Luckiamute Watershed Council

08/12/2026

🌿 Polk County neighbors, our partners at Polk Soil & Water Conservation District are offering Native Plant Grants of up to $1,000 for planting projects in Polk County — including pollinator gardens, rain gardens, riparian plantings, oak habitat, and more!

Landowners, schools, and community groups are all welcome to apply.

⏰ Applications are due August 20, so check out the full details and application today at https://www.polkswcd.com/native-plant-grant/

08/11/2026

The LWC invites you to our bi-monthly board meeting this Thursday (August 13) at the Happy Workers Club from 6 - 8pm. There are also a couple spots left if you haven't yet RSVPed for the pre-meeting BBQ and social hour starting at 4pm! Details at https://www.luckiamute.org/lwc-summer-bbq-social.html

08/04/2026

You've probably seen Jimothy 🦝, the internet's favorite short-spined raccoon, making the rounds in Seattle backyards. He's got us thinking about the raccoons closer to home — and about one of their favorite meals.

Yesterday we introduced you to the freshwater mussels living in the watershed. Turns out raccoons are one of their main predators. Along our stream banks at dusk, raccoons forage for crayfish and crack open mussels, then find shelter in old snag trees near the water. If you ever spot a small pile of empty mussel shells on a bank, that's often a raccoon's leftovers.

Their presence is a small but meaningful sign that a stretch of riparian corridor still has what wildlife need: mature trees for shelter, and enough life in the stream to support them.

So while Jimothy gets the fame, keep an eye out along our local waterways. You might spot one of his lower-profile cousins, doing the same thing, just with better cover. 🐾

Photo by Tim Moore, ODFW

08/03/2026

💧 Independence community, the city still has FREE water conservation kits available - including a trigger nozzle, rain gauge and soil moisture meter!

As part of our state-mandated Water Management and Conservation Plan, the city's public works department is offering free water conservation kits for residents wanting to participate in water conservation efforts. The kits include:

1 Trigger Nozzle
1 Plastic Shut-Off Coupling for Garden Hoses
1 Rain Gauge
1 Smart Soil Moisture Meter

These kits are limited in supply and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Don't wait: Call 503-837-1181 and get yours today before they dry up.

For more information on the Water Management and Conservation Plan, water conservation tips, and resources, visit: https://www.ci.independence.or.us/water/

07/31/2026

💧August Watershed Species Spotlight: Freshwater Mussels 🐚

Freshwater mussels are some of the most overlooked animals in Willamette Valley waterways. Living partially buried in gravel and sediment, native freshwater mussels filter water, stabilize streambeds, and support healthier aquatic ecosystems over their decades-long lifespans, which can be over 100 years for the Western Pearlshell! Last year, our eDNA monitoring detected the Oregon Floater in Ash Creek in Independence — a great reminder that these quiet filter-feeders are still present in our local streams, even where you'd least expect them.

August brings low flows and warmer water, when mussels are especially vulnerable to disturbance. They depend on clean, shaded streams and stable gravel beds as adults. And, in order to complete their unique life cycle, rely upon native fish to transport their young upstream.

How you can help protect their habitat:
🚫🥾 Avoid wading, floating, or driving through shallow riffles and gravel bars
🌿🪵 Leave streamside plants and woody debris in place to provide shade and stabilize banks
🚿🌱 Water yards efficiently and keep bare soil covered to reduce sediment runoff

Small choices during the driest months can make a big difference for the unique and important life hidden beneath the surface. 💪

07/27/2026

🌱 Polk county residents, schools and businesses, check out this fantastic new Native Plant Grant opportunity available from Polk Soil & Water Conservation District!

We are pleased to share that Polk SWCD is starting an in-house Native Plant Grant!

This grant is funded by proceeds from our biannual Native Plant Sales, allowing every purchase to support conservation beyond our customers’ landscape. Through this program, one or more grants may be awarded up to $1,000 to fund native planting projects throughout Polk County. By helping landowners, schools, community groups, and other organizations establish native plant communities, the grant reinvests in our community to improve soil health, protect water quality, and create habitat for wildlife and pollinators. Applications are due August 20th.

For more information and the application: https://www.polkswcd.com/native-plant-grant/

07/24/2026

🌿 Hey watershed community, here is an excellent opportunity to learn how to identify plants! Come to the Inspiration Garden at Mt. Fir Park, 799 F. St in Independence tomorrow (Saturday, July 25) at 10am.

👀 "What Am I Looking At?" is happening TOMORROW, Saturday July 25th, at 10:00 AM at the Inspiration Garden in Independence! This is a free, hands-on class!

Come learn about some of the apps and other resources available for plant and wildlife identification while touring the garden. We'll check out a few different tools, practice identifying some plants, and even talk a little about how you can put your skills to use as a citizen scientist!

This class will be held at the Inspiration Garden at Mt. Fir Park, 799 F. St in Independence. Look for signs and meet at the Gathering Place.

All are welcome! No cost, and no registration required.



https://www.facebook.com/share/1cdWeKr1qM/

07/15/2026

🎉 Happy 60th Anniversary, Soil & Water Conservation District 🎉

Since 1966, Polk SWCD has been supporting local farmers, forest landowners, and community members in restoring and caring for the lands and waters we all share. We're proud to call Polk SWCD a partner, and we're grateful for their support and collaboration on so many restoration projects and outreach opportunities, plus their amazing annual native plant sales. Their conservation leadership is making a real difference for our watershed health!

Here's to 60 years of meaningful conservation and partnership — and many more to come! 🌲💧🐟