Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District

03/26/2026

Are you a landowner, irrigation manager, or technical service provider? Join the Deschutes SWCD this spring for the Integrated Water Management Course, presented in partnership with . Build practical skills in irrigation management, tools, and strategies tailored to Central Oregon's working landscapes. Starting Thursdays in April, spots are limited, grab yours now!

Integrated Water Management Course – Spring 2026 Water is one of Central Oregon's most critical and finite resources. Whether you're managing irrigation on a working farm, advising landowners, or simply looking to make more informed decisions about water use on your property, this course was built...

03/26/2026

Are you a landowner, irrigation manager, or technical service provider?Join the Deschutes SWCD this spring for the Integrated Water Management Course, presented in partnership with . Build practical skills in irrigation management, tools, and strategies tailored to Central Oregon's working landscapes. Starting Thursdays in April, spots are limited — grab yours at https://www.deschutesswcd.org/irrigation-water-management-online-course-field-training-registration/

02/25/2026

Our annual native plant sale is coming up! Shop these native plants and more, selected for Central Oregon yards and gardens. Bring fresh color to your landscape this spring!

See more on our website — https://www.deschutesswcd.org/2025-annual-native-plant-sale-2/ ! 🌻🦋

01/05/2026

2025 was a big year for us, and we're excited to start working to make 2026 even bigger! This year, we worked directly with landowners and partners to move conservation from planning to implementation—supporting projects across the county and delivering measurable on-the-ground results.

With voter-approved funding now in place, we also launched new pilot work, including support for Flat Fire recovery, while laying the groundwork for expanded programs ahead.

Thank you to the landowners, partners, and community members who made this work possible. Stay tuned for what's to come in the new year!

12/31/2025

We worked directly with landowners and partners to support projects across the county and deliver measurable on-the-ground results.

With voter-approved funding now in place, we also launched new pilot work, including support for Flat Fire recovery, while laying the groundwork for expanded programs ahead.

Thank you to the landowners, partners, and community members who made this work possible. We're looking forward to an even bigger 2026!

11/12/2025

Now accepting applications for juniper management funding!

The Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD) is offering financial assistance to help private landowners in Deschutes County reduce excessive juniper and improve watershed health.

Projects will be ranked based on hydrologic and ecological benefits, and DSWCD staff will conduct field visits to evaluate each proposed area before selection.

This funding comes from a state legislative grant supporting large-scale juniper reduction projects across Central and Eastern Oregon.

✅ Eligible: Private lands in Deschutes County
📅 Apply now — funding is limited

Learn more and apply here: https://www.deschutesswcd.org/juniper-management-funding-application/

11/05/2025

Let’s fill everyone’s pantries this year. 🥕

Join High Desert Food & Farm Alliance at the Central Oregon Fill Your Pantry on Saturday event, November 8 | 11 AM – 3 PM at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds (OSU Extension parking lot) to stock up on local food and support your neighbors.
👉 centraloregonfillyourpantry.com

This year’s event includes multiple ways to help fight food insecurity:
• Bend Food Project will collect non-perishable foods for The Giving Plate.
• HDFFA will collect fresh bulk items for NeighborImpact pantries.
• The Bend Farmers Market will provide $100 in additional funds to anyone using SNAP who has at least $1 on their Oregon Trail card—plus free food and $20 in emergency Double Up Food Bucks for those who need it.

Bring a box, fill your pantry, and help fill someone else’s too.

10/15/2025

Recovery after the Flat Fire is underway.
Deschutes SWCD is partnering with local landowners and organizations to restore burned areas through herbicide treatment, native grass seeding, and erosion control efforts.

This pilot program helps private landowners stabilize soil, reduce invasive weeds, and support long-term native recovery across affected properties 🌱

📸 Photo courtesy of Deschutes Land Trust

08/27/2025

The Flat Fire is a difficult reminder of the fire-prone ecosystem we call home here in Central Oregon. To all who have been impacted, the Deschutes SWCD extends our deepest sympathy. We are actively working on how we can best support private landowners facing wildfire impacts and will continue building the tools and partnerships needed for long-term resilience. For now, we stand with our community, our firefighters, and all those affected as we face these challenges together.

07/31/2025

We’ve moved! 📍 You can now find us at our new office: 805 SW Industrial Way in downtown Bend - shared with our partners Deschutes River Conservancy and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council

We’re excited to work even more closely together to support conservation in Deschutes County.

Stop by and see how we can help you meet your conservation goals!

03/13/2025

Spring is almost here!

Get your garden ready for pollinators with a variety of native species available at Deschutes SWCD's 3rd Annual Native Plant Sale. Native plants support local ecosystems and help your garden thrive!

Shop the selection now on our website: https://www.deschutesswcd.org/2025-annual-native-plant-sale/