Technical Assistance

These organizations can provide direct assistance to residents and landowners. They can offer help ranging from answers to watershed-related questions, to site visits and assistance developing a plan for your site.

City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES)

Early Detection/Rapid Response Invasive Plant Control

• Limited free removal of EDRR species as time/funding allows, with permission of property owner.

• EDRR species include garlic mustard, giant hogweed, pokeweed, false brome, blessed milk thistle, policeman's helmet, orange hawkweed, goatsrue and water primrose. For more info, see https://www.portland.gov/bes/invasive-plants.

• Contact 503-823-2989 if you have identified these species on your property.  For assistance in identifying plants, contact the Watershed Resource Center.
   

Backyard Habitat Certification Program (BHCP)

• Program currently serves properties under 1 acre in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Clark counties.  Live outside these areas?  Sign up to be notified when the program expands to your area.

• Receive site visit, site report/plan and access to program resources, including:

  • list of contractors who are knowledgeable about native and invasive plants

  • discounts on native plants and soil amendments

  • other benefits with local nature organizations.

• There is a small fee to participate in this program. See Backyard Habitat website for latest rates.

Tryon Creek Watershed Council (TCWC)

• TCWC works to restore, protect, and enhance the functionality of our unique urban watershed.  Work focuses on engaging with community members, removing invasive species and planting native plants, and implementing restoration or removal of fish passage barriers.

• Restoration and Education Events - volunteer at one of many sites each year at the Watershed Wide event, learn about creek happenings at the annual State of the Watershed, and or participate in restoration events hosted several times a year!

• Landscaping and Restoration Advice - contact TCWC with questions regarding your streamside or upland property for native plant recommendations; some properties may qualify for assistance with grant writing for restoration projects. 

• Terri Preeg Riggsby, Executive Director, 971-404-4909 or terri@tryoncreek.org; Alexis Barton, Program Coordinator, alexis@tryoncreek.org. Follow TCWC on Facebook and Instagram, @TryonCreekWC! 

Tualatin River Watershed Council (TRWC)

• Native plant materials available for landowners. Order year-round, with planting season delivery (winter-early spring).

• Tualatin River watershed groups will contact TRWC on landowner's behalf to request plants for project sites.

West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District (WMSWCD)

• Technical assistance and restoration plan development for eligible landowners.

• Stormwater Stars Program:  A landscape improvement and education program that supports those who live, work, and play in the District in managing rainwater.

• Properties 1 acre or greater along streams or adjacent to natural areas.

• Ariana Scipiono, ariana@wmswcd.org