Hip to be at the square

Join us at Washington Square this weekend, May 15 and 16 for the Public Works Fair. We'll have an informational booth to commemorate our 40th Anniversary and offer tips for a watershed-friendly lifestyle. Handouts will include safe grease disposal, natural gardening and River Ranger giveaways for the kids. We'll celebrate with Washington County's Department of Land Use and Transportation, Joint Water Commission and ODOT.

The Public Works Fair kicks off National Public Works Week May 16-22. The celebration salutes the people who plan for, build and maintain some of our country's most valued infrastructure—roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems and treatment facilities.

Flock to plant sales

Pick up some native plants and support native birds at two events this weekend. Before you go, use our Native Plant Finder to choose plants that suit your yard and get a free poster to help identify species.

• Audubon Society Native Plant Sale
  May 15 & 16, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Audubon Society of Portland

• Migratory Songbird Festival
  May 15, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

District honored for resource and energy savings

Clean Water Services' track record of environmental achievement has been recognized by the 2009 Governor's Sustainability Awards in the NGO/Government category. The District was one of seven organizations recognized for an innovative and comprehensive approach to incorporating sustainability into their operations.

Clean Water Services was recognized for a long list of sustainability milestones including nationally recognized resource recovery innovations; two LEED certified facilities; promotion of low-impact development approaches and the planting of more than 4.6 million native trees in the last five years to restore 35 miles urban and rural stream corridors. The District was also honored last month as a finalist in the City of Portland's BEST Award Program, which highlights excellence in business practices that promote social equity, economic growth and environmental benefits.