• Community Scientist Training for Beaver Surveys in Washington County
• Newly planted Pollinator Garden at Leedy Grange
• Treekeepers of Washington County programs
• Washington County Master Gardener Association events

Community Scientist Training for Beaver Surveys in Washington County

Friday, September 5, 6-7:30pm (virtual on Zoom) or Saturday, September 6, 10:30am-12pm (in-person), Albina Library, Large Community Room 2A, 205 NE Russell Street, Portland.

Learn to identify and log the signs of beaver presence and residence throughout Washington County and the Tualatin River Watershed. Become a community scientist to help The Wetlands Conservancy gather data on our local urban beaver populations! There is a virtual evening training and an in-person morning training. Only one session is required to work with the volunteer survey team.

Newly planted Pollinator Garden at Leedy Grange

The Cedar Mill Garden Club has planted a new pollinator garden at Leedy Grange, 835 NW Saltzman Blvd. A lot of hard work has gone into this. Our small club of less than 20 members was able to clear the weeds and replace them with pretty perennials, all of which were donated for this project by local nurseries and garden centers—Cornell Farm, Al’s Garden Center, Sherwood, Market of Choice, Fred Meyer and Home Depot. Cedar Mill Landscaping Supply gave us a sweet discount on mulch.

Our Garden Club meets the third Wednesday of each month and welcomes new members of any level of gardening experience. For more information, please contact Cathy Ramsey, 503-866-4222 or cathyramsey308@gmail.com.

Treekeepers of Washington County programs

We work to protect and advocate for trees in urban unincorporated Washington County. Don’t miss our upcoming events! All of them are free. Visit the Treekeepers website to learn more.

Treekeepers All-Member Picnic

Saturday, September 13, 11:30-1:30 pm, Hillsboro Shute Park, 750 SE 8th Ave, Hillsboro, register here, free

Bring your family and friends to our Treekeepers picnic at Hillsboro’s Shute Park. This will be an old-fashioned community picnic, not a potluck. You bring the lunch you want for you and your friends and family. We’ll provide watermelon, some beverages, and dessert. Don’t miss this chance to meet our board members, learn more about our projects, and connect with like-minded Treekeeper supporters. Everyone is welcome!

Webinar: Decade of the Oaks

Thursday, September 18, 6:30-8 pm, Zoom link, free

Brian French, principal at Arboriculture International, will present a webinar, “Decade of the Oak,” which will describe local Oregon white oaks, their life cycle and traits, and how to care for these special trees. Brian will describe some problems that can plague oaks and offer recommendations for managing them. The talk will showcase some champion trees and local places to enjoy oaks. Brian is also a skilled climber with 25 years of a broad range of arboriculture related experience and certifications. He is dedicated to and contributor of cutting-edge research for a better understanding of trees and safer work practices for arborists worldwide. Much of his work focuses on the preservation of significant, old trees and associated flora and fauna.

Vose School Work Party for Trees

Saturday, September 27, 9-11 am, Vose Elementary School, 11350 SW Denney Rd., Beaverton, register here, free

During the summer drought, young trees need extra care. Join us in supporting these trees through our pilot program at Vose Elementary School in Beaverton. Watering is a simple yet crucial action that can make a significant difference. We will come together to weed, water, and apply mulch to the trees. Treekeepers will provide the necessary equipment and guidance. This is a rewarding volunteer opportunity where you can see immediate, positive results, knowing that you’ve played a part in saving a tree!

Washington County Master Gardener Association events

There are ample opportunities to advance your gardening knowledge and skills right here in Washington County. OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers and the Washington County Master Gardener Association (WCMGA) offer a lineup of classes, lectures and family friendly events year-round. All events and details can be found on the WCMGA events calendar.  

Growing Native Plants

Sunday, September 20, 10 am-12 pm, The Gazebo at WCMGA Learning Garden at Jenkins Estate, 8005 SW Grabhorn Rd., Beaverton, no registration required, free

There is an increasing interest in growing native plants. Information will include the definition and role of native plants. What are the historical uses for native plants? What are the best native plants for your garden? Resources will be shared and there will be an opportunity to see a variety of native plants in the garden. Please visit the event page for more information. 

Putting the Garden to Bed

Saturday, September 27, 10 am-1 pm, PCC Rock Creek Education Garden, 17705 NW Springville Rd., Bldg. 4, Room 103, no registration required, free

Fall is a great time to prepare for winter and to set up your garden for success year-round. We will share tips for landscape plants, best practices for planting trees and shrubs, tasks to prepare the vegetable and fruit garden for winter, and techniques to protect the soil. The in-class section will be followed by a visit to the WCMGA Education Garden for a demo of our tips including proper planting technique, and then a visit to the PCC RC vegetable and fruit garden to discuss techniques to prepare for winter.  Helpful references will also be provided. Please visit the event page for more information. 

Rainwater Harvesting for Landscape Use Webinar

Tuesday, October 7, 7-8 pm, Zoom, free, pre-registration required

Join the Washington County Master Gardener Association for a Zoom webinar presented by Lincoln County Master Gardener, Ann Geyer. Ann will introduce the basic concepts of how to collect, store, and distribute rainwater. She will provide examples based on her own experience using only rainwater for her one-acre garden. Please visit the event page for registration.