My flowy Valentine

Dear Tualatin River,

This Valentine's Day, instead of a box of overpriced, imported chocolates with a carbon footprint bigger than a private jet, I wanted to give you something more appropriate: clean water from my home and yard. I've read the guide, 50 Ways to Love Your River, signed up to be a Clean Water Hero, planted native plants in my yard, gathered volunteers to mark our neighborhood storm drains, and participated in a Tree for All planting along your banks. I look forward to the warmer days ahead when we can reconnect and spend more quality time together.

Love,

Your River Ranger

Save water, stimulate savings

Jump-start your household economy by saving money on utility bills. The best way to do this is conserve resources and reduce waste. When it comes to water there are several ways you can reduce your use and save money on your bill in the process.

• Take shorter showers. Two-thirds of all water used at home is used in the bathroom, low flow shower heads cut water use in half and could save you 4,550 gallons of water per year.
• Wash clothes in cold water. Ninety percent of the energy used to wash clothes is spent heating up the water.
• Don't flush trash. Toilets use between 2 and 5 gallons per flush, more water than anything else in your home.
• Turn off the faucet when brushing teeth. You can save 2,880 gallons of water per year.

How do I love tree...let me count the ways

In 2008, Tree for All partners and volunteers planted 95,543 trees along Washington County creeks and streams. These trees helped get closer to the goal of planting 2 million trees in 20 years. Streams lined with native vegetation provide cleaner, cooler water, better flood management, and fish and wildlife habitat. It’s good for the water and fish, and it’s good for people and our community, too! If you'd like to join in and get dirty for a good cause, check out the volunteer opportunities below to help clean up and restore the Tualatin River Watershed.