Regenerate Willamette Valley - User contributions [en]

Stephen's Creek Updates

2025-08-03T21:03:11Z

Ean5533: Ean5533 moved page Stephen's Creek Updates to Stephens Creek Updates: Misspelled title

#REDIRECT [[Stephens Creek Updates]]

Stephens Creek Updates

2025-08-03T21:03:11Z

Ean5533: Ean5533 moved page Stephen's Creek Updates to Stephens Creek Updates: Misspelled title

== 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]].

Stephens Creek

2025-08-03T20:58:40Z

Ean5533: Stephen's --> Stephens

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event on July 26th, 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].

Stephens Creek

2025-08-03T20:57:44Z

Ean5533: Link to new work tracker

== Recent Updates ==
'''There's an upcoming land-tending event on July 26th, 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 [[Stephen's Creek Updates|visit here.]]

== Background ==
[[File:20250124 135834.jpg|thumb|Stephen's Creek, Willamette River Watershed, "Portland, OR"]]
Stephen's 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 Stephen's 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 Stephen's 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 Stephen's 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 Stephen's 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 Work Tracker

2025-08-03T20:57:26Z

Ean5533: Created page with "= Stephen's 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 req..."

= Stephen's 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 Salmonberry, Ninebark, Dogwood, Osoberry || || || Fall || Easy || Large group || Requires some instruction
|-
| Collect seeds 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?) Contact Stephens Creek Natural Area Contact Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde 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 || || || ||
|}