Regenerate Willamette Valley - User contributions [en]

Stephens Creek

2026-03-02T23:43:04Z

Avltavin: /* Recent Updates */

== Recent Updates ==

=== '''There's an upcoming land-tending event every second Saturday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.''' ===
The nearest address is 7730 SW 4th Ave. in Portland, OR, and we will be meeting at the top of the stairs. Please bring shovel, clippers, watertight shoes, and gloves if you have them!

For more information about past events and how they went, please [[Stephens Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Short Documentary on the Project by Danielle Hinz ==
[[File:Restoring a Roadside Landscape (1).png|left|thumb]]
A local community group has adopted a ten-acre stretch of Oregon State land (owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation) through the Adopt-a-Highway program. We are calling this area under I-5 Fringecup Landing as there are native fringecup plants in the area.

Existing in a riparian zone along Stephens Creek, a significant tributary to the Willamette River, Fringecup Landing represents a key restoration opportunity for the health of beavers and salmon in the area.

[https://youtu.be/DI_GQ4VbxlM Click here] to watch a three-minute documentary about the project.

== Interactive Map ==
If you'd like to play with an interactive map of the project and the surrounding area, [https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?hl=en&mid=16KXgJnVJzGzSoXBUTu5vFqoXSnRegYs&ll=45.469670154534995%2C-122.68482992207562&z=18 click here.]

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephens Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
[https://youtu.be/boaKUd9MubU?si=bykVz2VHuGCQakN3 Here's a longer video about this project and how it came to be.]

Stephens Creek is a tributary that flows year-round toward the [[Willamette River]]. The headwaters begin up near the [https://www.oregonjcc.org/ Mittleman Jewish Community Center.] The creek then flows down through the [https://www.portland.gov/parks/stephens-creek-nature-park Stephens Creek Nature Park], through an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) riparian area, through land "owned" by Portland Metro, and then down toward the Willamette River.

Additionally, a local neighbor, John Miller, has written this lovely blog about the [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html bridges over Stephens Creek]. Check it out!

== Ecological Composition & Conservation Value ==

==== Water Health & Safety ====
There are 5+ stormwater drains that run directly into the creek in this ODOT area. These pipes transfer run-off from the street, which is known to include microplastics, heavy metals, and automotive chemicals from the street. No water testing has been done yet. If you would like to help us with water testing, please contact '''avltavin@gmail.com.'''

Additionally, there are several drainage holes that pour water directly from the freeway on-ramp down onto the walking path.

==== Animal Activity ====
Most importantly, there are active signs that this section of Stephens Creek is a beaver habitat. There are many downed trees in the area with many small dams. Mallard ducks also occasionally make their way up to this section of the creek.

From the [https://www.portland.gov/bes/protecting-rivers-streams/stephens-creek#:~:text=Stephens%20Creek%20is%20a%20subwatershed,north%20of%20the%20Sellwood%20Bridge. Portland.gov website]: "The Stephens Creek confluence, where Stephens Creek joins the Willamette River, has been found to be the most salmonid species-rich place in the city. This is the only stream reach in the city where the four most common salmon or trout species have been observed (chinook, coho, cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout)."

==== Native Shrubs ====
This area contains snowberry, oso berry, salmonberry, cleaver, red osier dogwood, maidenhair ferns, and nettle plants.

==== Native Trees ====
There are cedars, douglas firs, and maples naturally occurring in this area.

==== Invasive Plants ====
The area is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. There are also smaller populations of ragweed, mullein (medicinal, but non-native), and teasel.

==== Future Planting Plan ====
Through ODOT, we are approved to plant red alder, white alder, Oregon white oak, western red cedar, vine maples, serviceberry, salal berry, flowering red currant, tall Oregon grape, cattail, and bearberry honeysuckle. We plan to work with local plant nursery co-ops such as [https://symbiop.com/ SymbiOp] to collect these plants and put them in the ground in Fall 2025. Additionally, we plan to propagate the native shrubs listed to improve diversity in the area and overtake the invasive plants. We hope to have success seeding some native grasses that thrive in shady environments.

== Neighborhood Value ==
This section of Stephens Creek is followed by an ODOT access road (gravel/dirt) that comes in from Custer St. Later, this section was adapted as part of [https://swtrails.org/trails/ SW Trails] #4. There is a bench along the stairs down to the area and a small amount of creek access at the end of the ODOT fence (near Custer St.). Many neighbors live along the top of the riparian area and are invested in the space.

Additionally, as the area is close to Trimet Bus Line #12, there is a fair amount of foot traffic. This is also a good route from SW 4th Ave. toward Fulton Community Garden. There are occasionally houseless neighbors who seek shelter from the elements in this location, and we do everything we can to be respectful of their space while tending the land.

Many neighbors also bring compost and leaf material to this location to nourish the soil when they have a surplus.

== ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape Program ==
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online on how to adopt a landscape or which landscapes are available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). The best thing to do is to reach out to '''d2bup@odot.oregon.gov''' and ask. You can also go to [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ Portland Maps] to get information about which public entity might own the land you want to work on.

For the Stephens Creek riparian area, we worked with ODOT to adopt the landscape. The worksite is technically listed as being associated with the land to the right of Northbound I-5 and OR99-W between mile marker 4.34 and 4.76, under the Terwilliger on-ramp.

Per the agreement with ODOT, [[Northern Willamette Valley|Regenerate Northern Willamette Valley]] must pickup trash in the area at least four times per year and pull invasive species at least twice per year. Currently, we plan to offer a land-tending gathering to the community once per month, typically on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See our [[Stephens Creek Work Tracker|work tracker]], or contact '''avltavin@gmail.com''' for more information.

== Partnerships ==
We are currently in partnership with [https://www.westsidewatersheds.org/ Westside Watersheds], a City-funded community resource to help small landscape groups develop stormwater gardens and do watershed cleanups. They have allowed us to borrow tools and have given us a stipend to purchase native plants from local plant nursery co-ops.

Additionally, we are supported by the [https://southburlingamena.org/ South Burlingame Neighborhood Association] and the South Burlingame [https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams Neighborhood Emergency Team] (SBNET), who have both supplied volunteer labor. Some community members from the mutual aid group, [https://pdx.community/data/organizations/alphabetical/ Community Unconditionally Taking care of Each other] (C.U.T.E.), have supported this project and outreach to houseless neighbors.

We are currently in the process of applying for grants through the [https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/mini-grants Portland Clean Energy Fund] as well as the [https://www.portlandpf.org/grants-program Portland Parks Foundation].

Stephens Creek

2026-02-25T22:12:57Z

Avltavin:

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event every second Saturday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.''' The nearest address is 7730 SW 4th Ave. in Portland, OR, and we will be meeting at the top of the stairs. Please bring shovel, clippers, watertight shoes, and gloves if you have them!

For more information about past events and how they went, please [[Stephens Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Short Documentary on the Project by Danielle Hinz ==
[[File:Restoring a Roadside Landscape (1).png|left|thumb]]
A local community group has adopted a ten-acre stretch of Oregon State land (owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation) through the Adopt-a-Highway program. We are calling this area under I-5 Fringecup Landing as there are native fringecup plants in the area.

Existing in a riparian zone along Stephens Creek, a significant tributary to the Willamette River, Fringecup Landing represents a key restoration opportunity for the health of beavers and salmon in the area.

[https://youtu.be/DI_GQ4VbxlM Click here] to watch a three-minute documentary about the project.

== Interactive Map ==
If you'd like to play with an interactive map of the project and the surrounding area, [https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?hl=en&mid=16KXgJnVJzGzSoXBUTu5vFqoXSnRegYs&ll=45.469670154534995%2C-122.68482992207562&z=18 click here.]

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephens Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
[https://youtu.be/boaKUd9MubU?si=bykVz2VHuGCQakN3 Here's a longer video about this project and how it came to be.]

Stephens Creek is a tributary that flows year-round toward the [[Willamette River]]. The headwaters begin up near the [https://www.oregonjcc.org/ Mittleman Jewish Community Center.] The creek then flows down through the [https://www.portland.gov/parks/stephens-creek-nature-park Stephens Creek Nature Park], through an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) riparian area, through land "owned" by Portland Metro, and then down toward the Willamette River.

Additionally, a local neighbor, John Miller, has written this lovely blog about the [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html bridges over Stephens Creek]. Check it out!

== Ecological Composition & Conservation Value ==

==== Water Health & Safety ====
There are 5+ stormwater drains that run directly into the creek in this ODOT area. These pipes transfer run-off from the street, which is known to include microplastics, heavy metals, and automotive chemicals from the street. No water testing has been done yet. If you would like to help us with water testing, please contact '''avltavin@gmail.com.'''

Additionally, there are several drainage holes that pour water directly from the freeway on-ramp down onto the walking path.

==== Animal Activity ====
Most importantly, there are active signs that this section of Stephens Creek is a beaver habitat. There are many downed trees in the area with many small dams. Mallard ducks also occasionally make their way up to this section of the creek.

From the [https://www.portland.gov/bes/protecting-rivers-streams/stephens-creek#:~:text=Stephens%20Creek%20is%20a%20subwatershed,north%20of%20the%20Sellwood%20Bridge. Portland.gov website]: "The Stephens Creek confluence, where Stephens Creek joins the Willamette River, has been found to be the most salmonid species-rich place in the city. This is the only stream reach in the city where the four most common salmon or trout species have been observed (chinook, coho, cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout)."

==== Native Shrubs ====
This area contains snowberry, oso berry, salmonberry, cleaver, red osier dogwood, maidenhair ferns, and nettle plants.

==== Native Trees ====
There are cedars, douglas firs, and maples naturally occurring in this area.

==== Invasive Plants ====
The area is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. There are also smaller populations of ragweed, mullein (medicinal, but non-native), and teasel.

==== Future Planting Plan ====
Through ODOT, we are approved to plant red alder, white alder, Oregon white oak, western red cedar, vine maples, serviceberry, salal berry, flowering red currant, tall Oregon grape, cattail, and bearberry honeysuckle. We plan to work with local plant nursery co-ops such as [https://symbiop.com/ SymbiOp] to collect these plants and put them in the ground in Fall 2025. Additionally, we plan to propagate the native shrubs listed to improve diversity in the area and overtake the invasive plants. We hope to have success seeding some native grasses that thrive in shady environments.

== Neighborhood Value ==
This section of Stephens Creek is followed by an ODOT access road (gravel/dirt) that comes in from Custer St. Later, this section was adapted as part of [https://swtrails.org/trails/ SW Trails] #4. There is a bench along the stairs down to the area and a small amount of creek access at the end of the ODOT fence (near Custer St.). Many neighbors live along the top of the riparian area and are invested in the space.

Additionally, as the area is close to Trimet Bus Line #12, there is a fair amount of foot traffic. This is also a good route from SW 4th Ave. toward Fulton Community Garden. There are occasionally houseless neighbors who seek shelter from the elements in this location, and we do everything we can to be respectful of their space while tending the land.

Many neighbors also bring compost and leaf material to this location to nourish the soil when they have a surplus.

== ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape Program ==
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online on how to adopt a landscape or which landscapes are available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). The best thing to do is to reach out to '''d2bup@odot.oregon.gov''' and ask. You can also go to [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ Portland Maps] to get information about which public entity might own the land you want to work on.

For the Stephens Creek riparian area, we worked with ODOT to adopt the landscape. The worksite is technically listed as being associated with the land to the right of Northbound I-5 and OR99-W between mile marker 4.34 and 4.76, under the Terwilliger on-ramp.

Per the agreement with ODOT, [[Northern Willamette Valley|Regenerate Northern Willamette Valley]] must pickup trash in the area at least four times per year and pull invasive species at least twice per year. Currently, we plan to offer a land-tending gathering to the community once per month, typically on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See our [[Stephens Creek Work Tracker|work tracker]], or contact '''avltavin@gmail.com''' for more information.

== Partnerships ==
We are currently in partnership with [https://www.westsidewatersheds.org/ Westside Watersheds], a City-funded community resource to help small landscape groups develop stormwater gardens and do watershed cleanups. They have allowed us to borrow tools and have given us a stipend to purchase native plants from local plant nursery co-ops.

Additionally, we are supported by the [https://southburlingamena.org/ South Burlingame Neighborhood Association] and the South Burlingame [https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams Neighborhood Emergency Team] (SBNET), who have both supplied volunteer labor. Some community members from the mutual aid group, [https://pdx.community/data/organizations/alphabetical/ Community Unconditionally Taking care of Each other] (C.U.T.E.), have supported this project and outreach to houseless neighbors.

We are currently in the process of applying for grants through the [https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/mini-grants Portland Clean Energy Fund] as well as the [https://www.portlandpf.org/grants-program Portland Parks Foundation].

Stephens Creek Updates

2026-02-25T22:10:12Z

Avltavin:

== 02/25/25 ==
[[File:20260219 161456.jpg|left|thumb|''A stormwater pipe along Stephens Creek at the Fringecup Landing site.'']]
Over the past few months, our local community group has been hard at work (rain or shine) on planting cuttings from local native plants such as Pacific ninebark, red osier dogwood, spirea, and willow along the eroded creek bed. Our volunteers have been going strong and have also recently made connections with a few of our unhoused neighbors, enabling us to bring supplies and resources.

We are nearly finished with the log terracing along the stairs, which is slowing the water in the area and creating soil for future plantings. Though it's not official yet, '''we proposed an expansion from our six-acre area into another four acres upstream''', which will allow us to pick up more trash, plant more trees, and clear out more invasive plants.

Two weeks ago, we were specifically invited to apply for [https://wmswcd.org/ West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District]'s Ripple Grant, '''which would supply the project with more than $20,000''' to fund more plants, labor, permit management, a community tool library, educational signs, and much more! We anticipate starting up quarterly plant identification walks as part of our education.

Since there are 12 months in a year and 12 [https://earth.fm/earth-stories/permaculture-principles/ permaculture principles], we decided to theme each of our work parties. For "Observe and Interact," we all took 20 minutes at the beginning of the work party to see what was calling our attention, and we used that information to collectively determine what we wanted to work on.

The second permaculture principle is "Catch & Store Energy," so we focused on getting the terraces closer to completion to help the water absorb into the landscape.

And, we did a '''community town hall and visioning session''' for the neighborhood associations, explaining the work we have been doing on the project and inviting participants to dream big about what's possible along Stephens Creek. It was wildly successful and a great way to educate local community members about watershed restoration.

== 11/08/25 ==
[[File:20251010 135845.jpg|thumb|This is the confluence of Fringecup/Stephens Creek and the Willamette River. ]]
Last month, Westside Watersheds donated 85 native plants to our project. We had about 20 neighbors and partners come out to help get all the plants in the ground now that the rainy season is here.

We planted five each of the following plants:

* Red alder
* White alder
* Western red cedar
* Oregon white oak
* Serviceberry
* Fringecups
* Maidenhair ferns
* Spreading wood ferns
* Flowering red currant
* Yarrow

We also planted 30 Western Sword ferns. It very exciting to see this culmination of the project. We have been prepping the zones for additional plants to help stop erosion here for the past six months! Now, we have to keep the English ivy from growing over them.

We are happy to report that there is much less trash in the area since we first started this project. We are down to 0-1 bags of trash when before we were pulling out about 10 bags of trash.

There is still a semi-truck tire lodged against the pipe in the creek, but we will need some specialized equipment for that. Also, we have determined that we need a new heavy-duty wagon, so we are in the market!

== 10/11/25 ==
I haven't made an update for a while, but that doesn't mean we haven't been hard at work! We have changed our schedule to be second Saturdays from 10a.m.-12:30p.m to have more consistency in these events, and since March, we've been doing land-tending days at least once a month, if not more often.

We were very excited to receive a [https://getchipdrop.com/ ChipDrop] mulch pile earlier this summer as a collaboration with local neighbors, ODOT, and local arborists. We are about two thirds of the way through that first pile and have been using it to mulch new pathways, baby trees, and a garden bed that we are hoping to plant at the top of the stairs in November.

We recently received $250 from Westside Watersheds to purchase native plants, which we will be picking up in late October! We will be planting alders, cedars, red flowering currant, Western sword ferns, fringecups, and many others! Please come down to support with this effort!

== 06/15/25 ==
It was a small group given that it was Fathers' Day and that there were ongoing L.A. solidarity protests going on here in Portland, but we honored all the energy of the moment and let our activism be led by the land that day. We had about six people join us.
[[File:Fringecup Creek.jpg|thumb|left|Stephens Creek needs a new name. How about Fringecup Creek?]]
This time, we did the following:

* Limbed a laurel tree that the beavers had chomped down
* Watered the baby red cedars (they are growing so well!)
* Cleared a patch of blackberry to prepare for ChipDrop deliveries in the future (yay!)
* Pulled some bindweed that was snaking up the alder trees and the fencing

Our next event is on a Monday this time, June 30th, from 6-8 p.m. Please come out and enjoy the land with us!

The photo to the left is one we took of the area from the Terwilliger bridge, complete with Mt. Hood in the background!

== 06/01/25 ==
We are feeling a lot of energy around this project and even hosted two impromptu tree planting events between official land-tending sessions. We also recently discovered that the area has pacific ninebark and wild roses!

[[File:Trash Pickup.jpeg|thumb|As long as we collect it in a neat pile, ODOT comes to take the garbage for us. Less garbage than last time! ]]

At this event, we had 15 people show up to do the following:

* Holding a sitting circle/do basket weaving
* Pickup trash from a recently vacated campsite
* Water and mulch the baby cedars we planted between events
* Edge the pathways to help control blackberries
* Trim the blackberries around the roses to give them more space/sun
* Cut branches that were presenting fire hazards
* Pull ivy from around the cedars
* Cut down teasel
* Pull tansy ragwort

We'll be hosting this event again on Fathers' Day, June 15th from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Please drop by!

== 04/26/25 ==
After having so much success at the first event and truly creating a village day atmosphere, we decided to host another land-tending party at the Stephens Creek site. Before the event, we made connections with [https://www.portland.gov/parks/fulton-community-garden-and-display-garden Fulton Community Garden], who has generously allowed us to borrow shovels, and also John Miller, a Collins' View resident who is just as obsessed with the creek as we are! In fact, he wrote this [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html lovely blog post].

In addition, we had some visiting from the [https://design-school-for-regenerating-earth.mn.co/ Design School for Regenerating Earth], who wanted to see what we were up to! It's really exciting the ways our project has become a template for possible ways to do conservation work throughout neighboring bioregions.

[[File:Terracing.jpeg|left|thumb|Natural log terracing, which will naturally collect leaves and prevent soil erosion.]]
Because we love the area and tend it even when we don't have volunteer help, we also spent some time planting some Oregon white oaks sourced from our friends at [https://www.lostvalley.org/ Lost Valley Education Center & Meadowsong Ecovillage]. We had some extras, so we passed them onto [https://tryonfarm.org/share/ Tryon Life Community Farm & Cedar Moon Ecovillage]. Truly an ecoregional collaboration!

=== Results ===

Again, we had 23 people show up, albeit many of them new to the work! We had two kiddos there, who were very helpful at picking up trash.

This time, our work included the following:

* Sitting circle and English ivy processing for basket weaving
* Ivy pulling
* Natural terracing using logs felled previously by ODOT
* Path making by edging the paths with logs to promote the return of plant growth at the edges
* Oak protection, which involved putting some chicken wire around the newly planted oaks to protect them from beavers
* Trash pickup - We even found a scooter!

We'll be hosting this event again on June 1st at 10 a.m. if you'd like to drop by!

To get more information about this project, please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' or check out [[Stephen's Creek]].

== 03/22/25 ==
[[File:Photo 2025-03-24 14-29-53.jpg|left|thumb|Going to pull up the tire out of the creek.]]
This was the very first land-tending party at Stephen's Creek! After getting the ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape permit in early March 2025, our team worked tirelessly to drum up interest. We handed out flyers to more than 60 households in the neighborhood that abutted the riparian area, presented at the South Burlingame Neighborhood Association, had the project featured on the social media accounts for Westside Watersheds, posted the event on the Regenerate Cascadia website, and listed the event on the NextDoor app. Additionally, we put some flyers up on street poles in the neighborhood.

To prepare for the event, we borrowed tools from Westside Watersheds, acquired snacks, brought in signs, and set up chairs.

At the event, we had 23 people show up, including one youth.

To introduce the event, we discussed all the partnerships involved in the project and then led a meditation to help us all orient toward working patiently at the pace of nature. We invited in the sacred water of Stephen's Creek and mentally visited all the places water from this creek visits on its way to the ocean. With that done, we did a get-to-know-you game and transitioned to describing the work teams.
[[File:Photo 2025-03-24 14-29-44.jpg|thumb|Piles of ivy pulled up by the mat team, waiting for basket material prep.]]
Everyone was able to self-select into one of the following teams (people could also move between teams at-will):

* Sitting Circle (prepping English ivy for basket-making, making cedar bundles, socializing, resting)
* Ivy Ringing (cutting a circle around trees to give them a better chance at outlasting the ivy)
* Ivy Mats (working at the top of the area to pull up a large ivy mass)
* Trash Team (bonus points for getting the shopping carts and tires out of the creek)
* Blackberry Busting (cutting and digging up blackberries on the hillside)
* Dogwood propagation (cutting and planting dogwood in the mud along the creek)

==== Results ====
We cleared half the hillside of blackberries; picked up four large landscape bags of trash, one tire (150 lbs), and two shopping carts; cleared a 20x10' area of ivy; made four bundles of basket-making material; made one cedar bundle; and propagated 20+ dogwood saplings. Additionally, one volunteer started playing the harmonica to entertain us all!
[[File:20250323 140721.jpg|left|thumb|200x200px|A basket made by a volunteer out of the English ivy pulled during this land-tending event (took them two hours with no experience).]]
We closed our land-tending event with a circle share about what surprised us and spoke about the next land-tending event, which will be on Earth Day, April 26th, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Everyone really enjoyed the event and is looking forward to coming again! The neighborhood association was especially pleased with how it went and anticipates sending regular attendees.

We look forward to all the ways this landscape will change over time as the result of our efforts and the natural ways that nature returns to itself.

To get more information about this project, please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' or check out [[Stephen's Creek]].

File:20260219 161456.jpg

2026-02-25T22:09:15Z

Avltavin:

Stephens Creek at Fringecup Landing

Stephens Creek

2026-02-25T21:56:12Z

Avltavin:

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event every second Saturday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.''' The nearest address is 7730 SW 4th Ave. in Portland, OR, and we will be meeting at the top of the stairs. Please bring shovel, clippers, watertight shoes, and gloves if you have them!

For more information about past events and how they went, please [[Stephens Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Short Documentary on the Project by Danielle Hinz ==
[[File:Restoring a Roadside Landscape (1).png|left|thumb]]
A local community group has adopted a ten-acre stretch of Oregon State land (owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation) through the Adopt-a-Highway program. We are calling this area under I-5 Fringecup Landing as there are native fringecup plants in the area.

Existing in a riparian zone along Stephens Creek, a significant tributary to the Willamette River, Fringecup Landing represents a key restoration opportunity for the health of beavers and salmon in the area.

[https://youtu.be/DI_GQ4VbxlM Click here] to watch a three-minute documentary about the project.

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephens Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
[https://youtu.be/boaKUd9MubU?si=bykVz2VHuGCQakN3 Here's a longer video about this project and how it came to be.]

Stephens Creek is a tributary that flows year-round toward the [[Willamette River]]. The headwaters begin up near the [https://www.oregonjcc.org/ Mittleman Jewish Community Center.] The creek then flows down through the [https://www.portland.gov/parks/stephens-creek-nature-park Stephens Creek Nature Park], through an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) riparian area, through land "owned" by Portland Metro, and then down toward the Willamette River.

Additionally, a local neighbor, John Miller, has written this lovely blog about the [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html bridges over Stephens Creek]. Check it out!

== Ecological Composition & Conservation Value ==

==== Water Health & Safety ====
There are 5+ stormwater drains that run directly into the creek in this ODOT area. These pipes transfer run-off from the street, which is known to include microplastics, heavy metals, and automotive chemicals from the street. No water testing has been done yet. If you would like to help us with water testing, please contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

Additionally, there are several drainage holes that pour water directly from the freeway on-ramp down onto the walking path.

==== Animal Activity ====
Most importantly, there are active signs that this section of Stephens Creek is a beaver habitat. There are many downed trees in the area with many small dams. Mallard ducks also occasionally make their way up to this section of the creek.

From the [https://www.portland.gov/bes/protecting-rivers-streams/stephens-creek#:~:text=Stephens%20Creek%20is%20a%20subwatershed,north%20of%20the%20Sellwood%20Bridge. Portland.gov website]: "The Stephens Creek confluence, where Stephens Creek joins the Willamette River, has been found to be the most salmonid species-rich place in the city. This is the only stream reach in the city where the four most common salmon or trout species have been observed (chinook, coho, cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout)."

==== Native Shrubs ====
This area contains snowberry, oso berry, salmonberry, cleaver, red osier dogwood, maidenhair ferns, and nettle plants.

==== Native Trees ====
There are cedars, douglas firs, and maples naturally occurring in this area.

==== Invasive Plants ====
The area is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. There are also smaller populations of ragweed, mullein (medicinal, but non-native), and teasel.

==== Future Planting Plan ====
Through ODOT, we are approved to plant red alder, white alder, Oregon white oak, western red cedar, vine maples, serviceberry, salal berry, flowering red currant, tall Oregon grape, cattail, and bearberry honeysuckle. We plan to work with local plant nursery co-ops such as [https://symbiop.com/ SymbiOp] to collect these plants and put them in the ground in Fall 2025. Additionally, we plan to propagate the native shrubs listed to improve diversity in the area and overtake the invasive plants. We hope to have success seeding some native grasses that thrive in shady environments.

== Neighborhood Value ==
This section of Stephens Creek is followed by an ODOT access road (gravel/dirt) that comes in from Custer St. Later, this section was adapted as part of [https://swtrails.org/trails/ SW Trails] #4. There is a bench along the stairs down to the area and a small amount of creek access at the end of the ODOT fence (near Custer St.). Many neighbors live along the top of the riparian area and are invested in the space.

Additionally, as the area is close to Trimet Bus Line #12, there is a fair amount of foot traffic. This is also a good route from SW 4th Ave. toward Fulton Community Garden. There are occasionally houseless neighbors who seek shelter from the elements in this location, and we do everything we can to be respectful of their space while tending the land.

Many neighbors also bring compost and leaf material to this location to nourish the soil when they have a surplus.

== ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape Program ==
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online on how to adopt a landscape or which landscapes are available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). The best thing to do is to reach out to '''d2bup@odot.oregon.gov''' and ask. You can also go to [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ Portland Maps] to get information about which public entity might own the land you want to work on.

For the Stephens Creek riparian area, we worked with ODOT to adopt the landscape. The worksite is technically listed as being associated with the land to the right of Northbound I-5 between mile marker 4.34 and 4.53, under the Terwilliger on-ramp.

Per the agreement with ODOT, [[Northern Willamette Valley|Regenerate Northern Willamette Valley]] must pickup trash in the area at least four times per year and pull invasive species at least twice per year. Currently, we plan to offer a land-tending gathering to the community once per month, typically on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See our [[Stephens Creek Work Tracker|work tracker]], or contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' for more information.

== Partnerships ==
We are currently in partnership with [https://www.westsidewatersheds.org/ Westside Watersheds], a City-funded community resource to help small landscape groups develop stormwater gardens and do watershed cleanups. They have allowed us to borrow tools and have given us a stipend to purchase native plants from local plant nursery co-ops.

Additionally, we are supported by the [https://southburlingamena.org/ South Burlingame Neighborhood Association] and the South Burlingame [https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams Neighborhood Emergency Team] (SBNET), who have both supplied volunteer labor. Some community members from the mutual aid group, [https://pdx.community/data/organizations/alphabetical/ Community Unconditionally Taking care of Each other] (C.U.T.E.), have supported this project and outreach to houseless neighbors.

We are currently in the process of applying for grants through the [https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/mini-grants Portland Clean Energy Fund] as well as the [https://www.portlandpf.org/grants-program Portland Parks Foundation].

File:Restoring a Roadside Landscape (1).png

2026-02-25T21:53:08Z

Avltavin:

Video

Stephens Creek

2026-02-25T21:52:25Z

Avltavin:

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event every second Saturday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.''' The nearest address is 7730 SW 4th Ave. in Portland, OR, and we will be meeting at the top of the stairs. Please bring shovel, clippers, watertight shoes, and gloves if you have them!

For more information about past events and how they went, please [[Stephens Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Short Documentary on the Project by Danielle Hinz ==

Click here to watch a three-minute documentary about the project.

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephens Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
[https://youtu.be/boaKUd9MubU?si=bykVz2VHuGCQakN3 Here's a video about this project and how it came to be.]

Stephens Creek is a tributary that flows year-round toward the [[Willamette River]]. The headwaters begin up near the [https://www.oregonjcc.org/ Mittleman Jewish Community Center.] The creek then flows down through the [https://www.portland.gov/parks/stephens-creek-nature-park Stephens Creek Nature Park], through an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) riparian area, through land "owned" by Portland Metro, and then down toward the Willamette River.

Additionally, a local neighbor, John Miller, has written this lovely blog about the [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html bridges over Stephens Creek]. Check it out!

== Ecological Composition & Conservation Value ==

==== Water Health & Safety ====
There are 5+ stormwater drains that run directly into the creek in this ODOT area. These pipes transfer run-off from the street, which is known to include microplastics, heavy metals, and automotive chemicals from the street. No water testing has been done yet. If you would like to help us with water testing, please contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

Additionally, there are several drainage holes that pour water directly from the freeway on-ramp down onto the walking path.

==== Animal Activity ====
Most importantly, there are active signs that this section of Stephens Creek is a beaver habitat. There are many downed trees in the area with many small dams. Mallard ducks also occasionally make their way up to this section of the creek.

From the [https://www.portland.gov/bes/protecting-rivers-streams/stephens-creek#:~:text=Stephens%20Creek%20is%20a%20subwatershed,north%20of%20the%20Sellwood%20Bridge. Portland.gov website]: "The Stephens Creek confluence, where Stephens Creek joins the Willamette River, has been found to be the most salmonid species-rich place in the city. This is the only stream reach in the city where the four most common salmon or trout species have been observed (chinook, coho, cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout)."

==== Native Shrubs ====
This area contains snowberry, oso berry, salmonberry, cleaver, red osier dogwood, maidenhair ferns, and nettle plants.

==== Native Trees ====
There are cedars, douglas firs, and maples naturally occurring in this area.

==== Invasive Plants ====
The area is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. There are also smaller populations of ragweed, mullein (medicinal, but non-native), and teasel.

==== Future Planting Plan ====
Through ODOT, we are approved to plant red alder, white alder, Oregon white oak, western red cedar, vine maples, serviceberry, salal berry, flowering red currant, tall Oregon grape, cattail, and bearberry honeysuckle. We plan to work with local plant nursery co-ops such as [https://symbiop.com/ SymbiOp] to collect these plants and put them in the ground in Fall 2025. Additionally, we plan to propagate the native shrubs listed to improve diversity in the area and overtake the invasive plants. We hope to have success seeding some native grasses that thrive in shady environments.

== Neighborhood Value ==
This section of Stephens Creek is followed by an ODOT access road (gravel/dirt) that comes in from Custer St. Later, this section was adapted as part of [https://swtrails.org/trails/ SW Trails] #4. There is a bench along the stairs down to the area and a small amount of creek access at the end of the ODOT fence (near Custer St.). Many neighbors live along the top of the riparian area and are invested in the space.

Additionally, as the area is close to Trimet Bus Line #12, there is a fair amount of foot traffic. This is also a good route from SW 4th Ave. toward Fulton Community Garden. There are occasionally houseless neighbors who seek shelter from the elements in this location, and we do everything we can to be respectful of their space while tending the land.

Many neighbors also bring compost and leaf material to this location to nourish the soil when they have a surplus.

== ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape Program ==
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online on how to adopt a landscape or which landscapes are available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). The best thing to do is to reach out to '''d2bup@odot.oregon.gov''' and ask. You can also go to [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ Portland Maps] to get information about which public entity might own the land you want to work on.

For the Stephens Creek riparian area, we worked with ODOT to adopt the landscape. The worksite is technically listed as being associated with the land to the right of Northbound I-5 between mile marker 4.34 and 4.53, under the Terwilliger on-ramp.

Per the agreement with ODOT, [[Northern Willamette Valley|Regenerate Northern Willamette Valley]] must pickup trash in the area at least four times per year and pull invasive species at least twice per year. Currently, we plan to offer a land-tending gathering to the community once per month, typically on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See our [[Stephens Creek Work Tracker|work tracker]], or contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' for more information.

== Partnerships ==
We are currently in partnership with [https://www.westsidewatersheds.org/ Westside Watersheds], a City-funded community resource to help small landscape groups develop stormwater gardens and do watershed cleanups. They have allowed us to borrow tools and have given us a stipend to purchase native plants from local plant nursery co-ops.

Additionally, we are supported by the [https://southburlingamena.org/ South Burlingame Neighborhood Association] and the South Burlingame [https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams Neighborhood Emergency Team] (SBNET), who have both supplied volunteer labor. Some community members from the mutual aid group, [https://pdx.community/data/organizations/alphabetical/ Community Unconditionally Taking care of Each other] (C.U.T.E.), have supported this project and outreach to houseless neighbors.

We are currently in the process of applying for grants through the [https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/mini-grants Portland Clean Energy Fund] as well as the [https://www.portlandpf.org/grants-program Portland Parks Foundation].

Stephens Creek

2026-02-25T21:51:28Z

Avltavin: /* Short Documentary on the Project by Danielle Hinz */

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event every second Saturday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.''' The nearest address is 7730 SW 4th Ave. in Portland, OR, and we will be meeting at the top of the stairs. Please bring shovel, clippers, watertight shoes, and gloves if you have them!

For more information about past events and how they went, please [[Stephens Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Short Documentary on the Project by Danielle Hinz ==

{{#ev:youtube|DI_GQ4VbxlM|640|390|center|description|container|URLargs}}

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephens Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
[https://youtu.be/boaKUd9MubU?si=bykVz2VHuGCQakN3 Here's a video about this project and how it came to be.]

Stephens Creek is a tributary that flows year-round toward the [[Willamette River]]. The headwaters begin up near the [https://www.oregonjcc.org/ Mittleman Jewish Community Center.] The creek then flows down through the [https://www.portland.gov/parks/stephens-creek-nature-park Stephens Creek Nature Park], through an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) riparian area, through land "owned" by Portland Metro, and then down toward the Willamette River.

Additionally, a local neighbor, John Miller, has written this lovely blog about the [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html bridges over Stephens Creek]. Check it out!

== Ecological Composition & Conservation Value ==

==== Water Health & Safety ====
There are 5+ stormwater drains that run directly into the creek in this ODOT area. These pipes transfer run-off from the street, which is known to include microplastics, heavy metals, and automotive chemicals from the street. No water testing has been done yet. If you would like to help us with water testing, please contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

Additionally, there are several drainage holes that pour water directly from the freeway on-ramp down onto the walking path.

==== Animal Activity ====
Most importantly, there are active signs that this section of Stephens Creek is a beaver habitat. There are many downed trees in the area with many small dams. Mallard ducks also occasionally make their way up to this section of the creek.

From the [https://www.portland.gov/bes/protecting-rivers-streams/stephens-creek#:~:text=Stephens%20Creek%20is%20a%20subwatershed,north%20of%20the%20Sellwood%20Bridge. Portland.gov website]: "The Stephens Creek confluence, where Stephens Creek joins the Willamette River, has been found to be the most salmonid species-rich place in the city. This is the only stream reach in the city where the four most common salmon or trout species have been observed (chinook, coho, cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout)."

==== Native Shrubs ====
This area contains snowberry, oso berry, salmonberry, cleaver, red osier dogwood, maidenhair ferns, and nettle plants.

==== Native Trees ====
There are cedars, douglas firs, and maples naturally occurring in this area.

==== Invasive Plants ====
The area is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. There are also smaller populations of ragweed, mullein (medicinal, but non-native), and teasel.

==== Future Planting Plan ====
Through ODOT, we are approved to plant red alder, white alder, Oregon white oak, western red cedar, vine maples, serviceberry, salal berry, flowering red currant, tall Oregon grape, cattail, and bearberry honeysuckle. We plan to work with local plant nursery co-ops such as [https://symbiop.com/ SymbiOp] to collect these plants and put them in the ground in Fall 2025. Additionally, we plan to propagate the native shrubs listed to improve diversity in the area and overtake the invasive plants. We hope to have success seeding some native grasses that thrive in shady environments.

== Neighborhood Value ==
This section of Stephens Creek is followed by an ODOT access road (gravel/dirt) that comes in from Custer St. Later, this section was adapted as part of [https://swtrails.org/trails/ SW Trails] #4. There is a bench along the stairs down to the area and a small amount of creek access at the end of the ODOT fence (near Custer St.). Many neighbors live along the top of the riparian area and are invested in the space.

Additionally, as the area is close to Trimet Bus Line #12, there is a fair amount of foot traffic. This is also a good route from SW 4th Ave. toward Fulton Community Garden. There are occasionally houseless neighbors who seek shelter from the elements in this location, and we do everything we can to be respectful of their space while tending the land.

Many neighbors also bring compost and leaf material to this location to nourish the soil when they have a surplus.

== ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape Program ==
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online on how to adopt a landscape or which landscapes are available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). The best thing to do is to reach out to '''d2bup@odot.oregon.gov''' and ask. You can also go to [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ Portland Maps] to get information about which public entity might own the land you want to work on.

For the Stephens Creek riparian area, we worked with ODOT to adopt the landscape. The worksite is technically listed as being associated with the land to the right of Northbound I-5 between mile marker 4.34 and 4.53, under the Terwilliger on-ramp.

Per the agreement with ODOT, [[Northern Willamette Valley|Regenerate Northern Willamette Valley]] must pickup trash in the area at least four times per year and pull invasive species at least twice per year. Currently, we plan to offer a land-tending gathering to the community once per month, typically on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See our [[Stephens Creek Work Tracker|work tracker]], or contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' for more information.

== Partnerships ==
We are currently in partnership with [https://www.westsidewatersheds.org/ Westside Watersheds], a City-funded community resource to help small landscape groups develop stormwater gardens and do watershed cleanups. They have allowed us to borrow tools and have given us a stipend to purchase native plants from local plant nursery co-ops.

Additionally, we are supported by the [https://southburlingamena.org/ South Burlingame Neighborhood Association] and the South Burlingame [https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams Neighborhood Emergency Team] (SBNET), who have both supplied volunteer labor. Some community members from the mutual aid group, [https://pdx.community/data/organizations/alphabetical/ Community Unconditionally Taking care of Each other] (C.U.T.E.), have supported this project and outreach to houseless neighbors.

We are currently in the process of applying for grants through the [https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/mini-grants Portland Clean Energy Fund] as well as the [https://www.portlandpf.org/grants-program Portland Parks Foundation].

Stephens Creek

2026-02-25T21:49:12Z

Avltavin: /* Short Documentary on the Project by Danielle Hinz */

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event every second Saturday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.''' The nearest address is 7730 SW 4th Ave. in Portland, OR, and we will be meeting at the top of the stairs. Please bring shovel, clippers, watertight shoes, and gloves if you have them!

For more information about past events and how they went, please [[Stephens Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Short Documentary on the Project by Danielle Hinz ==

document.write("<iframe title='YouTube video player' type=\"text/html\" width='640' height='390' src='https://youtu.be/DI_GQ4VbxlM'frameborder='0' allowFullScreen></iframe>";

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephens Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
[https://youtu.be/boaKUd9MubU?si=bykVz2VHuGCQakN3 Here's a video about this project and how it came to be.]

Stephens Creek is a tributary that flows year-round toward the [[Willamette River]]. The headwaters begin up near the [https://www.oregonjcc.org/ Mittleman Jewish Community Center.] The creek then flows down through the [https://www.portland.gov/parks/stephens-creek-nature-park Stephens Creek Nature Park], through an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) riparian area, through land "owned" by Portland Metro, and then down toward the Willamette River.

Additionally, a local neighbor, John Miller, has written this lovely blog about the [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html bridges over Stephens Creek]. Check it out!

== Ecological Composition & Conservation Value ==

==== Water Health & Safety ====
There are 5+ stormwater drains that run directly into the creek in this ODOT area. These pipes transfer run-off from the street, which is known to include microplastics, heavy metals, and automotive chemicals from the street. No water testing has been done yet. If you would like to help us with water testing, please contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

Additionally, there are several drainage holes that pour water directly from the freeway on-ramp down onto the walking path.

==== Animal Activity ====
Most importantly, there are active signs that this section of Stephens Creek is a beaver habitat. There are many downed trees in the area with many small dams. Mallard ducks also occasionally make their way up to this section of the creek.

From the [https://www.portland.gov/bes/protecting-rivers-streams/stephens-creek#:~:text=Stephens%20Creek%20is%20a%20subwatershed,north%20of%20the%20Sellwood%20Bridge. Portland.gov website]: "The Stephens Creek confluence, where Stephens Creek joins the Willamette River, has been found to be the most salmonid species-rich place in the city. This is the only stream reach in the city where the four most common salmon or trout species have been observed (chinook, coho, cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout)."

==== Native Shrubs ====
This area contains snowberry, oso berry, salmonberry, cleaver, red osier dogwood, maidenhair ferns, and nettle plants.

==== Native Trees ====
There are cedars, douglas firs, and maples naturally occurring in this area.

==== Invasive Plants ====
The area is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. There are also smaller populations of ragweed, mullein (medicinal, but non-native), and teasel.

==== Future Planting Plan ====
Through ODOT, we are approved to plant red alder, white alder, Oregon white oak, western red cedar, vine maples, serviceberry, salal berry, flowering red currant, tall Oregon grape, cattail, and bearberry honeysuckle. We plan to work with local plant nursery co-ops such as [https://symbiop.com/ SymbiOp] to collect these plants and put them in the ground in Fall 2025. Additionally, we plan to propagate the native shrubs listed to improve diversity in the area and overtake the invasive plants. We hope to have success seeding some native grasses that thrive in shady environments.

== Neighborhood Value ==
This section of Stephens Creek is followed by an ODOT access road (gravel/dirt) that comes in from Custer St. Later, this section was adapted as part of [https://swtrails.org/trails/ SW Trails] #4. There is a bench along the stairs down to the area and a small amount of creek access at the end of the ODOT fence (near Custer St.). Many neighbors live along the top of the riparian area and are invested in the space.

Additionally, as the area is close to Trimet Bus Line #12, there is a fair amount of foot traffic. This is also a good route from SW 4th Ave. toward Fulton Community Garden. There are occasionally houseless neighbors who seek shelter from the elements in this location, and we do everything we can to be respectful of their space while tending the land.

Many neighbors also bring compost and leaf material to this location to nourish the soil when they have a surplus.

== ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape Program ==
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online on how to adopt a landscape or which landscapes are available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). The best thing to do is to reach out to '''d2bup@odot.oregon.gov''' and ask. You can also go to [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ Portland Maps] to get information about which public entity might own the land you want to work on.

For the Stephens Creek riparian area, we worked with ODOT to adopt the landscape. The worksite is technically listed as being associated with the land to the right of Northbound I-5 between mile marker 4.34 and 4.53, under the Terwilliger on-ramp.

Per the agreement with ODOT, [[Northern Willamette Valley|Regenerate Northern Willamette Valley]] must pickup trash in the area at least four times per year and pull invasive species at least twice per year. Currently, we plan to offer a land-tending gathering to the community once per month, typically on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See our [[Stephens Creek Work Tracker|work tracker]], or contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' for more information.

== Partnerships ==
We are currently in partnership with [https://www.westsidewatersheds.org/ Westside Watersheds], a City-funded community resource to help small landscape groups develop stormwater gardens and do watershed cleanups. They have allowed us to borrow tools and have given us a stipend to purchase native plants from local plant nursery co-ops.

Additionally, we are supported by the [https://southburlingamena.org/ South Burlingame Neighborhood Association] and the South Burlingame [https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams Neighborhood Emergency Team] (SBNET), who have both supplied volunteer labor. Some community members from the mutual aid group, [https://pdx.community/data/organizations/alphabetical/ Community Unconditionally Taking care of Each other] (C.U.T.E.), have supported this project and outreach to houseless neighbors.

We are currently in the process of applying for grants through the [https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/mini-grants Portland Clean Energy Fund] as well as the [https://www.portlandpf.org/grants-program Portland Parks Foundation].

Stephens Creek

2026-02-25T21:48:41Z

Avltavin:

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event every second Saturday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.''' The nearest address is 7730 SW 4th Ave. in Portland, OR, and we will be meeting at the top of the stairs. Please bring shovel, clippers, watertight shoes, and gloves if you have them!

For more information about past events and how they went, please [[Stephens Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Short Documentary on the Project by Danielle Hinz ==

<script>
document.write("<iframe title='YouTube video player' type=\"text/html\" width='640' height='390' src='https://youtu.be/DI_GQ4VbxlM'frameborder='0' allowFullScreen></iframe>";
</script>

https://youtu.be/DI_GQ4VbxlM

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephens Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
[https://youtu.be/boaKUd9MubU?si=bykVz2VHuGCQakN3 Here's a video about this project and how it came to be.]

Stephens Creek is a tributary that flows year-round toward the [[Willamette River]]. The headwaters begin up near the [https://www.oregonjcc.org/ Mittleman Jewish Community Center.] The creek then flows down through the [https://www.portland.gov/parks/stephens-creek-nature-park Stephens Creek Nature Park], through an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) riparian area, through land "owned" by Portland Metro, and then down toward the Willamette River.

Additionally, a local neighbor, John Miller, has written this lovely blog about the [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html bridges over Stephens Creek]. Check it out!

== Ecological Composition & Conservation Value ==

==== Water Health & Safety ====
There are 5+ stormwater drains that run directly into the creek in this ODOT area. These pipes transfer run-off from the street, which is known to include microplastics, heavy metals, and automotive chemicals from the street. No water testing has been done yet. If you would like to help us with water testing, please contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

Additionally, there are several drainage holes that pour water directly from the freeway on-ramp down onto the walking path.

==== Animal Activity ====
Most importantly, there are active signs that this section of Stephens Creek is a beaver habitat. There are many downed trees in the area with many small dams. Mallard ducks also occasionally make their way up to this section of the creek.

From the [https://www.portland.gov/bes/protecting-rivers-streams/stephens-creek#:~:text=Stephens%20Creek%20is%20a%20subwatershed,north%20of%20the%20Sellwood%20Bridge. Portland.gov website]: "The Stephens Creek confluence, where Stephens Creek joins the Willamette River, has been found to be the most salmonid species-rich place in the city. This is the only stream reach in the city where the four most common salmon or trout species have been observed (chinook, coho, cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout)."

==== Native Shrubs ====
This area contains snowberry, oso berry, salmonberry, cleaver, red osier dogwood, maidenhair ferns, and nettle plants.

==== Native Trees ====
There are cedars, douglas firs, and maples naturally occurring in this area.

==== Invasive Plants ====
The area is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. There are also smaller populations of ragweed, mullein (medicinal, but non-native), and teasel.

==== Future Planting Plan ====
Through ODOT, we are approved to plant red alder, white alder, Oregon white oak, western red cedar, vine maples, serviceberry, salal berry, flowering red currant, tall Oregon grape, cattail, and bearberry honeysuckle. We plan to work with local plant nursery co-ops such as [https://symbiop.com/ SymbiOp] to collect these plants and put them in the ground in Fall 2025. Additionally, we plan to propagate the native shrubs listed to improve diversity in the area and overtake the invasive plants. We hope to have success seeding some native grasses that thrive in shady environments.

== Neighborhood Value ==
This section of Stephens Creek is followed by an ODOT access road (gravel/dirt) that comes in from Custer St. Later, this section was adapted as part of [https://swtrails.org/trails/ SW Trails] #4. There is a bench along the stairs down to the area and a small amount of creek access at the end of the ODOT fence (near Custer St.). Many neighbors live along the top of the riparian area and are invested in the space.

Additionally, as the area is close to Trimet Bus Line #12, there is a fair amount of foot traffic. This is also a good route from SW 4th Ave. toward Fulton Community Garden. There are occasionally houseless neighbors who seek shelter from the elements in this location, and we do everything we can to be respectful of their space while tending the land.

Many neighbors also bring compost and leaf material to this location to nourish the soil when they have a surplus.

== ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape Program ==
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online on how to adopt a landscape or which landscapes are available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). The best thing to do is to reach out to '''d2bup@odot.oregon.gov''' and ask. You can also go to [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ Portland Maps] to get information about which public entity might own the land you want to work on.

For the Stephens Creek riparian area, we worked with ODOT to adopt the landscape. The worksite is technically listed as being associated with the land to the right of Northbound I-5 between mile marker 4.34 and 4.53, under the Terwilliger on-ramp.

Per the agreement with ODOT, [[Northern Willamette Valley|Regenerate Northern Willamette Valley]] must pickup trash in the area at least four times per year and pull invasive species at least twice per year. Currently, we plan to offer a land-tending gathering to the community once per month, typically on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See our [[Stephens Creek Work Tracker|work tracker]], or contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' for more information.

== Partnerships ==
We are currently in partnership with [https://www.westsidewatersheds.org/ Westside Watersheds], a City-funded community resource to help small landscape groups develop stormwater gardens and do watershed cleanups. They have allowed us to borrow tools and have given us a stipend to purchase native plants from local plant nursery co-ops.

Additionally, we are supported by the [https://southburlingamena.org/ South Burlingame Neighborhood Association] and the South Burlingame [https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams Neighborhood Emergency Team] (SBNET), who have both supplied volunteer labor. Some community members from the mutual aid group, [https://pdx.community/data/organizations/alphabetical/ Community Unconditionally Taking care of Each other] (C.U.T.E.), have supported this project and outreach to houseless neighbors.

We are currently in the process of applying for grants through the [https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/mini-grants Portland Clean Energy Fund] as well as the [https://www.portlandpf.org/grants-program Portland Parks Foundation].

Stephens Creek

2026-02-25T21:46:05Z

Avltavin:

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event every second Saturday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.''' The nearest address is 7730 SW 4th Ave. in Portland, OR, and we will be meeting at the top of the stairs. Please bring shovel, clippers, watertight shoes, and gloves if you have them!

For more information about past events and how they went, please [[Stephens Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Short Documentary on the Project by Danielle Hinz ==

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iframe.width = "560";
iframe.height = "315";
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iframe.allowFullscreen = true;

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}

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephens Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
[https://youtu.be/boaKUd9MubU?si=bykVz2VHuGCQakN3 Here's a video about this project and how it came to be.]

Stephens Creek is a tributary that flows year-round toward the [[Willamette River]]. The headwaters begin up near the [https://www.oregonjcc.org/ Mittleman Jewish Community Center.] The creek then flows down through the [https://www.portland.gov/parks/stephens-creek-nature-park Stephens Creek Nature Park], through an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) riparian area, through land "owned" by Portland Metro, and then down toward the Willamette River.

Additionally, a local neighbor, John Miller, has written this lovely blog about the [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html bridges over Stephens Creek]. Check it out!

== Ecological Composition & Conservation Value ==

==== Water Health & Safety ====
There are 5+ stormwater drains that run directly into the creek in this ODOT area. These pipes transfer run-off from the street, which is known to include microplastics, heavy metals, and automotive chemicals from the street. No water testing has been done yet. If you would like to help us with water testing, please contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

Additionally, there are several drainage holes that pour water directly from the freeway on-ramp down onto the walking path.

==== Animal Activity ====
Most importantly, there are active signs that this section of Stephens Creek is a beaver habitat. There are many downed trees in the area with many small dams. Mallard ducks also occasionally make their way up to this section of the creek.

From the [https://www.portland.gov/bes/protecting-rivers-streams/stephens-creek#:~:text=Stephens%20Creek%20is%20a%20subwatershed,north%20of%20the%20Sellwood%20Bridge. Portland.gov website]: "The Stephens Creek confluence, where Stephens Creek joins the Willamette River, has been found to be the most salmonid species-rich place in the city. This is the only stream reach in the city where the four most common salmon or trout species have been observed (chinook, coho, cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout)."

==== Native Shrubs ====
This area contains snowberry, oso berry, salmonberry, cleaver, red osier dogwood, maidenhair ferns, and nettle plants.

==== Native Trees ====
There are cedars, douglas firs, and maples naturally occurring in this area.

==== Invasive Plants ====
The area is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. There are also smaller populations of ragweed, mullein (medicinal, but non-native), and teasel.

==== Future Planting Plan ====
Through ODOT, we are approved to plant red alder, white alder, Oregon white oak, western red cedar, vine maples, serviceberry, salal berry, flowering red currant, tall Oregon grape, cattail, and bearberry honeysuckle. We plan to work with local plant nursery co-ops such as [https://symbiop.com/ SymbiOp] to collect these plants and put them in the ground in Fall 2025. Additionally, we plan to propagate the native shrubs listed to improve diversity in the area and overtake the invasive plants. We hope to have success seeding some native grasses that thrive in shady environments.

== Neighborhood Value ==
This section of Stephens Creek is followed by an ODOT access road (gravel/dirt) that comes in from Custer St. Later, this section was adapted as part of [https://swtrails.org/trails/ SW Trails] #4. There is a bench along the stairs down to the area and a small amount of creek access at the end of the ODOT fence (near Custer St.). Many neighbors live along the top of the riparian area and are invested in the space.

Additionally, as the area is close to Trimet Bus Line #12, there is a fair amount of foot traffic. This is also a good route from SW 4th Ave. toward Fulton Community Garden. There are occasionally houseless neighbors who seek shelter from the elements in this location, and we do everything we can to be respectful of their space while tending the land.

Many neighbors also bring compost and leaf material to this location to nourish the soil when they have a surplus.

== ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape Program ==
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online on how to adopt a landscape or which landscapes are available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). The best thing to do is to reach out to '''d2bup@odot.oregon.gov''' and ask. You can also go to [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ Portland Maps] to get information about which public entity might own the land you want to work on.

For the Stephens Creek riparian area, we worked with ODOT to adopt the landscape. The worksite is technically listed as being associated with the land to the right of Northbound I-5 between mile marker 4.34 and 4.53, under the Terwilliger on-ramp.

Per the agreement with ODOT, [[Northern Willamette Valley|Regenerate Northern Willamette Valley]] must pickup trash in the area at least four times per year and pull invasive species at least twice per year. Currently, we plan to offer a land-tending gathering to the community once per month, typically on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See our [[Stephens Creek Work Tracker|work tracker]], or contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' for more information.

== Partnerships ==
We are currently in partnership with [https://www.westsidewatersheds.org/ Westside Watersheds], a City-funded community resource to help small landscape groups develop stormwater gardens and do watershed cleanups. They have allowed us to borrow tools and have given us a stipend to purchase native plants from local plant nursery co-ops.

Additionally, we are supported by the [https://southburlingamena.org/ South Burlingame Neighborhood Association] and the South Burlingame [https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams Neighborhood Emergency Team] (SBNET), who have both supplied volunteer labor. Some community members from the mutual aid group, [https://pdx.community/data/organizations/alphabetical/ Community Unconditionally Taking care of Each other] (C.U.T.E.), have supported this project and outreach to houseless neighbors.

We are currently in the process of applying for grants through the [https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/mini-grants Portland Clean Energy Fund] as well as the [https://www.portlandpf.org/grants-program Portland Parks Foundation].

Stephens Creek

2026-02-25T21:43:48Z

Avltavin: /* Background */

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event every second Saturday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.''' The nearest address is 7730 SW 4th Ave. in Portland, OR, and we will be meeting at the top of the stairs. Please bring shovel, clippers, watertight shoes, and gloves if you have them!

For more information about past events and how they went, please [[Stephens Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Short Documentary on the Project by Danielle Hinz ==

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephens Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
[https://youtu.be/boaKUd9MubU?si=bykVz2VHuGCQakN3 Here's a video about this project and how it came to be.]

Stephens Creek is a tributary that flows year-round toward the [[Willamette River]]. The headwaters begin up near the [https://www.oregonjcc.org/ Mittleman Jewish Community Center.] The creek then flows down through the [https://www.portland.gov/parks/stephens-creek-nature-park Stephens Creek Nature Park], through an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) riparian area, through land "owned" by Portland Metro, and then down toward the Willamette River.

Additionally, a local neighbor, John Miller, has written this lovely blog about the [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html bridges over Stephens Creek]. Check it out!

== Ecological Composition & Conservation Value ==

==== Water Health & Safety ====
There are 5+ stormwater drains that run directly into the creek in this ODOT area. These pipes transfer run-off from the street, which is known to include microplastics, heavy metals, and automotive chemicals from the street. No water testing has been done yet. If you would like to help us with water testing, please contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

Additionally, there are several drainage holes that pour water directly from the freeway on-ramp down onto the walking path.

==== Animal Activity ====
Most importantly, there are active signs that this section of Stephens Creek is a beaver habitat. There are many downed trees in the area with many small dams. Mallard ducks also occasionally make their way up to this section of the creek.

From the [https://www.portland.gov/bes/protecting-rivers-streams/stephens-creek#:~:text=Stephens%20Creek%20is%20a%20subwatershed,north%20of%20the%20Sellwood%20Bridge. Portland.gov website]: "The Stephens Creek confluence, where Stephens Creek joins the Willamette River, has been found to be the most salmonid species-rich place in the city. This is the only stream reach in the city where the four most common salmon or trout species have been observed (chinook, coho, cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout)."

==== Native Shrubs ====
This area contains snowberry, oso berry, salmonberry, cleaver, red osier dogwood, maidenhair ferns, and nettle plants.

==== Native Trees ====
There are cedars, douglas firs, and maples naturally occurring in this area.

==== Invasive Plants ====
The area is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. There are also smaller populations of ragweed, mullein (medicinal, but non-native), and teasel.

==== Future Planting Plan ====
Through ODOT, we are approved to plant red alder, white alder, Oregon white oak, western red cedar, vine maples, serviceberry, salal berry, flowering red currant, tall Oregon grape, cattail, and bearberry honeysuckle. We plan to work with local plant nursery co-ops such as [https://symbiop.com/ SymbiOp] to collect these plants and put them in the ground in Fall 2025. Additionally, we plan to propagate the native shrubs listed to improve diversity in the area and overtake the invasive plants. We hope to have success seeding some native grasses that thrive in shady environments.

== Neighborhood Value ==
This section of Stephens Creek is followed by an ODOT access road (gravel/dirt) that comes in from Custer St. Later, this section was adapted as part of [https://swtrails.org/trails/ SW Trails] #4. There is a bench along the stairs down to the area and a small amount of creek access at the end of the ODOT fence (near Custer St.). Many neighbors live along the top of the riparian area and are invested in the space.

Additionally, as the area is close to Trimet Bus Line #12, there is a fair amount of foot traffic. This is also a good route from SW 4th Ave. toward Fulton Community Garden. There are occasionally houseless neighbors who seek shelter from the elements in this location, and we do everything we can to be respectful of their space while tending the land.

Many neighbors also bring compost and leaf material to this location to nourish the soil when they have a surplus.

== ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape Program ==
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online on how to adopt a landscape or which landscapes are available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). The best thing to do is to reach out to '''d2bup@odot.oregon.gov''' and ask. You can also go to [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ Portland Maps] to get information about which public entity might own the land you want to work on.

For the Stephens Creek riparian area, we worked with ODOT to adopt the landscape. The worksite is technically listed as being associated with the land to the right of Northbound I-5 between mile marker 4.34 and 4.53, under the Terwilliger on-ramp.

Per the agreement with ODOT, [[Northern Willamette Valley|Regenerate Northern Willamette Valley]] must pickup trash in the area at least four times per year and pull invasive species at least twice per year. Currently, we plan to offer a land-tending gathering to the community once per month, typically on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See our [[Stephens Creek Work Tracker|work tracker]], or contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' for more information.

== Partnerships ==
We are currently in partnership with [https://www.westsidewatersheds.org/ Westside Watersheds], a City-funded community resource to help small landscape groups develop stormwater gardens and do watershed cleanups. They have allowed us to borrow tools and have given us a stipend to purchase native plants from local plant nursery co-ops.

Additionally, we are supported by the [https://southburlingamena.org/ South Burlingame Neighborhood Association] and the South Burlingame [https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams Neighborhood Emergency Team] (SBNET), who have both supplied volunteer labor. Some community members from the mutual aid group, [https://pdx.community/data/organizations/alphabetical/ Community Unconditionally Taking care of Each other] (C.U.T.E.), have supported this project and outreach to houseless neighbors.

We are currently in the process of applying for grants through the [https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/mini-grants Portland Clean Energy Fund] as well as the [https://www.portlandpf.org/grants-program Portland Parks Foundation].

Welcome

2026-02-12T22:39:47Z

Avltavin: /* Fringecup* Creek Land-tending */

<div class="scaled-image-container">[[File:Regenerate_Cover_Photo.png|frameless|center|upright=2.5]]</div>

Use these resource pages to learn about '''regenerative agriculture, education, history, finance, and culture happening in our ecoregion'''. You will find a directory of organizations and projects as well as a calendar of events that helps you find ways to connect with the land and the people tending it.

Learn more about how we define [[Willamette Valley]] as part of an ecoregional framework.

Regenerate Willamette Valley is an autonomous part of a larger bioregional movement, [https://regeneratecascadia.org/ Regenerate Cascadia]. Our team aims to create a network of people working in their landscapes to develop resiliency and reestablish a connection to the metabolism of the Earth.

 

== Contribute to This Community Resource! ==
This Wiki has been put together by a team of volunteers who believe in the importance of building a parallel method of meeting community needs outside of our current extractivist, consumerist culture. If you are interested in contributing, please review our [[how-to guides]] and [[Special:RequestAccount|create a Wiki account here]].

Please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' if you would like to join a Wiki onboarding session (virtual)!

 

===== Temporary Events List: [[Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice organizing|Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice Organizing]] =====

 
[[File:Photo 1.jpg|thumb|''Willamette River in mid-Willamette Valley'']]

=== [[Willamette Valley Listening Tour]] ===
During September 1st-17th, 2025, we produced the Willamette Valley Listening Tour, which connected regenerative farms, mutual aid projects, ecovillages, and land-based sites of cultural significance to help build cohesive identities and stories of this unique ecoregion, informed by the flow of the river from head waters to confluence.

If you'd like to read an online flipbook (with photos!) about this journey, [https://heyzine.com/flip-book/334b000099.html click here].

== [[Northern Willamette Valley]] ==
Our team is primarily based in the greater Portland area, so most of our offerings presently relate to this location, although we have intentions to widen our network.

We are focusing on the Lower Willamette and Tualatin watersheds, weaving and building relationships with regenerative projects in the area.

 

<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:Directory - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Directory of Community Organizations]]
| [[File:Map - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Map]]
| [[File:Calendar - North.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
=== [[Stephen's Creek|Fringecup Landing + Stephens Creek Land-tending]] ===
Our group recently adopted about a quarter mile of landscape in the South Burlingame neighborhood, which follows Fringecup Creek*. This has become a model for restoration work for other bioregions! [[Stephen's Creek|Learn more here!]]

== Central Willamette Valley (coming soon) ==
We don't currently have a landscape team in the Salem/Corvallis area. If you would like to help start building a directory of your own for this area, please contact us!

 

== [[Southern Willamette Valley]] ==
With members from the PROUT and Lost Valley Education Center, this team is heading up the bioregional organizing in the Eugene area. Also [[Dharmalaya|Dharmalya]], in Eugene, has an active team which currently meets bi-weekly; typically via Zoom.

 
<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:South - Directory.png|frameless|250px|link=Southern Willamette Valley]]
| [[File:South - Map.png|frameless|250px|link=Sample Page]]
| [[File:Calendar - South.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
 

== [[Resource Library|Knowledge Commons]] ==
Compiled resources for information across the bioregion.

Willamette Valley Listening Tour

2025-11-20T22:17:51Z

Avltavin: /* Tour Sites */

=== Ecoregional Listening Tour - September 1st-17th, 2025 ===
As a collaboration from organizing and regenerative teams in Cottage Grove, Eugene, Corvallis, and Portland, we produced an ecoregional listening tour during which we visited and wove together regenerative projects in the Willamette Valley. We highlighted projects doing regenerative agriculture, ecological restoration, food sovereignty, restorative justice, mutual aid, communal commons, and community care. We also visited some culturally and historically significant sites throughout the ecoregion.

If you'd like to read an online flipbook (with photos!) about this journey, [https://heyzine.com/flip-book/334b000099.html click here].

'''If you'd like to learn more, please email regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

[[File:Photo 19.jpg|thumb|''Our tour group visited the CEI Hub with Mosquito Fleet to learn about the activism happening there to prevent the largest oil spill in the United States.'' ]]

=== Tour Sites ===
{| class="wikitable"
|Lost Valley Education Center
|-
|Rafting & Opening Ceremony on the McKenzie
|-
|Center For Rural Livelihoods CRL
|-
|Twinberry Commons
|-
|Kennedy High School
|-
|Cottage Village
|-
|Mount David + Solidarity Projects Driving Tour
|-
|Dharmalaya
|-
|Jan Spencer's Site
|-
|Heart-Culture Farm
|-
|River Ceremony
|-
|Kalapuya High School
|-
|Maitreya Ecovillage
|-
|Hummingbird Wholesale
|-
|Springfield Youth Farm
|-
|Anahuac Farm
|-
|Silver Falls Campsite + Hike
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|Muslim Education Trust
|-
|Black Future Farm
|-
|Kindness Farm
|-
|ITECK Center
|-
|Tryon Life Community Farm
|-
|Green Anchors
|-
|Mosquito Fleet (Kayak tour)
|-
|Leaven Community Center
|-
|p:ear mentor
|-
|Oswego Creek
|-
|Fringecup Creek (Stephens Creek)
|}

=== Tour Aspirations ===
In addition to the local organizing teams, we invited members of the public and the bioregional community to join on this tour to raise awareness of regenerative work. Among our goals for this ecoregional tour were the following:

* Extend and deepen our direct knowledge of the Willamette ecoregion
* Bring to sites we visit our emerging vision for bioregional action
* Learn from the sites we visit about the regenerative visions they’re trying to manifest
* Promote conversations about the next step in our bioregional program
* Gather information about funding needs for sites and possibilities for flow-funding structures
* Undertake service activities at sites we visit
* Deepen our bonds of community in the course of our journey together
* Explore the Willamette Valley at diverse levels: natural, cultural, historic
* Document the tour and share this documentation
* Integrate the Willamette Valley tour into larger purposes of building bioregional work
* Engage in visioning activity as we go, engaging others in this process

File:Photo 19.jpg

2025-11-20T22:16:41Z

Avltavin:

Mosquito Fleet CEI hub tour

Willamette Valley Listening Tour

2025-11-20T22:16:01Z

Avltavin:

=== Ecoregional Listening Tour - September 1st-17th, 2025 ===
As a collaboration from organizing and regenerative teams in Cottage Grove, Eugene, Corvallis, and Portland, we produced an ecoregional listening tour during which we visited and wove together regenerative projects in the Willamette Valley. We highlighted projects doing regenerative agriculture, ecological restoration, food sovereignty, restorative justice, mutual aid, communal commons, and community care. We also visited some culturally and historically significant sites throughout the ecoregion.

If you'd like to read an online flipbook (with photos!) about this journey, [https://heyzine.com/flip-book/334b000099.html click here].

'''If you'd like to learn more, please email regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

=== Tour Sites ===
{| class="wikitable"
|Lost Valley Education Center
|-
|Rafting & Opening Ceremony on the McKenzie
|-
|Center For Rural Livelihoods CRL
|-
|Twinberry Commons
|-
|Kennedy High School
|-
|Cottage Village
|-
|Mount David + Solidarity Projects Driving Tour
|-
|Dharmalaya
|-
|Jan Spencer's Site
|-
|Heart-Culture Farm
|-
|River Ceremony
|-
|Kalapuya High School
|-
|Maitreya Ecovillage
|-
|Hummingbird Wholesale
|-
|Springfield Youth Farm
|-
|Anahuac Farm
|-
|Silver Falls Campsite + Hike
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|Muslim Education Trust
|-
|Black Future Farm
|-
|Kindness Farm
|-
|ITECK Center
|-
|Tryon Life Community Farm
|-
|Green Anchors
|-
|Mosquito Fleet (Kayak tour)
|-
|Leaven Community Center
|-
|p:ear mentor
|-
|Oswego Creek
|-
|Fringecup Creek (Stephens Creek)
|}

=== Tour Aspirations ===
In addition to the local organizing teams, we invited members of the public and the bioregional community to join on this tour to raise awareness of regenerative work. Among our goals for this ecoregional tour were the following:

* Extend and deepen our direct knowledge of the Willamette ecoregion
* Bring to sites we visit our emerging vision for bioregional action
* Learn from the sites we visit about the regenerative visions they’re trying to manifest
* Promote conversations about the next step in our bioregional program
* Gather information about funding needs for sites and possibilities for flow-funding structures
* Undertake service activities at sites we visit
* Deepen our bonds of community in the course of our journey together
* Explore the Willamette Valley at diverse levels: natural, cultural, historic
* Document the tour and share this documentation
* Integrate the Willamette Valley tour into larger purposes of building bioregional work
* Engage in visioning activity as we go, engaging others in this process

Welcome

2025-11-20T22:14:06Z

Avltavin: /* Fringecup* Creek Land-tending */

<div class="scaled-image-container">[[File:Regenerate_Cover_Photo.png|frameless|center|upright=2.5]]</div>

Use these resource pages to learn about '''regenerative agriculture, education, history, finance, and culture happening in our ecoregion'''. You will find a directory of organizations and projects as well as a calendar of events that helps you find ways to connect with the land and the people tending it.

Learn more about how we define [[Willamette Valley]] as part of an ecoregional framework.

Regenerate Willamette Valley is an autonomous part of a larger bioregional movement, [https://regeneratecascadia.org/ Regenerate Cascadia]. Our team aims to create a network of people working in their landscapes to develop resiliency and reestablish a connection to the metabolism of the Earth.

 

== Contribute to This Community Resource! ==
This Wiki has been put together by a team of volunteers who believe in the importance of building a parallel method of meeting community needs outside of our current extractivist, consumerist culture. If you are interested in contributing, please review our [[how-to guides]] and [[Special:RequestAccount|create a Wiki account here]].

Please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' if you would like to join a Wiki onboarding session (virtual)!

 

===== Temporary Events List: [[Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice organizing|Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice Organizing]] =====

 
[[File:Photo 1.jpg|thumb|''Willamette River in mid-Willamette Valley'']]

=== [[Willamette Valley Listening Tour]] ===
During September 1st-17th, 2025, we produced the Willamette Valley Listening Tour, which connected regenerative farms, mutual aid projects, ecovillages, and land-based sites of cultural significance to help build cohesive identities and stories of this unique ecoregion, informed by the flow of the river from head waters to confluence.

If you'd like to read an online flipbook (with photos!) about this journey, [https://heyzine.com/flip-book/334b000099.html click here].

== [[Northern Willamette Valley]] ==
Our team is primarily based in the greater Portland area, so most of our offerings presently relate to this location, although we have intentions to widen our network.

We are focusing on the Lower Willamette and Tualatin watersheds, weaving and building relationships with regenerative projects in the area.

 

<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:Directory - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Directory of Community Organizations]]
| [[File:Map - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Map]]
| [[File:Calendar - North.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
=== [[Stephen's Creek|Fringecup* Creek Land-tending]] ===
Our group recently adopted about a quarter mile of landscape in the South Burlingame neighborhood, which follows Fringecup Creek*. This has become a model for restoration work for other bioregions! [[Stephen's Creek|Learn more here!]]

<nowiki>*</nowiki>formerly Stephens Creek, pending a formal renaming process. Please email us to get involved or make suggestions on the name!

== Central Willamette Valley (coming soon) ==
We don't currently have a landscape team in the Salem/Corvallis area. If you would like to help start building a directory of your own for this area, please contact us!

 

== [[Southern Willamette Valley]] ==
With members from the PROUT and Lost Valley Education Center, this team is heading up the bioregional organizing in the Eugene area. Also [[Dharmalaya|Dharmalya]], in Eugene, has an active team which currently meets bi-weekly; typically via Zoom.

 
<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:South - Directory.png|frameless|250px|link=Southern Willamette Valley]]
| [[File:South - Map.png|frameless|250px|link=Sample Page]]
| [[File:Calendar - South.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
 

== [[Resource Library|Knowledge Commons]] ==
Compiled resources for information across the bioregion.

Welcome

2025-11-20T22:13:32Z

Avltavin:

<div class="scaled-image-container">[[File:Regenerate_Cover_Photo.png|frameless|center|upright=2.5]]</div>

Use these resource pages to learn about '''regenerative agriculture, education, history, finance, and culture happening in our ecoregion'''. You will find a directory of organizations and projects as well as a calendar of events that helps you find ways to connect with the land and the people tending it.

Learn more about how we define [[Willamette Valley]] as part of an ecoregional framework.

Regenerate Willamette Valley is an autonomous part of a larger bioregional movement, [https://regeneratecascadia.org/ Regenerate Cascadia]. Our team aims to create a network of people working in their landscapes to develop resiliency and reestablish a connection to the metabolism of the Earth.

 

== Contribute to This Community Resource! ==
This Wiki has been put together by a team of volunteers who believe in the importance of building a parallel method of meeting community needs outside of our current extractivist, consumerist culture. If you are interested in contributing, please review our [[how-to guides]] and [[Special:RequestAccount|create a Wiki account here]].

Please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' if you would like to join a Wiki onboarding session (virtual)!

 

===== Temporary Events List: [[Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice organizing|Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice Organizing]] =====

 
[[File:Photo 1.jpg|thumb|''Willamette River in mid-Willamette Valley'']]

=== [[Willamette Valley Listening Tour]] ===
During September 1st-17th, 2025, we produced the Willamette Valley Listening Tour, which connected regenerative farms, mutual aid projects, ecovillages, and land-based sites of cultural significance to help build cohesive identities and stories of this unique ecoregion, informed by the flow of the river from head waters to confluence.

If you'd like to read an online flipbook (with photos!) about this journey, [https://heyzine.com/flip-book/334b000099.html click here].
=== [[Stephen's Creek|Fringecup* Creek Land-tending]] ===
Our group recently adopted about a quarter mile of landscape in the South Burlingame neighborhood, which follows Fringecup Creek*. This has become a model for restoration work for other bioregions! [[Stephen's Creek|Learn more here!]]

<nowiki>*</nowiki>formerly Stephens Creek, pending a formal renaming process. Please email us to get involved or make suggestions on the name!
== [[Northern Willamette Valley]] ==
Our team is primarily based in the greater Portland area, so most of our offerings presently relate to this location, although we have intentions to widen our network.

We are focusing on the Lower Willamette and Tualatin watersheds, weaving and building relationships with regenerative projects in the area.

 

<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:Directory - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Directory of Community Organizations]]
| [[File:Map - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Map]]
| [[File:Calendar - North.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>

 
== Central Willamette Valley (coming soon) ==
We don't currently have a landscape team in the Salem/Corvallis area. If you would like to help start building a directory of your own for this area, please contact us!

 

== [[Southern Willamette Valley]] ==
With members from the PROUT and Lost Valley Education Center, this team is heading up the bioregional organizing in the Eugene area. Also [[Dharmalaya|Dharmalya]], in Eugene, has an active team which currently meets bi-weekly; typically via Zoom.

 
<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:South - Directory.png|frameless|250px|link=Southern Willamette Valley]]
| [[File:South - Map.png|frameless|250px|link=Sample Page]]
| [[File:Calendar - South.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
 

== [[Resource Library|Knowledge Commons]] ==
Compiled resources for information across the bioregion.

Welcome

2025-11-20T22:13:16Z

Avltavin: /* Willamette Valley Listening Tour */

<div class="scaled-image-container">[[File:Regenerate_Cover_Photo.png|frameless|center|upright=2.5]]</div>

Use these resource pages to learn about '''regenerative agriculture, education, history, finance, and culture happening in our ecoregion'''. You will find a directory of organizations and projects as well as a calendar of events that helps you find ways to connect with the land and the people tending it.

Learn more about how we define [[Willamette Valley]] as part of an ecoregional framework.

Regenerate Willamette Valley is an autonomous part of a larger bioregional movement, [https://regeneratecascadia.org/ Regenerate Cascadia]. Our team aims to create a network of people working in their landscapes to develop resiliency and reestablish a connection to the metabolism of the Earth.

 

== Contribute to This Community Resource! ==
This Wiki has been put together by a team of volunteers who believe in the importance of building a parallel method of meeting community needs outside of our current extractivist, consumerist culture. If you are interested in contributing, please review our [[how-to guides]] and [[Special:RequestAccount|create a Wiki account here]].

Please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' if you would like to join a Wiki onboarding session (virtual)!

 

===== Temporary Events List: [[Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice organizing|Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice Organizing]] =====

 
[[File:Photo 1.jpg|thumb|Willamette River in mid-Willamette Valley]]

=== [[Willamette Valley Listening Tour]] ===
During September 1st-17th, 2025, we produced the Willamette Valley Listening Tour, which connected regenerative farms, mutual aid projects, ecovillages, and land-based sites of cultural significance to help build cohesive identities and stories of this unique ecoregion, informed by the flow of the river from head waters to confluence.

If you'd like to read an online flipbook (with photos!) about this journey, [https://heyzine.com/flip-book/334b000099.html click here].
=== [[Stephen's Creek|Fringecup* Creek Land-tending]] ===
Our group recently adopted about a quarter mile of landscape in the South Burlingame neighborhood, which follows Fringecup Creek*. This has become a model for restoration work for other bioregions! [[Stephen's Creek|Learn more here!]]

<nowiki>*</nowiki>formerly Stephens Creek, pending a formal renaming process. Please email us to get involved or make suggestions on the name!
== [[Northern Willamette Valley]] ==
Our team is primarily based in the greater Portland area, so most of our offerings presently relate to this location, although we have intentions to widen our network.

We are focusing on the Lower Willamette and Tualatin watersheds, weaving and building relationships with regenerative projects in the area.

 

<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:Directory - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Directory of Community Organizations]]
| [[File:Map - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Map]]
| [[File:Calendar - North.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>

 
== Central Willamette Valley (coming soon) ==
We don't currently have a landscape team in the Salem/Corvallis area. If you would like to help start building a directory of your own for this area, please contact us!

 

== [[Southern Willamette Valley]] ==
With members from the PROUT and Lost Valley Education Center, this team is heading up the bioregional organizing in the Eugene area. Also [[Dharmalaya|Dharmalya]], in Eugene, has an active team which currently meets bi-weekly; typically via Zoom.

 
<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:South - Directory.png|frameless|250px|link=Southern Willamette Valley]]
| [[File:South - Map.png|frameless|250px|link=Sample Page]]
| [[File:Calendar - South.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
 

== [[Resource Library|Knowledge Commons]] ==
Compiled resources for information across the bioregion.

File:Photo 1.jpg

2025-11-20T22:12:48Z

Avltavin:

Willamette River in Eugene

Welcome

2025-11-20T22:12:06Z

Avltavin:

<div class="scaled-image-container">[[File:Regenerate_Cover_Photo.png|frameless|center|upright=2.5]]</div>

Use these resource pages to learn about '''regenerative agriculture, education, history, finance, and culture happening in our ecoregion'''. You will find a directory of organizations and projects as well as a calendar of events that helps you find ways to connect with the land and the people tending it.

Learn more about how we define [[Willamette Valley]] as part of an ecoregional framework.

Regenerate Willamette Valley is an autonomous part of a larger bioregional movement, [https://regeneratecascadia.org/ Regenerate Cascadia]. Our team aims to create a network of people working in their landscapes to develop resiliency and reestablish a connection to the metabolism of the Earth.

 

== Contribute to This Community Resource! ==
This Wiki has been put together by a team of volunteers who believe in the importance of building a parallel method of meeting community needs outside of our current extractivist, consumerist culture. If you are interested in contributing, please review our [[how-to guides]] and [[Special:RequestAccount|create a Wiki account here]].

Please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' if you would like to join a Wiki onboarding session (virtual)!

 

===== Temporary Events List: [[Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice organizing|Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice Organizing]] =====

 

=== [[Willamette Valley Listening Tour]] ===
During September 1st-17th, 2025, we produced the Willamette Valley Listening Tour, which connected regenerative farms, mutual aid projects, ecovillages, and land-based sites of cultural significance to help build cohesive identities and stories of this unique ecoregion, informed by the flow of the river from head waters to confluence.

If you'd like to read an online flipbook (with photos!) about this journey, [https://heyzine.com/flip-book/334b000099.html click here].
=== [[Stephen's Creek|Fringecup* Creek Land-tending]] ===
Our group recently adopted about a quarter mile of landscape in the South Burlingame neighborhood, which follows Fringecup Creek*. This has become a model for restoration work for other bioregions! [[Stephen's Creek|Learn more here!]]

<nowiki>*</nowiki>formerly Stephens Creek, pending a formal renaming process. Please email us to get involved or make suggestions on the name!
== [[Northern Willamette Valley]] ==
Our team is primarily based in the greater Portland area, so most of our offerings presently relate to this location, although we have intentions to widen our network.

We are focusing on the Lower Willamette and Tualatin watersheds, weaving and building relationships with regenerative projects in the area.

 

<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:Directory - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Directory of Community Organizations]]
| [[File:Map - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Map]]
| [[File:Calendar - North.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>

 
== Central Willamette Valley (coming soon) ==
We don't currently have a landscape team in the Salem/Corvallis area. If you would like to help start building a directory of your own for this area, please contact us!

 

== [[Southern Willamette Valley]] ==
With members from the PROUT and Lost Valley Education Center, this team is heading up the bioregional organizing in the Eugene area. Also [[Dharmalaya|Dharmalya]], in Eugene, has an active team which currently meets bi-weekly; typically via Zoom.

 
<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:South - Directory.png|frameless|250px|link=Southern Willamette Valley]]
| [[File:South - Map.png|frameless|250px|link=Sample Page]]
| [[File:Calendar - South.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
 

== [[Resource Library|Knowledge Commons]] ==
Compiled resources for information across the bioregion.

Stephens Creek

2025-11-10T20:00:47Z

Avltavin:

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event every second Saturday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.''' The nearest address is 7730 SW 4th Ave. in Portland, OR, and we will be meeting at the top of the stairs. Please bring shovel, clippers, watertight shoes, and gloves if you have them!

For more information about past events and how they went, please [[Stephens Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephens Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
[https://youtu.be/boaKUd9MubU?si=bykVz2VHuGCQakN3 Here's a video about this project and how it came to be.]

Stephens Creek is a tributary that flows year-round toward the [[Willamette River]]. The headwaters begin up near the [https://www.oregonjcc.org/ Mittleman Jewish Community Center.] The creek then flows down through the [https://www.portland.gov/parks/stephens-creek-nature-park Stephens Creek Nature Park], through an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) riparian area, through land "owned" by Portland Metro, and then down toward the Willamette River.

Additionally, a local neighbor, John Miller, has written this lovely blog about the [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html bridges over Stephens Creek]. Check it out!

== Ecological Composition & Conservation Value ==

==== Water Health & Safety ====
There are 5+ stormwater drains that run directly into the creek in this ODOT area. These pipes transfer run-off from the street, which is known to include microplastics, heavy metals, and automotive chemicals from the street. No water testing has been done yet. If you would like to help us with water testing, please contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

Additionally, there are several drainage holes that pour water directly from the freeway on-ramp down onto the walking path.

==== Animal Activity ====
Most importantly, there are active signs that this section of Stephens Creek is a beaver habitat. There are many downed trees in the area with many small dams. Mallard ducks also occasionally make their way up to this section of the creek.

From the [https://www.portland.gov/bes/protecting-rivers-streams/stephens-creek#:~:text=Stephens%20Creek%20is%20a%20subwatershed,north%20of%20the%20Sellwood%20Bridge. Portland.gov website]: "The Stephens Creek confluence, where Stephens Creek joins the Willamette River, has been found to be the most salmonid species-rich place in the city. This is the only stream reach in the city where the four most common salmon or trout species have been observed (chinook, coho, cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout)."

==== Native Shrubs ====
This area contains snowberry, oso berry, salmonberry, cleaver, red osier dogwood, maidenhair ferns, and nettle plants.

==== Native Trees ====
There are cedars, douglas firs, and maples naturally occurring in this area.

==== Invasive Plants ====
The area is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. There are also smaller populations of ragweed, mullein (medicinal, but non-native), and teasel.

==== Future Planting Plan ====
Through ODOT, we are approved to plant red alder, white alder, Oregon white oak, western red cedar, vine maples, serviceberry, salal berry, flowering red currant, tall Oregon grape, cattail, and bearberry honeysuckle. We plan to work with local plant nursery co-ops such as [https://symbiop.com/ SymbiOp] to collect these plants and put them in the ground in Fall 2025. Additionally, we plan to propagate the native shrubs listed to improve diversity in the area and overtake the invasive plants. We hope to have success seeding some native grasses that thrive in shady environments.

== Neighborhood Value ==
This section of Stephens Creek is followed by an ODOT access road (gravel/dirt) that comes in from Custer St. Later, this section was adapted as part of [https://swtrails.org/trails/ SW Trails] #4. There is a bench along the stairs down to the area and a small amount of creek access at the end of the ODOT fence (near Custer St.). Many neighbors live along the top of the riparian area and are invested in the space.

Additionally, as the area is close to Trimet Bus Line #12, there is a fair amount of foot traffic. This is also a good route from SW 4th Ave. toward Fulton Community Garden. There are occasionally houseless neighbors who seek shelter from the elements in this location, and we do everything we can to be respectful of their space while tending the land.

Many neighbors also bring compost and leaf material to this location to nourish the soil when they have a surplus.

== ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape Program ==
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online on how to adopt a landscape or which landscapes are available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). The best thing to do is to reach out to '''d2bup@odot.oregon.gov''' and ask. You can also go to [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ Portland Maps] to get information about which public entity might own the land you want to work on.

For the Stephens Creek riparian area, we worked with ODOT to adopt the landscape. The worksite is technically listed as being associated with the land to the right of Northbound I-5 between mile marker 4.34 and 4.53, under the Terwilliger on-ramp.

Per the agreement with ODOT, [[Northern Willamette Valley|Regenerate Northern Willamette Valley]] must pickup trash in the area at least four times per year and pull invasive species at least twice per year. Currently, we plan to offer a land-tending gathering to the community once per month, typically on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See our [[Stephens Creek Work Tracker|work tracker]], or contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' for more information.

== Partnerships ==
We are currently in partnership with [https://www.westsidewatersheds.org/ Westside Watersheds], a City-funded community resource to help small landscape groups develop stormwater gardens and do watershed cleanups. They have allowed us to borrow tools and have given us a stipend to purchase native plants from local plant nursery co-ops.

Additionally, we are supported by the [https://southburlingamena.org/ South Burlingame Neighborhood Association] and the South Burlingame [https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams Neighborhood Emergency Team] (SBNET), who have both supplied volunteer labor. Some community members from the mutual aid group, [https://pdx.community/data/organizations/alphabetical/ Community Unconditionally Taking care of Each other] (C.U.T.E.), have supported this project and outreach to houseless neighbors.

We are currently in the process of applying for grants through the [https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/mini-grants Portland Clean Energy Fund] as well as the [https://www.portlandpf.org/grants-program Portland Parks Foundation].

Stephens Creek Updates

2025-11-10T19:15:51Z

Avltavin: /* 10/11/25 */

== 11/08/25 ==
[[File:20251010 135845.jpg|thumb|This is the confluence of Fringecup/Stephens Creek and the Willamette River. ]]
Last month, Westside Watersheds donated 85 native plants to our project. We had about 20 neighbors and partners come out to help get all the plants in the ground now that the rainy season is here.

We planted five each of the following plants:

* Red alder
* White alder
* Western red cedar
* Oregon white oak
* Serviceberry
* Fringecups
* Maidenhair ferns
* Spreading wood ferns
* Flowering red currant
* Yarrow

We also planted 30 Western Sword ferns. It very exciting to see this culmination of the project. We have been prepping the zones for additional plants to help stop erosion here for the past six months! Now, we have to keep the English ivy from growing over them.

We are happy to report that there is much less trash in the area since we first started this project. We are down to 0-1 bags of trash when before we were pulling out about 10 bags of trash.

There is still a semi-truck tire lodged against the pipe in the creek, but we will need some specialized equipment for that. Also, we have determined that we need a new heavy-duty wagon, so we are in the market!

== 10/11/25 ==
I haven't made an update for a while, but that doesn't mean we haven't been hard at work! We have changed our schedule to be second Saturdays from 10a.m.-12:30p.m to have more consistency in these events, and since March, we've been doing land-tending days at least once a month, if not more often.

We were very excited to receive a [https://getchipdrop.com/ ChipDrop] mulch pile earlier this summer as a collaboration with local neighbors, ODOT, and local arborists. We are about two thirds of the way through that first pile and have been using it to mulch new pathways, baby trees, and a garden bed that we are hoping to plant at the top of the stairs in November.

We recently received $250 from Westside Watersheds to purchase native plants, which we will be picking up in late October! We will be planting alders, cedars, red flowering currant, Western sword ferns, fringecups, and many others! Please come down to support with this effort!

== 06/15/25 ==
It was a small group given that it was Fathers' Day and that there were ongoing L.A. solidarity protests going on here in Portland, but we honored all the energy of the moment and let our activism be led by the land that day. We had about six people join us.
[[File:Fringecup Creek.jpg|thumb|left|Stephens Creek needs a new name. How about Fringecup Creek?]]
This time, we did the following:

* Limbed a laurel tree that the beavers had chomped down
* Watered the baby red cedars (they are growing so well!)
* Cleared a patch of blackberry to prepare for ChipDrop deliveries in the future (yay!)
* Pulled some bindweed that was snaking up the alder trees and the fencing

Our next event is on a Monday this time, June 30th, from 6-8 p.m. Please come out and enjoy the land with us!

The photo to the left is one we took of the area from the Terwilliger bridge, complete with Mt. Hood in the background!

== 06/01/25 ==
We are feeling a lot of energy around this project and even hosted two impromptu tree planting events between official land-tending sessions. We also recently discovered that the area has pacific ninebark and wild roses!

[[File:Trash Pickup.jpeg|thumb|As long as we collect it in a neat pile, ODOT comes to take the garbage for us. Less garbage than last time! ]]

At this event, we had 15 people show up to do the following:

* Holding a sitting circle/do basket weaving
* Pickup trash from a recently vacated campsite
* Water and mulch the baby cedars we planted between events
* Edge the pathways to help control blackberries
* Trim the blackberries around the roses to give them more space/sun
* Cut branches that were presenting fire hazards
* Pull ivy from around the cedars
* Cut down teasel
* Pull tansy ragwort

We'll be hosting this event again on Fathers' Day, June 15th from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Please drop by!

== 04/26/25 ==
After having so much success at the first event and truly creating a village day atmosphere, we decided to host another land-tending party at the Stephens Creek site. Before the event, we made connections with [https://www.portland.gov/parks/fulton-community-garden-and-display-garden Fulton Community Garden], who has generously allowed us to borrow shovels, and also John Miller, a Collins' View resident who is just as obsessed with the creek as we are! In fact, he wrote this [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html lovely blog post].

In addition, we had some visiting from the [https://design-school-for-regenerating-earth.mn.co/ Design School for Regenerating Earth], who wanted to see what we were up to! It's really exciting the ways our project has become a template for possible ways to do conservation work throughout neighboring bioregions.

[[File:Terracing.jpeg|left|thumb|Natural log terracing, which will naturally collect leaves and prevent soil erosion.]]
Because we love the area and tend it even when we don't have volunteer help, we also spent some time planting some Oregon white oaks sourced from our friends at [https://www.lostvalley.org/ Lost Valley Education Center & Meadowsong Ecovillage]. We had some extras, so we passed them onto [https://tryonfarm.org/share/ Tryon Life Community Farm & Cedar Moon Ecovillage]. Truly an ecoregional collaboration!

=== Results ===

Again, we had 23 people show up, albeit many of them new to the work! We had two kiddos there, who were very helpful at picking up trash.

This time, our work included the following:

* Sitting circle and English ivy processing for basket weaving
* Ivy pulling
* Natural terracing using logs felled previously by ODOT
* Path making by edging the paths with logs to promote the return of plant growth at the edges
* Oak protection, which involved putting some chicken wire around the newly planted oaks to protect them from beavers
* Trash pickup - We even found a scooter!

We'll be hosting this event again on June 1st at 10 a.m. if you'd like to drop by!

To get more information about this project, please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' or check out [[Stephen's Creek]].

== 03/22/25 ==
[[File:Photo 2025-03-24 14-29-53.jpg|left|thumb|Going to pull up the tire out of the creek.]]
This was the very first land-tending party at Stephen's Creek! After getting the ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape permit in early March 2025, our team worked tirelessly to drum up interest. We handed out flyers to more than 60 households in the neighborhood that abutted the riparian area, presented at the South Burlingame Neighborhood Association, had the project featured on the social media accounts for Westside Watersheds, posted the event on the Regenerate Cascadia website, and listed the event on the NextDoor app. Additionally, we put some flyers up on street poles in the neighborhood.

To prepare for the event, we borrowed tools from Westside Watersheds, acquired snacks, brought in signs, and set up chairs.

At the event, we had 23 people show up, including one youth.

To introduce the event, we discussed all the partnerships involved in the project and then led a meditation to help us all orient toward working patiently at the pace of nature. We invited in the sacred water of Stephen's Creek and mentally visited all the places water from this creek visits on its way to the ocean. With that done, we did a get-to-know-you game and transitioned to describing the work teams.
[[File:Photo 2025-03-24 14-29-44.jpg|thumb|Piles of ivy pulled up by the mat team, waiting for basket material prep.]]
Everyone was able to self-select into one of the following teams (people could also move between teams at-will):

* Sitting Circle (prepping English ivy for basket-making, making cedar bundles, socializing, resting)
* Ivy Ringing (cutting a circle around trees to give them a better chance at outlasting the ivy)
* Ivy Mats (working at the top of the area to pull up a large ivy mass)
* Trash Team (bonus points for getting the shopping carts and tires out of the creek)
* Blackberry Busting (cutting and digging up blackberries on the hillside)
* Dogwood propagation (cutting and planting dogwood in the mud along the creek)

==== Results ====
We cleared half the hillside of blackberries; picked up four large landscape bags of trash, one tire (150 lbs), and two shopping carts; cleared a 20x10' area of ivy; made four bundles of basket-making material; made one cedar bundle; and propagated 20+ dogwood saplings. Additionally, one volunteer started playing the harmonica to entertain us all!
[[File:20250323 140721.jpg|left|thumb|200x200px|A basket made by a volunteer out of the English ivy pulled during this land-tending event (took them two hours with no experience).]]
We closed our land-tending event with a circle share about what surprised us and spoke about the next land-tending event, which will be on Earth Day, April 26th, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Everyone really enjoyed the event and is looking forward to coming again! The neighborhood association was especially pleased with how it went and anticipates sending regular attendees.

We look forward to all the ways this landscape will change over time as the result of our efforts and the natural ways that nature returns to itself.

To get more information about this project, please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' or check out [[Stephen's Creek]].

File:20251010 135845.jpg

2025-11-10T19:15:19Z

Avltavin:

This is the confluence of Fringecup/Stephens Creek and the Willamette River.

User talk:Ahalsted

2025-11-08T00:09:50Z

Avltavin: Welcome!

'''Welcome to ''Regenerate Willamette Valley''!'''
We hope you will contribute much and well.
You will probably want to read the [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Help:Contents help pages].
Again, welcome and have fun! [[User:Avltavin|Avltavin]] ([[User talk:Avltavin|talk]]) 19:09, 7 November 2025 (EST)

User:Ahalsted

2025-11-08T00:09:50Z

Avltavin: Creating user page for new user.

I make maps. I am a big picture person - it is the connections between all things that fascinates me to no end. I believe that is why I was so drawn to cartography - and it’s combination of art and science. Telling a story through data and helping others to see connections in this grand web of life. I am passionate about the outdoors, ecology, natural history, communities, equality, conservation, livable cities, land stewardship, and connecting all these together to build a better world.

Welcome

2025-11-07T23:47:20Z

Avltavin:

<div class="scaled-image-container">[[File:Regenerate_Cover_Photo.png|frameless|center|upright=2.5]]</div>

Use these resource pages to learn about '''regenerative agriculture, education, history, finance, and culture happening in our ecoregion'''. You will find a directory of organizations and projects as well as a calendar of events that helps you find ways to connect with the land and the people tending it.

Learn more about how we define [[Willamette Valley]] as part of an ecoregional framework.

Regenerate Willamette Valley is an autonomous part of a larger bioregional movement, [https://regeneratecascadia.org/ Regenerate Cascadia]. Our team aims to create a network of people working in their landscapes to develop resiliency and reestablish a connection to the metabolism of the Earth.

 

== Contribute to This Community Resource! ==
This Wiki has been put together by a team of volunteers who believe in the importance of building a parallel method of meeting community needs outside of our current extractivist, consumerist culture. If you are interested in contributing, please review our [[how-to guides]] and [[Special:RequestAccount|create a Wiki account here]].

Please email regen.willamette@protonmail.com if you would like to join a Wiki onboarding session (virtual)!

 

===== Temporary Events List: [[Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice organizing|Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice Organizing]] =====

 

=== [[Willamette Valley Listening Tour]] ===
Our big project right now is to plan an ecoregional listening tour, which will visit sites from the headwaters of the Willamette River down to the confluence with the Columbia River. Our tour dates are September 4th-16th. If you are interested in joining or volunteering to support these efforts, please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.''' [https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-weavers-willamette-valley-listening-tour Please send donations via GoFundMe for the Regenerate Northern/Southern tour]

Our current tour sites for the Portland area include the following:

* [[Tryon Life Community Farm|Tryon Life Community Farm & Cedar Moon Ecovillage]]
* [[p:ear]] - mentoring for unhoused youth
* [https://www.rhythmseedfarm.org/ Rhythm Seed Farms]
* [https://www.thekindnessfarm.org/ Kindness Farms]
* [https://www.mosquitofleet.us/ Mosquito Fleet] - they will give us a CEI Hub tour from kayaks to talk about the activism being done there
* [https://www.greenanchorspdx.com/ Green Anchors]
* [[Stephen's Creek|Stephens Creek]] + [[Bunny Grove]]

 

=== [[Stephen's Creek|Fringecup* Creek Land-tending]] ===
Our group recently adopted about a quarter mile of landscape in the South Burlingame neighborhood, which follows Fringecup Creek*. This has become a model for restoration work for other bioregions! [[Stephen's Creek|Learn more here!]]

<nowiki>*</nowiki>formerly Stephens Creek, pending a formal renaming process. Please email us to get involved or make suggestions on the name!
== [[Northern Willamette Valley]] ==
Our team is primarily based in the greater Portland area, so most of our offerings presently relate to this location, although we have intentions to widen our network.

We are focusing on the Lower Willamette and Tualatin watersheds, weaving and building relationships with regenerative projects in the area.

 

<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:Directory - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Directory of Community Organizations]]
| [[File:Map - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Map]]
| [[File:Calendar - North.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>

 
== Central Willamette Valley (coming soon) ==
We don't currently have a landscape team in the Salem/Corvallis area. If you would like to help start building a directory of your own for this area, please contact us!

 

== [[Southern Willamette Valley]] ==
With members from the PROUT and Lost Valley Education Center, this team is heading up the bioregional organizing in the Eugene area. Also [[Dharmalaya|Dharmalya]], in Eugene, has an active team which currently meets bi-weekly; typically via Zoom.

 
<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:South - Directory.png|frameless|250px|link=Southern Willamette Valley]]
| [[File:South - Map.png|frameless|250px|link=Sample Page]]
| [[File:Calendar - South.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
 

== [[Resource Library|Knowledge Commons]] ==
Compiled resources for information across the bioregion.

Stephens Creek Updates

2025-10-13T22:03:35Z

Avltavin:

== 10/11/25 ==
I haven't made an update for a while, but that doesn't mean we haven't been hard at work! We have changed our schedule to be second Saturdays from 10a.m.-12:30p.m to have more consistency in these events, and since March, we've been doing land-tending days at least once a month, if not more often.

We were very excited to receive a [https://getchipdrop.com/ ChipDrop] mulch pile earlier this summer as a collaboration with local neighbors, ODOT, and local arborists. We are about two thirds of the way through that first pile and have been using it to mulch new pathways, baby trees, and a garden bed that we are hoping to plant at the top of the stairs in November.

We recently received $250 from Westside Watersheds to purchase native plants, which we will be picking up in late October! We will be planting alders, cedars, red flowering currant, Western sword ferns, fringecups, and many others! Please come down to support with this effort!

== 06/15/25 ==
It was a small group given that it was Fathers' Day and that there were ongoing L.A. solidarity protests going on here in Portland, but we honored all the energy of the moment and let our activism be led by the land that day. We had about six people join us.
[[File:Fringecup Creek.jpg|thumb|left|Stephens Creek needs a new name. How about Fringecup Creek?]]
This time, we did the following:

* Limbed a laurel tree that the beavers had chomped down
* Watered the baby red cedars (they are growing so well!)
* Cleared a patch of blackberry to prepare for ChipDrop deliveries in the future (yay!)
* Pulled some bindweed that was snaking up the alder trees and the fencing

Our next event is on a Monday this time, June 30th, from 6-8 p.m. Please come out and enjoy the land with us!

The photo to the left is one we took of the area from the Terwilliger bridge, complete with Mt. Hood in the background!

== 06/01/25 ==
We are feeling a lot of energy around this project and even hosted two impromptu tree planting events between official land-tending sessions. We also recently discovered that the area has pacific ninebark and wild roses!

[[File:Trash Pickup.jpeg|thumb|As long as we collect it in a neat pile, ODOT comes to take the garbage for us. Less garbage than last time! ]]

At this event, we had 15 people show up to do the following:

* Holding a sitting circle/do basket weaving
* Pickup trash from a recently vacated campsite
* Water and mulch the baby cedars we planted between events
* Edge the pathways to help control blackberries
* Trim the blackberries around the roses to give them more space/sun
* Cut branches that were presenting fire hazards
* Pull ivy from around the cedars
* Cut down teasel
* Pull tansy ragwort

We'll be hosting this event again on Fathers' Day, June 15th from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Please drop by!

== 04/26/25 ==
After having so much success at the first event and truly creating a village day atmosphere, we decided to host another land-tending party at the Stephens Creek site. Before the event, we made connections with [https://www.portland.gov/parks/fulton-community-garden-and-display-garden Fulton Community Garden], who has generously allowed us to borrow shovels, and also John Miller, a Collins' View resident who is just as obsessed with the creek as we are! In fact, he wrote this [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html lovely blog post].

In addition, we had some visiting from the [https://design-school-for-regenerating-earth.mn.co/ Design School for Regenerating Earth], who wanted to see what we were up to! It's really exciting the ways our project has become a template for possible ways to do conservation work throughout neighboring bioregions.

[[File:Terracing.jpeg|left|thumb|Natural log terracing, which will naturally collect leaves and prevent soil erosion.]]
Because we love the area and tend it even when we don't have volunteer help, we also spent some time planting some Oregon white oaks sourced from our friends at [https://www.lostvalley.org/ Lost Valley Education Center & Meadowsong Ecovillage]. We had some extras, so we passed them onto [https://tryonfarm.org/share/ Tryon Life Community Farm & Cedar Moon Ecovillage]. Truly an ecoregional collaboration!

=== Results ===

Again, we had 23 people show up, albeit many of them new to the work! We had two kiddos there, who were very helpful at picking up trash.

This time, our work included the following:

* Sitting circle and English ivy processing for basket weaving
* Ivy pulling
* Natural terracing using logs felled previously by ODOT
* Path making by edging the paths with logs to promote the return of plant growth at the edges
* Oak protection, which involved putting some chicken wire around the newly planted oaks to protect them from beavers
* Trash pickup - We even found a scooter!

We'll be hosting this event again on June 1st at 10 a.m. if you'd like to drop by!

To get more information about this project, please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' or check out [[Stephen's Creek]].

== 03/22/25 ==
[[File:Photo 2025-03-24 14-29-53.jpg|left|thumb|Going to pull up the tire out of the creek.]]
This was the very first land-tending party at Stephen's Creek! After getting the ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape permit in early March 2025, our team worked tirelessly to drum up interest. We handed out flyers to more than 60 households in the neighborhood that abutted the riparian area, presented at the South Burlingame Neighborhood Association, had the project featured on the social media accounts for Westside Watersheds, posted the event on the Regenerate Cascadia website, and listed the event on the NextDoor app. Additionally, we put some flyers up on street poles in the neighborhood.

To prepare for the event, we borrowed tools from Westside Watersheds, acquired snacks, brought in signs, and set up chairs.

At the event, we had 23 people show up, including one youth.

To introduce the event, we discussed all the partnerships involved in the project and then led a meditation to help us all orient toward working patiently at the pace of nature. We invited in the sacred water of Stephen's Creek and mentally visited all the places water from this creek visits on its way to the ocean. With that done, we did a get-to-know-you game and transitioned to describing the work teams.
[[File:Photo 2025-03-24 14-29-44.jpg|thumb|Piles of ivy pulled up by the mat team, waiting for basket material prep.]]
Everyone was able to self-select into one of the following teams (people could also move between teams at-will):

* Sitting Circle (prepping English ivy for basket-making, making cedar bundles, socializing, resting)
* Ivy Ringing (cutting a circle around trees to give them a better chance at outlasting the ivy)
* Ivy Mats (working at the top of the area to pull up a large ivy mass)
* Trash Team (bonus points for getting the shopping carts and tires out of the creek)
* Blackberry Busting (cutting and digging up blackberries on the hillside)
* Dogwood propagation (cutting and planting dogwood in the mud along the creek)

==== Results ====
We cleared half the hillside of blackberries; picked up four large landscape bags of trash, one tire (150 lbs), and two shopping carts; cleared a 20x10' area of ivy; made four bundles of basket-making material; made one cedar bundle; and propagated 20+ dogwood saplings. Additionally, one volunteer started playing the harmonica to entertain us all!
[[File:20250323 140721.jpg|left|thumb|200x200px|A basket made by a volunteer out of the English ivy pulled during this land-tending event (took them two hours with no experience).]]
We closed our land-tending event with a circle share about what surprised us and spoke about the next land-tending event, which will be on Earth Day, April 26th, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Everyone really enjoyed the event and is looking forward to coming again! The neighborhood association was especially pleased with how it went and anticipates sending regular attendees.

We look forward to all the ways this landscape will change over time as the result of our efforts and the natural ways that nature returns to itself.

To get more information about this project, please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' or check out [[Stephen's Creek]].

Welcome

2025-10-13T21:58:49Z

Avltavin: /* Contribute to This Community Resource! */

<div class="scaled-image-container">[[File:Regenerate_Cover_Photo.png|frameless|center|upright=2.5]]</div>

Use these resource pages to learn about '''regenerative agriculture, education, history, finance, and culture happening in our ecoregion'''. You will find a directory of organizations and projects, calendar of events, and a volunteer match program that helps you find ways to connect with the land and the people tending it.

Learn more about how we define [[Willamette Valley]] as part of an ecoregional framework.

Regenerate Willamette Valley is an autonomous part of a larger bioregional movement, [https://regeneratecascadia.org/ Regenerate Cascadia]. Our team aims to create a network of people working in their landscapes to develop resiliency and reestablish a connection to the metabolism of the Earth.

 

== Contribute to This Community Resource! ==
This Wiki has been put together by a team of volunteers who believe in the importance of building a parallel method of meeting community needs outside of our current extractivist, consumerist culture. If you are interested in contributing, please review our [[how-to guides]] and [[Special:RequestAccount|create a Wiki account here]].

Please email regen.willamette@protonmail.com if you would like to join a Wiki onboarding session (virtual)!

 

===== Temporary Events List: [[Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice organizing|Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice Organizing]] =====

 

=== [[Willamette Valley Listening Tour]] ===
Our big project right now is to plan an ecoregional listening tour, which will visit sites from the headwaters of the Willamette River down to the confluence with the Columbia River. Our tour dates are September 4th-16th. If you are interested in joining or volunteering to support these efforts, please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.''' [https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-weavers-willamette-valley-listening-tour Please send donations via GoFundMe for the Regenerate Northern/Southern tour]

Our current tour sites for the Portland area include the following:

* [[Tryon Life Community Farm|Tryon Life Community Farm & Cedar Moon Ecovillage]]
* [[p:ear]] - mentoring for unhoused youth
* [https://www.rhythmseedfarm.org/ Rhythm Seed Farms]
* [https://www.thekindnessfarm.org/ Kindness Farms]
* [https://www.mosquitofleet.us/ Mosquito Fleet] - they will give us a CEI Hub tour from kayaks to talk about the activism being done there
* [https://www.greenanchorspdx.com/ Green Anchors]
* [[Stephen's Creek|Stephens Creek]] + [[Bunny Grove]]

 

=== [[Stephen's Creek|Fringecup* Creek Land-tending]] ===
Our group recently adopted about a quarter mile of landscape in the South Burlingame neighborhood, which follows Fringecup Creek*. This has become a model for restoration work for other bioregions! [[Stephen's Creek|Learn more here!]]

<nowiki>*</nowiki>formerly Stephens Creek, pending a formal renaming process. Please email us to get involved or make suggestions on the name!
== [[Northern Willamette Valley]] ==
Our team is primarily based in the greater Portland area, so most of our offerings presently relate to this location, although we have intentions to widen our network.

We are focusing on the Lower Willamette and Tualatin watersheds, weaving and building relationships with regenerative projects in the area.

 

<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:Directory - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Directory of Community Organizations]]
| [[File:Map - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Map]]
| [[File:Calendar - North.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>

 
== Central Willamette Valley (coming soon) ==
We don't currently have a landscape team in the Salem/Corvallis area. If you would like to help start building a directory of your own for this area, please contact us!

 

== [[Southern Willamette Valley]] ==
With members from the PROUT and Lost Valley Education Center, this team is heading up the bioregional organizing in the Eugene area. Also [[Dharmalaya|Dharmalya]], in Eugene, has an active team which currently meets bi-weekly; typically via Zoom.

 
<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:South - Directory.png|frameless|250px|link=Southern Willamette Valley]]
| [[File:South - Map.png|frameless|250px|link=Sample Page]]
| [[File:Calendar - South.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
 

== [[Resource Library|Knowledge Commons]] ==
Compiled resources for information across the bioregion.

Stephens Creek Work Tracker

2025-10-13T21:58:01Z

Avltavin: /* Stephens Creek Work Tracker */

= Stephens Creek Work Tracker =

This is a prioritized list of land tending tasks at Stephen's Creek. It serves as a living guide for volunteers and project stewards. Tasks range from general maintenance to specialized restoration efforts and administrative work.

== Tasks for anyone ==

The tasks below can be picked up by anyone who feels comfortable doing them. Most require basic tools and awareness of the natural surroundings. Some tasks are more advanced and may require prior experience or extra caution.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Task !! Priority !! Location !! When !! Difficulty !! Recommended Group Size !! Notes
|-
| Limb fallen trees || High || Under freeway || Anytime || Easy || Large group || Prevent fire hazard
|-
| Remove bindweed || || Left side of stairs || Anytime || Easy || Large group || If moving down the stairs
|-
| Finish terracing || || Along stairs || Anytime || Easy || Large group || Move logs perpendicular to slope
|-
| Mulch baby trees and paths || || || Anytime || Easy || Large group ||
|-
| Move mulch to cleared ivy zone || || Ivy-cleared area || Anytime || Easy || Large group || Try a bucket brigade
|-
| Move mulch pile to bottom of stairs || || Bottom of stairs || Anytime || Easy || Large group || Requires wheelbarrow
|-
| Line footpaths with dead sticks and branches || || || Anytime || Easy || Large group || '''DO NOT''' line the access road!
|-
| Water baby oaks and cedars || || || Anytime || Easy || Large group ||
|-
| Trim blackberries || || Access road || Anytime || Easy || Large group || Cut back to 2 feet from road
|-
| Pull ivy || High || Cedar center || Anytime || Easy || Large group ||
|-
| Pull ivy || Lower || Nettle Nook || Anytime || Easy || Large group ||
|-
| Build rock berm || || Near other berm || Anytime || Easy || Large group || Wet task, some instruction needed
|-
| Walk the paths || || || Anytime || Easy || Large group ||
|-
| Woodburning signs || || || Anytime || Easy || Large group || Requires instruction, hot tool
|-
| Propagate Trees<br><br>Salmonberry, Ninebark, Dogwood, Osoberry || || || Fall || Easy || Large group || Requires some instruction
|-
| Collect seeds<br><br>Cleaver/sticky grass, Vining maple, Ninebark, Nettles || || || Fall || Easy || Large group || Requires some instruction
|-
| Plant ivy-cleared zone || || Top of stairs || Fall || Easy || Large group || Shade plants, drought tolerant
|-
| Plant blackberry-cleared zone || || Bottom of stairs || Fall || Easy || Large group || Half-sun, drought tolerant, rocky soil
|-
| Plant near cedar trees || || || Fall || Easy || Large group || Shade plants, water tolerant, clay soil
|-
| Plant tree || || Near fallen tree on right side toward Custer St. || Fall || Easy || Large group ||
|-
| Plant tree || || Where the Cottonwood fell, near cedars || Fall || Easy || Large group ||
|-
| Bushwhack to trees with ivy || || Zone 4, near Custer St, near fence || Anytime || Advanced || Individual or small group ||
|-
| Bushwhack across creek to Nettle Nook || || Entrance to Nettle Nook || Anytime || Advanced || Individual or small group ||
|-
| Kick dead trees/snags || High || || Anytime || Advanced || Individual or small group || Safety priority
|-
| Trash pickup under I-5 || || Abandoned camp || Anytime || Advanced || Individual or small group || Very steep terrain
|-
| Tansy/ragwort removal || || Zone 2, down the stairs, across access road || Anytime || Advanced || Individual or small group || Very steep terrain
|-
| Soil and water testing || || || Anytime || Advanced || Individual or small group || May require professionals
|}

== Admin tasks ==

These tasks require a more in-depth understanding of the project and are typically coordinated by core stewards or leaders. If you're interested in helping with any of these, please contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' for more information.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Task !! Priority !! Task owner(s) !! TODO !! Notes
|-
| Renaming process for the creek || || Andra || Contact Neighborhood Associations (South Burlingame, Others?)<br><br>Contact Stephens Creek Natural Area<br><br>Contact Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde<br><br>Anyone else? || [https://www.ohs.org/about-us/affiliates-and-partners/oregon-geographic-names-board/proposing-a-name.cfm Oregon Geographic Names Board: Proposing a Name]
|-
| Map out ODOT sites || || Andra, Alicea || ||
|-
| Prep wooden signs for wood burning || || Andra || Draw map || Cedars, Oaks, Nettle Nook, Gathering Place?
|-
| Develop planting plan for the second half of creek area || || || ||
|}

Stephens Creek

2025-09-27T22:09:10Z

Avltavin:

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event every second Saturday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.''' The nearest address is 7730 SW 4th Ave. in Portland, OR, and we will be meeting at the top of the stairs. Please bring shovel, clippers, watertight shoes, and gloves if you have them!

For more information about past events and how they went, please [[Stephens Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephens Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
Stephens Creek is a tributary that flows year-round toward the [[Willamette River]]. The headwaters begin up near the [https://www.oregonjcc.org/ Mittleman Jewish Community Center.] The creek then flows down through the [https://www.portland.gov/parks/stephens-creek-nature-park Stephens Creek Nature Park], through an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) riparian area, through land "owned" by Portland Metro, and then down toward the Willamette River.

Additionally, a local neighbor, John Miller, has written this lovely blog about the [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html bridges over Stephens Creek]. Check it out!

== Ecological Composition & Conservation Value ==

==== Water Health & Safety ====
There are 5+ stormwater drains that run directly into the creek in this ODOT area. These pipes transfer run-off from the street, which is known to include microplastics, heavy metals, and automotive chemicals from the street. No water testing has been done yet. If you would like to help us with water testing, please contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

Additionally, there are several drainage holes that pour water directly from the freeway on-ramp down onto the walking path.

==== Animal Activity ====
Most importantly, there are active signs that this section of Stephens Creek is a beaver habitat. There are many downed trees in the area with many small dams. Mallard ducks also occasionally make their way up to this section of the creek.

From the [https://www.portland.gov/bes/protecting-rivers-streams/stephens-creek#:~:text=Stephens%20Creek%20is%20a%20subwatershed,north%20of%20the%20Sellwood%20Bridge. Portland.gov website]: "The Stephens Creek confluence, where Stephens Creek joins the Willamette River, has been found to be the most salmonid species-rich place in the city. This is the only stream reach in the city where the four most common salmon or trout species have been observed (chinook, coho, cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout)."

==== Native Shrubs ====
This area contains snowberry, oso berry, salmonberry, cleaver, red osier dogwood, maidenhair ferns, and nettle plants.

==== Native Trees ====
There are cedars, douglas firs, and maples naturally occurring in this area.

==== Invasive Plants ====
The area is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. There are also smaller populations of ragweed, mullein (medicinal, but non-native), and teasel.

==== Future Planting Plan ====
Through ODOT, we are approved to plant red alder, white alder, Oregon white oak, western red cedar, vine maples, serviceberry, salal berry, flowering red currant, tall Oregon grape, cattail, and bearberry honeysuckle. We plan to work with local plant nursery co-ops such as [https://symbiop.com/ SymbiOp] to collect these plants and put them in the ground in Fall 2025. Additionally, we plan to propagate the native shrubs listed to improve diversity in the area and overtake the invasive plants. We hope to have success seeding some native grasses that thrive in shady environments.

== Neighborhood Value ==
This section of Stephens Creek is followed by an ODOT access road (gravel/dirt) that comes in from Custer St. Later, this section was adapted as part of [https://swtrails.org/trails/ SW Trails] #4. There is a bench along the stairs down to the area and a small amount of creek access at the end of the ODOT fence (near Custer St.). Many neighbors live along the top of the riparian area and are invested in the space.

Additionally, as the area is close to Trimet Bus Line #12, there is a fair amount of foot traffic. This is also a good route from SW 4th Ave. toward Fulton Community Garden. There are occasionally houseless neighbors who seek shelter from the elements in this location, and we do everything we can to be respectful of their space while tending the land.

Many neighbors also bring compost and leaf material to this location to nourish the soil when they have a surplus.

== ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape Program ==
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online on how to adopt a landscape or which landscapes are available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). The best thing to do is to reach out to '''d2bup@odot.oregon.gov''' and ask. You can also go to [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ Portland Maps] to get information about which public entity might own the land you want to work on.

For the Stephens Creek riparian area, we worked with ODOT to adopt the landscape. The worksite is technically listed as being associated with the land to the right of Northbound I-5 between mile marker 4.34 and 4.53, under the Terwilliger on-ramp.

Per the agreement with ODOT, [[Northern Willamette Valley|Regenerate Northern Willamette Valley]] must pickup trash in the area at least four times per year and pull invasive species at least twice per year. Currently, we plan to offer a land-tending gathering to the community once per month, typically on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See our [[Stephens Creek Work Tracker|work tracker]], or contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' for more information.

== Partnerships ==
We are currently in partnership with [https://www.westsidewatersheds.org/ Westside Watersheds], a City-funded community resource to help small landscape groups develop stormwater gardens and do watershed cleanups. They have allowed us to borrow tools and have given us a stipend to purchase native plants from local plant nursery co-ops.

Additionally, we are supported by the [https://southburlingamena.org/ South Burlingame Neighborhood Association] and the South Burlingame [https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams Neighborhood Emergency Team] (SBNET), who have both supplied volunteer labor. Some community members from the mutual aid group, [https://pdx.community/data/organizations/alphabetical/ Community Unconditionally Taking care of Each other] (C.U.T.E.), have supported this project and outreach to houseless neighbors.

We are currently in the process of applying for grants through the [https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/mini-grants Portland Clean Energy Fund] as well as the [https://www.portlandpf.org/grants-program Portland Parks Foundation].

Welcome

2025-09-27T22:08:29Z

Avltavin: /* Stephens Creek Land-tending */

<div class="scaled-image-container">[[File:Regenerate_Cover_Photo.png|frameless|center|upright=2.5]]</div>

Use these resource pages to learn about '''regenerative agriculture, education, history, finance, and culture happening in our ecoregion'''. You will find a directory of organizations and projects, calendar of events, and a volunteer match program that helps you find ways to connect with the land and the people tending it.

Learn more about how we define [[Willamette Valley]] as part of an ecoregional framework.

Regenerate Willamette Valley is an autonomous part of a larger bioregional movement, [https://regeneratecascadia.org/ Regenerate Cascadia]. Our team aims to create a network of people working in their landscapes to develop resiliency and reestablish a connection to the metabolism of the Earth.

 

== Contribute to This Community Resource! ==
This Wiki has been put together by a team of volunteers who believe in the importance of building a parallel method of meeting community needs outside of our current extractivist, consumerist culture. If you are interested in contributing, please review our [[how-to guides]] and [[Special:RequestAccount|create a Wiki account here]].

'''The next Wiki onboarding session (virtual) is scheduled for October 6th, 2025 at 5:30-6:30 p.m.''' Please email regen.willamette@protonmail.com if you would like to join!

 

===== Temporary Events List: [[Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice organizing|Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice Organizing]] =====

 

=== [[Willamette Valley Listening Tour]] ===
Our big project right now is to plan an ecoregional listening tour, which will visit sites from the headwaters of the Willamette River down to the confluence with the Columbia River. Our tour dates are September 4th-16th. If you are interested in joining or volunteering to support these efforts, please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.''' [https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-weavers-willamette-valley-listening-tour Please send donations via GoFundMe for the Regenerate Northern/Southern tour]

Our current tour sites for the Portland area include the following:

* [[Tryon Life Community Farm|Tryon Life Community Farm & Cedar Moon Ecovillage]]
* [[p:ear]] - mentoring for unhoused youth
* [https://www.rhythmseedfarm.org/ Rhythm Seed Farms]
* [https://www.thekindnessfarm.org/ Kindness Farms]
* [https://www.mosquitofleet.us/ Mosquito Fleet] - they will give us a CEI Hub tour from kayaks to talk about the activism being done there
* [https://www.greenanchorspdx.com/ Green Anchors]
* [[Stephen's Creek|Stephens Creek]] + [[Bunny Grove]]

 

=== [[Stephen's Creek|Fringecup* Creek Land-tending]] ===
Our group recently adopted about a quarter mile of landscape in the South Burlingame neighborhood, which follows Fringecup Creek*. This has become a model for restoration work for other bioregions! [[Stephen's Creek|Learn more here!]]

<nowiki>*</nowiki>formerly Stephens Creek, pending a formal renaming process. Please email us to get involved or make suggestions on the name!
== [[Northern Willamette Valley]] ==
Our team is primarily based in the greater Portland area, so most of our offerings presently relate to this location, although we have intentions to widen our network.

We are focusing on the Lower Willamette and Tualatin watersheds, weaving and building relationships with regenerative projects in the area.

 

<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:Directory - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Directory of Community Organizations]]
| [[File:Map - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Map]]
| [[File:Calendar - North.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>

 
== Central Willamette Valley (coming soon) ==
We don't currently have a landscape team in the Salem/Corvallis area. If you would like to help start building a directory of your own for this area, please contact us!

 

== [[Southern Willamette Valley]] ==
With members from the PROUT and Lost Valley Education Center, this team is heading up the bioregional organizing in the Eugene area. Also [[Dharmalaya|Dharmalya]], in Eugene, has an active team which currently meets bi-weekly; typically via Zoom.

 
<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:South - Directory.png|frameless|250px|link=Southern Willamette Valley]]
| [[File:South - Map.png|frameless|250px|link=Sample Page]]
| [[File:Calendar - South.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
 

== [[Resource Library|Knowledge Commons]] ==
Compiled resources for information across the bioregion.

Stephens Creek

2025-09-23T15:26:46Z

Avltavin: /* Recent Updates */

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event on September 27th, 2025 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.''' The nearest address is 7730 SW 4th Ave. in Portland, OR, and we will be meeting at the top of the stairs. Please bring shovel, clippers, watertight shoes, and gloves if you have them!

For more information about past events and how they went, please [[Stephens Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephens Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
Stephens Creek is a tributary that flows year-round toward the [[Willamette River]]. The headwaters begin up near the [https://www.oregonjcc.org/ Mittleman Jewish Community Center.] The creek then flows down through the [https://www.portland.gov/parks/stephens-creek-nature-park Stephens Creek Nature Park], through an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) riparian area, through land "owned" by Portland Metro, and then down toward the Willamette River.

Additionally, a local neighbor, John Miller, has written this lovely blog about the [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html bridges over Stephens Creek]. Check it out!

== Ecological Composition & Conservation Value ==

==== Water Health & Safety ====
There are 5+ stormwater drains that run directly into the creek in this ODOT area. These pipes transfer run-off from the street, which is known to include microplastics, heavy metals, and automotive chemicals from the street. No water testing has been done yet. If you would like to help us with water testing, please contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

Additionally, there are several drainage holes that pour water directly from the freeway on-ramp down onto the walking path.

==== Animal Activity ====
Most importantly, there are active signs that this section of Stephens Creek is a beaver habitat. There are many downed trees in the area with many small dams. Mallard ducks also occasionally make their way up to this section of the creek.

From the [https://www.portland.gov/bes/protecting-rivers-streams/stephens-creek#:~:text=Stephens%20Creek%20is%20a%20subwatershed,north%20of%20the%20Sellwood%20Bridge. Portland.gov website]: "The Stephens Creek confluence, where Stephens Creek joins the Willamette River, has been found to be the most salmonid species-rich place in the city. This is the only stream reach in the city where the four most common salmon or trout species have been observed (chinook, coho, cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout)."

==== Native Shrubs ====
This area contains snowberry, oso berry, salmonberry, cleaver, red osier dogwood, maidenhair ferns, and nettle plants.

==== Native Trees ====
There are cedars, douglas firs, and maples naturally occurring in this area.

==== Invasive Plants ====
The area is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. There are also smaller populations of ragweed, mullein (medicinal, but non-native), and teasel.

==== Future Planting Plan ====
Through ODOT, we are approved to plant red alder, white alder, Oregon white oak, western red cedar, vine maples, serviceberry, salal berry, flowering red currant, tall Oregon grape, cattail, and bearberry honeysuckle. We plan to work with local plant nursery co-ops such as [https://symbiop.com/ SymbiOp] to collect these plants and put them in the ground in Fall 2025. Additionally, we plan to propagate the native shrubs listed to improve diversity in the area and overtake the invasive plants. We hope to have success seeding some native grasses that thrive in shady environments.

== Neighborhood Value ==
This section of Stephens Creek is followed by an ODOT access road (gravel/dirt) that comes in from Custer St. Later, this section was adapted as part of [https://swtrails.org/trails/ SW Trails] #4. There is a bench along the stairs down to the area and a small amount of creek access at the end of the ODOT fence (near Custer St.). Many neighbors live along the top of the riparian area and are invested in the space.

Additionally, as the area is close to Trimet Bus Line #12, there is a fair amount of foot traffic. This is also a good route from SW 4th Ave. toward Fulton Community Garden. There are occasionally houseless neighbors who seek shelter from the elements in this location, and we do everything we can to be respectful of their space while tending the land.

Many neighbors also bring compost and leaf material to this location to nourish the soil when they have a surplus.

== ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape Program ==
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online on how to adopt a landscape or which landscapes are available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). The best thing to do is to reach out to '''d2bup@odot.oregon.gov''' and ask. You can also go to [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ Portland Maps] to get information about which public entity might own the land you want to work on.

For the Stephens Creek riparian area, we worked with ODOT to adopt the landscape. The worksite is technically listed as being associated with the land to the right of Northbound I-5 between mile marker 4.34 and 4.53, under the Terwilliger on-ramp.

Per the agreement with ODOT, [[Northern Willamette Valley|Regenerate Northern Willamette Valley]] must pickup trash in the area at least four times per year and pull invasive species at least twice per year. Currently, we plan to offer a land-tending gathering to the community once per month, typically on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See our [[Stephens Creek Work Tracker|work tracker]], or contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' for more information.

== Partnerships ==
We are currently in partnership with [https://www.westsidewatersheds.org/ Westside Watersheds], a City-funded community resource to help small landscape groups develop stormwater gardens and do watershed cleanups. They have allowed us to borrow tools and have given us a stipend to purchase native plants from local plant nursery co-ops.

Additionally, we are supported by the [https://southburlingamena.org/ South Burlingame Neighborhood Association] and the South Burlingame [https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams Neighborhood Emergency Team] (SBNET), who have both supplied volunteer labor. Some community members from the mutual aid group, [https://pdx.community/data/organizations/alphabetical/ Community Unconditionally Taking care of Each other] (C.U.T.E.), have supported this project and outreach to houseless neighbors.

We are currently in the process of applying for grants through the [https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/mini-grants Portland Clean Energy Fund] as well as the [https://www.portlandpf.org/grants-program Portland Parks Foundation].

Willamette Valley Listening Tour

2025-08-28T21:37:25Z

Avltavin: /* Tour Sites */

=== Ecoregional Listening Tour - September 2nd-17th, 2025 ===
As a collaboration from organizing and regenerative teams in Cottage Grove, Eugene, Corvallis, and Portland, we are creating an ecoregional listening tour during which we will visit and weave together regenerative projects in the Willamette Valley. We are highlighting projects doing regenerative agriculture, ecological restoration, food sovereignty, restorative justice, mutual aid, communal commons, and community care. We will also be visiting some culturally and historically significant sites throughout the ecoregion.

'''If you'd like to join some or all of the tour, please email regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

=== Tour Sites ===
{| class="wikitable"
|Lost Valley Education Center
|-
|Rafting & Opening Ceremony on the McKenzie
|-
|Center For Rural Livelihoods CRL
|-
|Twinberry Commons
|-
|Kennedy High School
|-
|Cottage Village
|-
|Mount David + Solidarity Projects Driving Tour
|-
|Dharmalaya
|-
|Jan Spencer's Site
|-
|Heart-Culture Farm
|-
|River Ceremony
|-
|Kalapuya High School
|-
|Maitreya Ecovillage
|-
|Hummingbird Wholesale
|-
|Springfield Youth Farm
|-
|Anahuac Farm
|-
|Silver Falls Campsite + Hike
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|Muslim Education Trust
|-
|Black Future Farm
|-
|Kindness Farm
|-
|ITECK Center
|-
|Tryon Life Community Farm
|-
|Green Anchors
|-
|Mosquito Fleet (Kayak tour)
|-
|Leaven Community Center
|-
|p:ear mentor
|-
|Oswego Creek
|-
|Fringecup Creek (Stephens Creek)
|}

=== Funding ===
We are actively seeking funding for this tour, and our team entirely consists of volunteers. If you believe in this preliminary work to identify projects for the community to support in the long-term regenerative process, please check out our [https://www.canva.com/design/DAGj_QIj3LM/9kGQVAZgi8H9LisBMbxJ9Q/view?utm_content=DAGj_QIj3LM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h087b250a1c pitch deck] and '''reach out to us at regen.willamette@protonmail.com about funding and/or donations.'''

=== Tour Aspirations ===
In addition to the local organizing teams, we will be inviting members of the public and the bioregional community to join on this tour to raise awareness of regenerative work. Among our goals for this ecoregional tour are the following:

* Extend and deepen our direct knowledge of the Willamette ecoregion
* Bring to sites we visit our emerging vision for bioregional action
* Learn from the sites we visit about the regenerative visions they’re trying to manifest
* Promote conversations about the next step in our bioregional program
* Gather information about funding needs for sites and possibilities for flow-funding structures
* Undertake service activities at sites we visit
* Deepen our bonds of community in the course of our journey together
* Explore the Willamette Valley at diverse levels: natural, cultural, historic
* Document the tour and share this documentation
* Integrate the Willamette Valley tour into larger purposes of building bioregional work
* Engage in visioning activity as we go, engaging others in this process

Willamette Valley Listening Tour

2025-08-28T21:33:45Z

Avltavin:

=== Ecoregional Listening Tour - September 2nd-17th, 2025 ===
As a collaboration from organizing and regenerative teams in Cottage Grove, Eugene, Corvallis, and Portland, we are creating an ecoregional listening tour during which we will visit and weave together regenerative projects in the Willamette Valley. We are highlighting projects doing regenerative agriculture, ecological restoration, food sovereignty, restorative justice, mutual aid, communal commons, and community care. We will also be visiting some culturally and historically significant sites throughout the ecoregion.

'''If you'd like to join some or all of the tour, please email regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

=== Tour Sites ===
{| class="wikitable"
|Lost Valley Education Center
|-
|Rafting & Opening Ceremony on the McKenzie
|-
|Center For Rural Livelihoods CRL
|-
|Twinberry Commons
|-
|Kennedy High School
|-
|Cottage Village
|-
|Mount David + Solidarity Projects Driving Tour
|-
|Dharmalaya
|-
|Jan Spencer's Site
|-
|Heart-Culture Farm
|-
|River Ceremony
|-
|Kalapuya High School
|-
|Maitreya Ecovillage
|-
|Hummingbird Wholesale
|-
|Springfield Youth Farm
|-
|Anahuac Farm
|-
|Silver Falls Campsite + Hike
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|Muslim Education Trust
|-
|Black Future Farm
|-
|Kindness Farm
|-
|ITECK Center
|-
|Tryon Life Community Farm
|-
|Green Anchors
|-
|Mosquito Fleet (Kayak tour)
|-
|Leaven Community Center
|-
|p:ear mentor
|-
|Oswego Creek
|-
|Fringecup Creek
|}

=== Funding ===
We are actively seeking funding for this tour, and our team entirely consists of volunteers. If you believe in this preliminary work to identify projects for the community to support in the long-term regenerative process, please check out our [https://www.canva.com/design/DAGj_QIj3LM/9kGQVAZgi8H9LisBMbxJ9Q/view?utm_content=DAGj_QIj3LM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h087b250a1c pitch deck] and '''reach out to us at regen.willamette@protonmail.com about funding and/or donations.'''

=== Tour Aspirations ===
In addition to the local organizing teams, we will be inviting members of the public and the bioregional community to join on this tour to raise awareness of regenerative work. Among our goals for this ecoregional tour are the following:

* Extend and deepen our direct knowledge of the Willamette ecoregion
* Bring to sites we visit our emerging vision for bioregional action
* Learn from the sites we visit about the regenerative visions they’re trying to manifest
* Promote conversations about the next step in our bioregional program
* Gather information about funding needs for sites and possibilities for flow-funding structures
* Undertake service activities at sites we visit
* Deepen our bonds of community in the course of our journey together
* Explore the Willamette Valley at diverse levels: natural, cultural, historic
* Document the tour and share this documentation
* Integrate the Willamette Valley tour into larger purposes of building bioregional work
* Engage in visioning activity as we go, engaging others in this process

File:Tour Week 1.jpg

2025-08-28T21:24:55Z

Avltavin:

Tour week 1

Willamette Wiki Onboarding Session

2025-08-23T00:17:42Z

Avltavin: Created page with "{{EventTemplate |event_date=2025-10-06 |event_time=17:30-18:30 |event_location=Virtual via Zoom |event_description=An opportunity to get added to the Wiki, learn about standards of practice, and see where you might want to plug in to support! Please email regen.willamette@protonmail.com if you are interested. }}"

{{EventTemplate
|event_date=2025-10-06
|event_time=17:30-18:30
|event_location=Virtual via Zoom
|event_description=An opportunity to get added to the Wiki, learn about standards of practice, and see where you might want to plug in to support! Please email regen.willamette@protonmail.com if you are interested.
}}

Welcome

2025-08-23T00:14:00Z

Avltavin:

<div class="scaled-image-container">[[File:Regenerate_Cover_Photo.png|frameless|center|upright=2.5]]</div>

Use these resource pages to learn about '''regenerative agriculture, education, history, finance, and culture happening in our ecoregion'''. You will find a directory of organizations and projects, calendar of events, and a volunteer match program that helps you find ways to connect with the land and the people tending it.

Learn more about how we define [[Willamette Valley]] as part of an ecoregional framework.

Regenerate Willamette Valley is an autonomous part of a larger bioregional movement, [https://regeneratecascadia.org/ Regenerate Cascadia]. Our team aims to create a network of people working in their landscapes to develop resiliency and reestablish a connection to the metabolism of the Earth.

 

== Contribute to This Community Resource! ==
This Wiki has been put together by a team of volunteers who believe in the importance of building a parallel method of meeting community needs outside of our current extractivist, consumerist culture. If you are interested in contributing, please review our [[how-to guides]] and [[Special:RequestAccount|create a Wiki account here]].

'''The next Wiki onboarding session (virtual) is scheduled for October 6th, 2025 at 5:30-6:30 p.m.''' Please email regen.willamette@protonmail.com if you would like to join!

 

===== Temporary Events List: [[Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice organizing|Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice Organizing]] =====

 

=== [[Willamette Valley Listening Tour]] ===
Our big project right now is to plan an ecoregional listening tour, which will visit sites from the headwaters of the Willamette River down to the confluence with the Columbia River. Our tour dates are September 4th-16th. If you are interested in joining or volunteering to support these efforts, please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.''' [https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-weavers-willamette-valley-listening-tour Please send donations via GoFundMe for the Regenerate Northern/Southern tour]

Our current tour sites for the Portland area include the following:

* [[Tryon Life Community Farm|Tryon Life Community Farm & Cedar Moon Ecovillage]]
* [[p:ear]] - mentoring for unhoused youth
* [https://www.rhythmseedfarm.org/ Rhythm Seed Farms]
* [https://www.thekindnessfarm.org/ Kindness Farms]
* [https://www.mosquitofleet.us/ Mosquito Fleet] - they will give us a CEI Hub tour from kayaks to talk about the activism being done there
* [https://www.greenanchorspdx.com/ Green Anchors]
* [[Stephen's Creek|Stephens Creek]] + [[Bunny Grove]]

 

=== [[Stephen's Creek|Stephens Creek Land-tending]] ===
Our group recently adopted about a quarter mile of landscape in the South Burlingame neighborhood, which follows Stephens Creek. This has become a model for restoration work for other bioregions! [[Stephen's Creek|Learn more here!]]
== [[Northern Willamette Valley]] ==
Our team is primarily based in the greater Portland area, so most of our offerings presently relate to this location, although we have intentions to widen our network.

We are focusing on the Lower Willamette and Tualatin watersheds, weaving and building relationships with regenerative projects in the area.

 

<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:Directory - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Directory of Community Organizations]]
| [[File:Map - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Map]]
| [[File:Calendar - North.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>

 
== Central Willamette Valley (coming soon) ==
We don't currently have a landscape team in the Salem/Corvallis area. If you would like to help start building a directory of your own for this area, please contact us!

 

== [[Southern Willamette Valley]] ==
With members from the PROUT and Lost Valley Education Center, this team is heading up the bioregional organizing in the Eugene area. Also [[Dharmalaya|Dharmalya]], in Eugene, has an active team which currently meets bi-weekly; typically via Zoom.

 
<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:South - Directory.png|frameless|250px|link=Southern Willamette Valley]]
| [[File:South - Map.png|frameless|250px|link=Sample Page]]
| [[File:Calendar - South.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
 

== [[Resource Library|Knowledge Commons]] ==
Compiled resources for information across the bioregion.

Stephens Creek

2025-08-23T00:11:53Z

Avltavin:

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event on August 30th, 2025 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.''' The nearest address is 7730 SW 4th Ave. in Portland, OR, and we will be meeting at the top of the stairs. Please bring shovel, clippers, watertight shoes, and gloves if you have them!

For more information about past events and how they went, please [[Stephens Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephens Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
Stephens Creek is a tributary that flows year-round toward the [[Willamette River]]. The headwaters begin up near the [https://www.oregonjcc.org/ Mittleman Jewish Community Center.] The creek then flows down through the [https://www.portland.gov/parks/stephens-creek-nature-park Stephens Creek Nature Park], through an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) riparian area, through land "owned" by Portland Metro, and then down toward the Willamette River.

Additionally, a local neighbor, John Miller, has written this lovely blog about the [https://newcollinsview.blog/history/Bridges-over-Stephens-Creek.html bridges over Stephens Creek]. Check it out!

== Ecological Composition & Conservation Value ==

==== Water Health & Safety ====
There are 5+ stormwater drains that run directly into the creek in this ODOT area. These pipes transfer run-off from the street, which is known to include microplastics, heavy metals, and automotive chemicals from the street. No water testing has been done yet. If you would like to help us with water testing, please contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

Additionally, there are several drainage holes that pour water directly from the freeway on-ramp down onto the walking path.

==== Animal Activity ====
Most importantly, there are active signs that this section of Stephens Creek is a beaver habitat. There are many downed trees in the area with many small dams. Mallard ducks also occasionally make their way up to this section of the creek.

From the [https://www.portland.gov/bes/protecting-rivers-streams/stephens-creek#:~:text=Stephens%20Creek%20is%20a%20subwatershed,north%20of%20the%20Sellwood%20Bridge. Portland.gov website]: "The Stephens Creek confluence, where Stephens Creek joins the Willamette River, has been found to be the most salmonid species-rich place in the city. This is the only stream reach in the city where the four most common salmon or trout species have been observed (chinook, coho, cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout)."

==== Native Shrubs ====
This area contains snowberry, oso berry, salmonberry, cleaver, red osier dogwood, maidenhair ferns, and nettle plants.

==== Native Trees ====
There are cedars, douglas firs, and maples naturally occurring in this area.

==== Invasive Plants ====
The area is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. There are also smaller populations of ragweed, mullein (medicinal, but non-native), and teasel.

==== Future Planting Plan ====
Through ODOT, we are approved to plant red alder, white alder, Oregon white oak, western red cedar, vine maples, serviceberry, salal berry, flowering red currant, tall Oregon grape, cattail, and bearberry honeysuckle. We plan to work with local plant nursery co-ops such as [https://symbiop.com/ SymbiOp] to collect these plants and put them in the ground in Fall 2025. Additionally, we plan to propagate the native shrubs listed to improve diversity in the area and overtake the invasive plants. We hope to have success seeding some native grasses that thrive in shady environments.

== Neighborhood Value ==
This section of Stephens Creek is followed by an ODOT access road (gravel/dirt) that comes in from Custer St. Later, this section was adapted as part of [https://swtrails.org/trails/ SW Trails] #4. There is a bench along the stairs down to the area and a small amount of creek access at the end of the ODOT fence (near Custer St.). Many neighbors live along the top of the riparian area and are invested in the space.

Additionally, as the area is close to Trimet Bus Line #12, there is a fair amount of foot traffic. This is also a good route from SW 4th Ave. toward Fulton Community Garden. There are occasionally houseless neighbors who seek shelter from the elements in this location, and we do everything we can to be respectful of their space while tending the land.

Many neighbors also bring compost and leaf material to this location to nourish the soil when they have a surplus.

== ODOT Adopt-a-Landscape Program ==
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online on how to adopt a landscape or which landscapes are available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). The best thing to do is to reach out to '''d2bup@odot.oregon.gov''' and ask. You can also go to [https://www.portlandmaps.com/ Portland Maps] to get information about which public entity might own the land you want to work on.

For the Stephens Creek riparian area, we worked with ODOT to adopt the landscape. The worksite is technically listed as being associated with the land to the right of Northbound I-5 between mile marker 4.34 and 4.53, under the Terwilliger on-ramp.

Per the agreement with ODOT, [[Northern Willamette Valley|Regenerate Northern Willamette Valley]] must pickup trash in the area at least four times per year and pull invasive species at least twice per year. Currently, we plan to offer a land-tending gathering to the community once per month, typically on the last Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See our [[Stephens Creek Work Tracker|work tracker]], or contact '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com''' for more information.

== Partnerships ==
We are currently in partnership with [https://www.westsidewatersheds.org/ Westside Watersheds], a City-funded community resource to help small landscape groups develop stormwater gardens and do watershed cleanups. They have allowed us to borrow tools and have given us a stipend to purchase native plants from local plant nursery co-ops.

Additionally, we are supported by the [https://southburlingamena.org/ South Burlingame Neighborhood Association] and the South Burlingame [https://www.portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams Neighborhood Emergency Team] (SBNET), who have both supplied volunteer labor. Some community members from the mutual aid group, [https://pdx.community/data/organizations/alphabetical/ Community Unconditionally Taking care of Each other] (C.U.T.E.), have supported this project and outreach to houseless neighbors.

We are currently in the process of applying for grants through the [https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/mini-grants Portland Clean Energy Fund] as well as the [https://www.portlandpf.org/grants-program Portland Parks Foundation].

Willamette Valley

2025-08-01T16:41:50Z

Avltavin:

[[File:Level IV ecoregions, Willamette Valley.png|thumb|Map of Willamette Valley]]
Country, county, and city lines have historically disregarded natural features of the landscape, and moving toward a bioregional understanding of place requires us to shift toward thinking about defining an area based on the movement of the watershed, geographic history, and culture of a place. For this reason, we refer to our ecoregion as Willamette Valley, named for the river that is our lifeblood.

Willamette River is one of the few rivers that runs south to north, joining the "Columbia" River before moving onto the ocean.

=== Watersheds ===

==== North ====

* Wapato Island
* Scappoose Tualatin
* Lower Willamette
* Sandy
* Mollala
* Clackamas
* Pudding
* Greater Yamhill

==== Central ====

* Lukinute
* Mill Creek
* Claggett Creek
* Pringle Creek
* Spring Creek
* N. Santiam
* S. Santiam
* Calapooia
* Mary's River

==== South ====

* Long Tom
* Mckenzie
* Middle Fork
* Coast Fork

=== Native Flora and Fauna ===
Please help us fill this in!

=== Cultural Identity ===
Please help us fill this in!

Willamette Valley Listening Tour

2025-07-30T23:30:12Z

Avltavin:

=== Ecoregional Listening Tour - September 2nd-17th, 2025 ===
As a collaboration from organizing and regenerative teams in Cottage Grove, Eugene, Corvallis, and Portland, we are creating an ecoregional listening tour during which we will visit and weave together regenerative projects in the Willamette Valley. We are highlighting projects doing regenerative agriculture, ecological restoration, food sovereignty, restorative justice, mutual aid, communal commons, and community care. We will also be visiting some culturally and historically significant sites throughout the ecoregion.

'''If you'd like to join some or all of the tour, please email regen.willamette@protonmail.com.'''

=== Funding ===
We are actively seeking funding for this tour, and our team entirely consists of volunteers. If you believe in this preliminary work to identify projects for the community to support in the long-term regenerative process, please check out our [https://www.canva.com/design/DAGj_QIj3LM/9kGQVAZgi8H9LisBMbxJ9Q/view?utm_content=DAGj_QIj3LM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h087b250a1c pitch deck] and '''reach out to us at regen.willamette@protonmail.com about funding and/or donations.'''

=== Tour Aspirations ===
In addition to the local organizing teams, we will be inviting members of the public and the bioregional community to join on this tour to raise awareness of regenerative work. Among our goals for this ecoregional tour are the following:

* Extend and deepen our direct knowledge of the Willamette ecoregion
* Bring to sites we visit our emerging vision for bioregional action
* Learn from the sites we visit about the regenerative visions they’re trying to manifest
* Promote conversations about the next step in our bioregional program
* Gather information about funding needs for sites and possibilities for flow-funding structures
* Undertake service activities at sites we visit
* Deepen our bonds of community in the course of our journey together
* Explore the Willamette Valley at diverse levels: natural, cultural, historic
* Document the tour and share this documentation
* Integrate the Willamette Valley tour into larger purposes of building bioregional work
* Engage in visioning activity as we go, engaging others in this process

Dharmalaya

2025-07-25T00:19:54Z

Avltavin: Created page with "Dharmalaya is an important organizing space is Southern Willamette Valley."

Dharmalaya is an important organizing space is Southern Willamette Valley.

Welcome

2025-07-25T00:18:38Z

Avltavin: /* Southern Willamette Valley (coming soon) */

<div class="scaled-image-container">[[File:Regenerate_Cover_Photo.png|frameless|center|upright=2.5]]</div>

Use these resource pages to learn about '''regenerative agriculture, education, history, finance, and culture happening in our ecoregion'''. You will find a directory of organizations and projects, calendar of events, and a volunteer match program that helps you find ways to connect with the land and the people tending it.

Learn more about how we define [[Willamette Valley]] as part of an ecoregional framework.

Regenerate Willamette Valley is an autonomous part of a larger bioregional movement, [https://regeneratecascadia.org/ Regenerate Cascadia]. Our team aims to create a network of people working in their landscapes to develop resiliency and reestablish a connection to the metabolism of the Earth.

 

== Contribute to This Community Resource! ==
This Wiki has been put together by a team of volunteers who believe in the importance of building a parallel method of meeting community needs outside of our current extractivist, consumerist culture. If you are interested in contributing, please review our [[how-to guides]] and [[Special:RequestAccount|create a Wiki account here]].

 

== [[Northern Willamette Valley]] ==
Our team is primarily based in the greater Portland area, so most of our offerings presently relate to this location, although we have intentions to widen our network.

We are focusing on the Lower Willamette and Tualatin watersheds, weaving and building relationships with regenerative projects in the area.

 

<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:Directory - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Directory of Community Organizations]]
| [[File:Map - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Map]]
| [[File:Calendar - North.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>

 

===== Temporary Events List: [[Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice organizing|Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice Organizing]] =====

 

=== [[Willamette Valley Listening Tour]] ===
Our big project right now is to plan an ecoregional listening tour, which will visit sites from the headwaters of the Willamette River down to the confluence with the Columbia River. Our tour dates are September 4th-16th. If you are interested in joining or volunteering to support these efforts, please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.''' [https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-weavers-willamette-valley-listening-tour Please send donations via GoFundMe for the Regenerate Northern/Southern tour]

Our current tour sites for the Portland area include the following:

* [[Tryon Life Community Farm|Tryon Life Community Farm & Cedar Moon Ecovillage]]
* [[p:ear]] - mentoring for unhoused youth
* [https://www.rhythmseedfarm.org/ Rhythm Seed Farms]
* [https://www.thekindnessfarm.org/ Kindness Farms]
* [https://www.mosquitofleet.us/ Mosquito Fleet] - they will give us a CEI Hub tour from kayaks to talk about the activism being done there
* [https://www.greenanchorspdx.com/ Green Anchors]
* [[Stephen's Creek|Stephens Creek]] + [[Bunny Grove]]

 

=== [[Stephen's Creek|Stephens Creek Land-tending]] ===
Our group recently adopted about a quarter mile of landscape in the South Burlingame neighborhood, which follows Stephens Creek. This has become a model for restoration work for other bioregions! [[Stephen's Creek|Learn more here!]]

 

== Central Willamette Valley (coming soon) ==
We don't currently have a landscape team in the Salem/Corvallis area. If you would like to help start building a directory of your own for this area, please contact us!

 

== [[Southern Willamette Valley]] (coming soon) ==
With members from the PROUT and Lost Valley Education Center, this team is heading up the bioregional organizing in the Eugene area. Also [[Dharmalaya|Dharmalya]], in Eugene, has an active team which currently meets bi-weekly; typically via Zoom.

 
<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:South - Directory.png|frameless|250px|link=Southern Willamette Valley]]
| [[File:South - Map.png|frameless|250px|link=Sample Page]]
| [[File:Calendar - South.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
 

== [[Resource Library|Knowledge Commons]] ==
Complied resources for information across the bioregion.

Welcome

2025-07-25T00:17:19Z

Avltavin: /* Southern Willamette Valley (coming soon) */

<div class="scaled-image-container">[[File:Regenerate_Cover_Photo.png|frameless|center|upright=2.5]]</div>

Use these resource pages to learn about '''regenerative agriculture, education, history, finance, and culture happening in our ecoregion'''. You will find a directory of organizations and projects, calendar of events, and a volunteer match program that helps you find ways to connect with the land and the people tending it.

Learn more about how we define [[Willamette Valley]] as part of an ecoregional framework.

Regenerate Willamette Valley is an autonomous part of a larger bioregional movement, [https://regeneratecascadia.org/ Regenerate Cascadia]. Our team aims to create a network of people working in their landscapes to develop resiliency and reestablish a connection to the metabolism of the Earth.

 

== Contribute to This Community Resource! ==
This Wiki has been put together by a team of volunteers who believe in the importance of building a parallel method of meeting community needs outside of our current extractivist, consumerist culture. If you are interested in contributing, please review our [[how-to guides]] and [[Special:RequestAccount|create a Wiki account here]].

 

== [[Northern Willamette Valley]] ==
Our team is primarily based in the greater Portland area, so most of our offerings presently relate to this location, although we have intentions to widen our network.

We are focusing on the Lower Willamette and Tualatin watersheds, weaving and building relationships with regenerative projects in the area.

 

<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:Directory - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Directory of Community Organizations]]
| [[File:Map - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Map]]
| [[File:Calendar - North.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>

 

===== Temporary Events List: [[Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice organizing|Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice Organizing]] =====

 

=== [[Willamette Valley Listening Tour]] ===
Our big project right now is to plan an ecoregional listening tour, which will visit sites from the headwaters of the Willamette River down to the confluence with the Columbia River. Our tour dates are September 4th-16th. If you are interested in joining or volunteering to support these efforts, please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.''' [https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-weavers-willamette-valley-listening-tour Please send donations via GoFundMe for the Regenerate Northern/Southern tour]

Our current tour sites for the Portland area include the following:

* [[Tryon Life Community Farm|Tryon Life Community Farm & Cedar Moon Ecovillage]]
* [[p:ear]] - mentoring for unhoused youth
* [https://www.rhythmseedfarm.org/ Rhythm Seed Farms]
* [https://www.thekindnessfarm.org/ Kindness Farms]
* [https://www.mosquitofleet.us/ Mosquito Fleet] - they will give us a CEI Hub tour from kayaks to talk about the activism being done there
* [https://www.greenanchorspdx.com/ Green Anchors]
* [[Stephen's Creek|Stephens Creek]] + [[Bunny Grove]]

 

=== [[Stephen's Creek|Stephens Creek Land-tending]] ===
Our group recently adopted about a quarter mile of landscape in the South Burlingame neighborhood, which follows Stephens Creek. This has become a model for restoration work for other bioregions! [[Stephen's Creek|Learn more here!]]

 

== Central Willamette Valley (coming soon) ==
We don't currently have a landscape team in the Salem/Corvallis area. If you would like to help start building a directory of your own for this area, please contact us!

 

== [[Southern Willamette Valley]] (coming soon) ==
With members from the PROUT and Lost Valley Education Center, this team is heading up the bioregional organizing in the Eugene area. Also [[Dharmalya]], in Eugene, has an active team which currently meets bi-weekly; typically via Zoom.

 
<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:South - Directory.png|frameless|250px|link=Southern Willamette Valley]]
| [[File:South - Map.png|frameless|250px|link=Sample Page]]
| [[File:Calendar - South.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
 

== [[Resource Library|Knowledge Commons]] ==
Complied resources for information across the bioregion.

Welcome

2025-07-25T00:16:23Z

Avltavin:

<div class="scaled-image-container">[[File:Regenerate_Cover_Photo.png|frameless|center|upright=2.5]]</div>

Use these resource pages to learn about '''regenerative agriculture, education, history, finance, and culture happening in our ecoregion'''. You will find a directory of organizations and projects, calendar of events, and a volunteer match program that helps you find ways to connect with the land and the people tending it.

Learn more about how we define [[Willamette Valley]] as part of an ecoregional framework.

Regenerate Willamette Valley is an autonomous part of a larger bioregional movement, [https://regeneratecascadia.org/ Regenerate Cascadia]. Our team aims to create a network of people working in their landscapes to develop resiliency and reestablish a connection to the metabolism of the Earth.

 

== Contribute to This Community Resource! ==
This Wiki has been put together by a team of volunteers who believe in the importance of building a parallel method of meeting community needs outside of our current extractivist, consumerist culture. If you are interested in contributing, please review our [[how-to guides]] and [[Special:RequestAccount|create a Wiki account here]].

 

== [[Northern Willamette Valley]] ==
Our team is primarily based in the greater Portland area, so most of our offerings presently relate to this location, although we have intentions to widen our network.

We are focusing on the Lower Willamette and Tualatin watersheds, weaving and building relationships with regenerative projects in the area.

 

<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:Directory - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Directory of Community Organizations]]
| [[File:Map - North.png|frameless|250px|link=North:Map]]
| [[File:Calendar - North.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>

 

===== Temporary Events List: [[Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice organizing|Connect the Dots Radical Farmers and Food Justice Organizing]] =====

 

=== [[Willamette Valley Listening Tour]] ===
Our big project right now is to plan an ecoregional listening tour, which will visit sites from the headwaters of the Willamette River down to the confluence with the Columbia River. Our tour dates are September 4th-16th. If you are interested in joining or volunteering to support these efforts, please email '''regen.willamette@protonmail.com.''' [https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-weavers-willamette-valley-listening-tour Please send donations via GoFundMe for the Regenerate Northern/Southern tour]

Our current tour sites for the Portland area include the following:

* [[Tryon Life Community Farm|Tryon Life Community Farm & Cedar Moon Ecovillage]]
* [[p:ear]] - mentoring for unhoused youth
* [https://www.rhythmseedfarm.org/ Rhythm Seed Farms]
* [https://www.thekindnessfarm.org/ Kindness Farms]
* [https://www.mosquitofleet.us/ Mosquito Fleet] - they will give us a CEI Hub tour from kayaks to talk about the activism being done there
* [https://www.greenanchorspdx.com/ Green Anchors]
* [[Stephen's Creek|Stephens Creek]] + [[Bunny Grove]]

 

=== [[Stephen's Creek|Stephens Creek Land-tending]] ===
Our group recently adopted about a quarter mile of landscape in the South Burlingame neighborhood, which follows Stephens Creek. This has become a model for restoration work for other bioregions! [[Stephen's Creek|Learn more here!]]

 

== Central Willamette Valley (coming soon) ==
We don't currently have a landscape team in the Salem/Corvallis area. If you would like to help start building a directory of your own for this area, please contact us!

 

== [[Southern Willamette Valley]] (coming soon) ==
With members from the Breach Collective and Lost Valley Education Center, this team is heading up the bioregional organizing in the Eugene area. Also [[Dharmalya]], in Eugene, has an active team which currently meets bi-weekly; typically via Zoom.

 
<div class="scaled-image-container">
{| style="width:100%; text-align:center; "
|-
| [[File:South - Directory.png|frameless|250px|link=Southern Willamette Valley]]
| [[File:South - Map.png|frameless|250px|link=Sample Page]]
| [[File:Calendar - South.png|frameless|250px|link=Event Calendar]]
|}
</div>
 

== [[Resource Library|Knowledge Commons]] ==
Complied resources for information across the bioregion.

User talk:Kwin

2025-07-25T00:05:32Z

Avltavin: Welcome!

User:Kwin

2025-07-25T00:05:32Z

Avltavin: Creating user page for new user.

I am a land tender, community organizer, passionate about permaculture, social forestry, network strengthening, regenerative education and more. I like to write stories poems songs and craft with natural materials. I’m based in Portland, Eugene and White Salmon areas mostly. I’m currently involved with Regenerate North Willamette Valley group and the Willamette Valley Listening Tour.

User talk:SlinkyGinkgo

2025-07-25T00:05:18Z

Avltavin: Welcome!

User:SlinkyGinkgo

2025-07-25T00:05:17Z

Avltavin: Creating user page for new user.

I’m a grassroots community organizer and Bioregional weaver based in Cascadia; specifically in the Northern Willamette Valley.
I’m an herbalist, friend and tender of the forests, song leader, storyteller, and artist. I’m an organizer with Regenerate Northern and Southern Willamette Valley, as well as many other groups, collectives, and projects.
Let’s learn, grow, n heal together as we reclaim our imagination in service to our interconnected liberation and actualization of a more equitable world.

User talk:ClareSWV

2025-07-25T00:05:04Z

Avltavin: Welcome!