Community Watershed Stewardship Program info

Over the past year, I've had the pleasure of working with IRCO on the intergenerational garden through the organization I work for, the Community Watershed Stewardship Grants Program, which aims to improve Portland’s watershed health.

Improving the quality of water in Portland’s rivers requires us to improve the health of the whole landscape, from the river’s edge to our neighborhoods, community spaces, and backyards; and it requires us all to be involved.  That’s why IRCO and IRCO’s participants are such important partners, bringing together people from all generations and all backgrounds and bringing some amazing energy and creativity for the work they do.
 
Our grants can be used for many different types of projects to achieve many different community goals.  Here are a few ideas:

• Remove asphalt and concrete from your community place, and plant native plants, trees, or bark chips for children to play on.
• Create a native plant learning area at your school or community garden, with plants, trails, and information about the plants and which animals use them for food.  
• Organize a bike tour for your community group to learn how to get to their local natural areas.
• Take groups on field trips to parks, natural areas, and rivers to learn about wildlife, fish, plants and nature. 
• Take youth to city natural areas to plant trees and plants with city workers and learn about natural history.

For more information on Community Watershed Stewardship grants, and project planning services we provide, please visit www.portlandonline.com/bes/stewardship or call Rebecca Hamilton at 503.823.7917.

- Garrett Phillips, CWSP Program