With most people living in Urban areas it becomes vitally important to implement conservation practices that help protect our waterways, riparian areas, aquatic habitat, wildlife, and public health to minimize our impacts on the natural environment. Many of these practices work to reinstate and mimic the natural systems that were functioning prior to the land being developed. The Marion SWCD can assist urban landowners in identifying conservation opportunities and ideas on mitigating environmental concerns.
This site provides information on greywater recycling systems, rainwater harvesting, composting toilets and more. Learn about the many ways you can conserve water at home.
Provides a list of resources related to low impact development, rain water harvesting, and rain gardens. Also houses data and research developed out of the Washington State University's Low Impact Development Research Program.
The EPA provides fact sheets, reports, guidance manuals, information resources and videos on Low Impact Development. Also, links to a kid friendly page on polluted runoff.
Living Culture is a television series that showcases cuisine and agriculture in the Willamette Valley and Pacific Northwest. Their mission is to generate interest in local foods through inspiring and positive media.
Located in Salem this groups mission is to promote the legalization of backyard chicken-keeping in cities around the country. Their site shares their knowledge and experiences while providing a central location dedicated to changing city ordinances. This site will serve as a place to find all the resources you need to start your own Chicken Revolution and backyard chicken farming.
Friends of Trees' mission is to bring people in the Portland-Vancouver and Eugene-Springfield metro areas together to plant and care for city trees and green spaces. Provides resources on Urban Forestry and opportunities for getting involved.
They work to ensure more livable communities by caring for trees and forests where people live, work, and play. They also provide resources and up-to-date information on urban forestry practices and projects around the country.
A garden calender can be found here that provides information on when to plant specific crops and manage your home garden. It also provides gardening tips and short audio clips from Master Gardeners on many gardening topics.
TreePeople's Sustainable Solutions Program is dedicated to landscape transformation - turning yards into functional landscapes that are beautiful and sustainable. Their website also has extensive information related to urban forestry.
In addition to explaining the requirements for this program, which is currently only offered in Portland and Lake Oswego, it provides resources on how to implement and manage backyard habitat.
Describes in detail the requirements for creating a wildlife-friendly garden at home. Provides additional resources on creating habitats in other contexts like at school and on campus.
This site works to connect Salem residents with reliable energy efficiency information and incentives. It also provides tips and information related to the city's projects and plans related to sustainability.