Clackamas River Water Providers Spring Article

Christine Hollenbeck

FREE Water Conservation Tools and Incentives

Spring is the perfect time to look at your outdoor water use and see what you can do to be more efficient. The Clackamas River Water Providers have a number of FREE conservation tools and incentives to help you save more water. 

Water Efficient Plants for the Willamette Valley Plant Guide

In this guide you will discover trees, shrubs, bulbs, perennials, ground covers and ornamental grasses that are suited to the climate of Western Oregon.  In addition to the water savings, you will see there are a number of other benefits that come with water efficient landscaping.  They include reduced fertilizer and chemical use, less weed growth, less energy use, less water runoff, and reduced maintenance.

Check out the plant guide online, or email Christine with your mailing address to have a copy sent to you.

FREE Landscape Water Audits

Every year beginning late spring and continuing through the summer the CRWP offers free landscape water audits assessing your lawn, garden areas, irrigation system and more. Upon completion of the audit, you will be provided written recommendations to help you manage your outdoor water use for a more water efficient landscape and irrigation system.

For more information and to apply online visit the Landscape Water Audit page on our website.

FREE Water Miser Garden Hose Nozzle

Six-position garden hose nozzles save water through peak efficiency settings. Instant On/off control, spray adjustment knob, rust resistant with high-efficiency design.

Outdoor Water Rebates 

This Spring take advantage of our outdoor rebates to help you save more water this summer.

Manual Hose Bib Timer: Up to $25 rebate. 
Never again forget to turn off water! Hose bib timers turn off sprinklers at pre-set times. Limit: 1 rebate per account, per fiscal year.

Hose End Water Meter: Up to $25 rebate.
It fits 3/4-inch standard outdoor hoses and faucets, calculates both single-use and total water consumption, reports data in gallons, liters, pints, and Quarts. 

Limit: 1 rebate per account, per fiscal year.

Multi-Stream Rotating Irrigation Nozzles Retrofit: up to $60 ($3 each, up to 20) Multi-Stream Rotating Irrigation Nozzles. 

Limit: 1 rebate per account, per fiscal year.
Approved Makes and Models.
• Hunter MP Rotator:  Model 1000 2000 3000
• Rainbird Rotary Nozzles:  Model  R13-18 R17-24
• Toro Precision Series (Rotary): Model PRN
• Toro Precision Series (Sprays): Model PSN
• All others must be of similar function and equal or exceed the performance of pre-approved models to be considered 

Rain Sensor/Switch: Up to $25 rebate
Temporarily shut off your automatic irrigation system when it rains. 

Limit: 1 rebate per account, per fiscal year.

WaterSense Weather-Based Irrigation Controller: Up to $100 rebate
Receive a rebate when you purchase and install an EPA WaterSense labeled weather-based controller.  “Smart” irrigation control technology that uses local weather data to determine when and how much to water.  
Limit: 1 rebate per account, one time only.

Home Leak Detection Rebate: Up to $100 rebate
Now you can prevent or mitigate water damage from leaks using a leak detector that sends information to your computer or an app on your phone. 

Limit: 1 rebate per account, one time only.

For more rebate information, eligibility requirements, and to apply for online visit the rebate page on our website.

To request any of the free tools and devices listed above, email Christine or call 503-723-3511.

Great Backyard Bird Count – Clackamas, OR

This content is generated from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Participating is easy, fun to do alone or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds.

Step 1: Decide where you will watch birds.

Step 2: Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 14–17, 2025.

Step 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings:

• If you are a beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification, try using the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing.
• If you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).

You can use this checklist of birds found in Clackamas County for your Great Backyard Bird Count:

Three Ways to Enter Data: Options and Step-by-Step Instructions

Merlin Bird ID

If you are NEW to birdwatching and bird identification and have a smartphone, we recommend you use the Merlin Bird ID app to enter your first bird. It is FREE and easy to use.

Download Merlin Bird ID

Merlin covers bird species from 7 continents and is available in 18 languages.

Need instructions on how to use Merlin? Follow these.

eBird Mobile

If you are already using eBird to track your birding activity or an experienced bird watcher, the FREE eBird Mobile app is a fast way to enter your bird lists right from the palm of your hand.

Download eBird Mobile

Need instructions on how to use eBird Mobile? Follow these.

Desktop or Laptop

If you prefer to enter your sightings on a computer, perhaps after making a list while on a hike or watching your feeders, we’ll walk you through how.

Enter birds using a Computer

Need instructions on how to use eBird on a computer? Follow these.

Happy birding, ya’ll!

Upper Clackamas Cleanup: 40 Volunteers Unite to Protect Our Rivers on National Public Lands Day

On September 28, 2024, the Clackamas River Basin Council (CRBC) teamed up with the U.S. Forest Service and a passionate group of 40 volunteers to tackle litter and pollution at 26 dispersed campsites along the Clackamas and Collawash Rivers. By cleaning up left trash, we are protecting water quality and keeping our river areas safe and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

The Clackamas River and its tributary, the Collawash River, are known for their natural beauty and recreational value. Yet, popular campsites along these rivers have been impacted by litter, cans and bottles, campfire remains, and other waste left behind by visitors. This debris can harm local wildlife and contribute to water pollution, affecting the health of the ecosystem and nearby communities that rely on clean drinking water.

Types of Trash We Found

CRBC and its volunteers found left bullets and casings which often contain lead and are toxic in the environment. We removed trash including plastic, glass, and leftover food which can easily find its way into the water, breaking down into microplastics that fish and other animals ingest. We also removed campfire remnants, tires, and household products, all that can contain chemicals that can leach into the water, posing risks to aquatic life and human health.

By cleaning these campsites, CRBC and the volunteers directly contributed to the health of these rivers. Removing litter prevents it from washing into the water and helps restore these camping areas to their natural state.

A Huge Thank You to Our Volunteers!

The success of the Upper Clackamas Cleanup wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing volunteers! These individuals spent the day hiking to remote campsites, gathering trash, and removing unsafe waste that could otherwise harm the environment. Some volunteers even brought their families, making it a meaningful day of stewardship and community bonding.

Partnering for Greater Impact

Our partnership with the U.S. Forest Service helps us extend our reach. We are grateful for their support and for the commitment of every volunteer who joined us.

Looking Ahead

Keeping our rivers clean and healthy is an ongoing effort, and we encourage everyone to help by practicing Leave No Trace principles. If you’re interested in joining us for future cleanup events, or if you’d like to learn more about protecting our river ecosystems, stay connected with the Clackamas River Basin Council!

Together, we can make a difference in keeping our rivers pristine for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who helped make the Upper Clackamas Cleanup a success!

Please donate to support our mission!