Be rain ready this fall. Help prevent flooding and protect our watershed by keeping storm drains (which lead to the nearest stream or river) clear of debris. Bring your leaves, grass clippings and a can of food to our 17th Annual Leaf Disposal and Food Drive on Saturday, November 21 and Saturday, December 5 at Sunset and Aloha High Schools from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This program is part of Clean Water Services' Surface Water Management which improves water quality, protects fish habitat and manages flooding. The Leaf Disposal is free and for Washington County residential use only. No commercial operations please. For more information call our Leaf Line at (503) 547-8116. The Cities of Hillsboro, Tigard, Beaverton and Sherwood also provide free leaf drop-off sites.

Planning your planting

There's still time to sign up for two FREE Naturescaping for Clean Rivers workshops. Naturescaping features native plants, natural landscapes and water-friendly gardening practices you can use at home.

The Basic Workshop includes a short outdoor field trip to see naturescaping in action. The Site Planning 1 Workshop teaches you how to map your property, assess your garden needs and work on a landscape design scenario.

• Naturescaping Basic Workshop
  Saturday, November 7, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  Tigard Public Works Building Auditorium
  Pre-registration is required online at emswcd.org or by calling (503) 935-5383.
• Site Planning 1 Workshop (Basic Workshop is prerequisite)
  Saturday, December 5, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  Tigard Public Works Building Auditorium
  Pre-registration is required online at emswcd.org or by calling (503) 935-5383.

The Naturescaping for Clean Rivers workshops are sponsored by the Tualatin Basin Partners for Clean Water.

Get your Clean Water Act on

Clean water is everyone's right and everyone's responsibility. Water for drinking, sanitation, recreation and everyday life is something we sometimes take for granted. Help celebrate the 37th anniversary of the Clean Water Act this month by exploring and protecting local waterways.

Here are a few ways you can help celebrate:

• Test your local rivers and streams with a World Water Monitoring Kit. Schools and community groups in the Tualatin Basin can contact us to get a free kit.
• Mark neighborhood storm drains to remind people that what goes on the ground goes in the river.
• Volunteer to help plant native trees to keep water cool and prevent stream bank erosion.
• Get out and enjoy the watershed!