In This Issue
• Get out

• Go native

• Step up

Did you know?
53% of western Oregon's wetlands have been lost to development or converted to other uses.

Who we are
Clean Water Services is a wastewater and stormwater utility committed to protecting water resources in the Tualatin River Watershed.

Get out

As Spring officially enters our horizon, it's time to release your grip from that cell phone and Palm Pilot and step foot into the fresh air. Make the most of warmer and brighter days with the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District's Outside Guide. This invaluable tool will lead you to the District's natural areas, playgrounds, trails, projects, and other opportunities to help you experience the world on the other side of your cubicle walls.

Go native

It's planting season and a few simple steps go a long way to creating a good-looking and healthy landscape year-round.

• Use the online Native Plant Finder to find natives that are suitable for your landscape. Native plants require less water and fewer chemicals and therefore protect our streams and wetlands.
• Remove invasive plants which can wreak havoc for our streams.
• Get the Gardening with Native Plants poster. It lists 50 northwest natives along with their photos and growing conditions.
• Mow your grass higher to promote deeper roots.
• Use compost to improve soil condition.
• Aerate, thatch, and reseed with a Northwest grass.
• For more hints visit www.cleanwaterservices.org/tips.

Step up

Get involved with your local stream group or community organization that works towards sustaining a livable environment. Get a hold of their calendar of events and make a date to lend a helping hand.

• Friends of Trees inspires stewardship of urban forests by bringing people together to plant and care for city trees and urban natural areas.
• SOLV brings together government agencies, businesses and individual volunteers in programs and projects to enhance the livability of Oregon.
• Tualatin River Watershed Council links land, water and people to promote and improve watershed health.
• Tualatin Riverkeepers builds watershed stewardship through education, access to nature, restoration, and advocacy.
• The Wetlands Conservancy is the only organization in Oregon dedicated to promoting community and private partnerships to permanently protect and conserve Oregon’s greatest wetlands.