Shade Our Streams

Shade Our Streams is a multi-year community tree planting project to improve water quality in the Clackamas River Basin.  The project will plant more than 300,000 native trees along 30 stream miles, restoring streamside habitat at no cost to property owners. Shade Our Streams will focus on planting along the streams that need the most help- those areas that lack healthy habitats and are overrun with invasive weeds. Native trees improve water quality and create better habitat for plant, animal, and fish species. Shade Our Streams is a project of the Clackamas River Basin Council. 

Shade Our Streams will focus on the Deep, Clear, and Eagle creek watersheds. 

Why is this project important?

Helping Property Owners - CRBC is excited to offer assistance to landowners who are interested in improving their riparian property. Removing stubborn weeds and replacing them with native plants can create beautiful streamside areas that will not only provide a natural space for families to enjoy the outdoors, but can also reduce bank erosion, lower home energy costs, and increase property values. The US Forest Service states that trees can increase your property value by an average of 10%! (Source: http://www.arborday.org/trees/benefits.cfm)

Restoring the Environment - Establishing native plant buffers around streams has many environmental benefits. Replacing invasive weeds with native plants promotes diverse habitats and provides sources of food and cover for birds and wildlife. Fish species depend on streamside trees to provide shade and cool the water temperatures. Vegetation also improves fish habitat by adding natural debris to the stream where juvenile fish can grow large and hide from predators

Improving Community Health - The Clackamas River Basin is an asset to the entire community, providing drinking water for nearly 400,000 individuals. The shade provided by native plants lowers water temperatures and reduces the risk of bacteria growth. This cleaner water is healthier to drink and healthier to play in! Riparian trees also beautify the area, making a more pleasant streamside experience for all.

How can I get involved?

As a community project, Shade Our Streams has all kinds of ways for community members to get more involved in the Clackamas Basin or on their own property. Contact us if you live along Deep, Clear, or Eagle creeks, or one of their tributaries.  We offer professional advice on riparian land stewardship and what landowners can do to make a difference. We suggest landowners talk with their neighbors to see how they can combine forces for a neighborhood wide event. We also have regular volunteer opportunities to help achieve projects big and small, weather outside or in the office.

What kind of results can I look forward to, once you're done?

CRBC has worked with a number of landowners to create demonstration sites that will be open to tours.  Contact us if you'd like to receive notification about organized tours, or for information about visiting the public properties we've worked on.

"I know I won't see these trees mature, but it gives me great satisfaction to know that I can do something to help the area.  My property has had a 180-degree turn around from what it was, and it makes me want to do more to improve it."  -- Terry Low, Foster Creek landowner.