (every 3-5 years), have it inspected and keep good records. For more tips on caring for your septic system visit the Oregon State University Extension website.

10.Become a Tillamook Bay Watershed Council member or volunteer! Join us at our meetings and community events! Take part in upcoming local neighborhood watershed meetings! Your participation allows us to continue to implement restoration activities and organize exciting community events in the Tillamook Bay Watershed.