First Friday: Alternatives for Keeping Food & Yard Waste out of Landfills
2023-06-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Overwhelmed by yard waste? Not sure what to do with kitchen scraps? Brooke Edmunds (OSU Extension Community Horticulture) will share tips for backyard & indoor composting that can help divert compostable waste from the landfill. You’ll come away from this session with practical information and resources.

Brooke Edmunds is the OSU Extension Community Horticulturist in Marion, Polk, Linn, and Benton counties. She oversees the Master Gardener volunteer programs in each county, teaches online and in-person gardening classes, and answers hundreds of gardening questions each year. Brooke’s background is in plant pathology and horticulture. She has a Ph.D. in plant pathology from North Carolina State University and her M.S. and B.S. from Iowa State University. She lives in Salem and greatly enjoys gardening with her kids and exploring Oregon’s coast trails.

If you need special accommodations, including translation services, in order to participate, please call the office at 503-391-9927 or email office@marionswcd.net as far in advance as possible.

Board Meeting
2023-06-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Hybrid
June 7 Agenda and Attachements
Link to Video Conference:
Meeting Telephone Number: 1-253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 885 8307 3615 | Passcode: [REDACTED]
Staff Contact: Brenda Sanchez (503-871-7311) | brenda.sanchez@marionswcd.net

Home School Day
2023-06-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Ankeny Hill Nature Center, 130 Ankeny Hill Rd SE, Jefferson, Oregon, 97352, United States
Homeschool families are invited to attend this free learning opportunity at Ankeny Hill Nature Center.

June is National Pollinator Month. Explore the wonderful world of pollinators at this special homeschool event. Science and craft activities will be geared to students ages 5 to 12; older and younger siblings are welcome, too. Walk the trails to visit all the stations or focus on the activities held close to Gehlar Hall. Bring your lunch or snacks – we have picnic tables and a place for you to fill your water bottles. Be prepared to pack in and pack out your items and leave the pets at home.

Parking is limited, we encourage carpooling.

Education and Outreach Committee Meeting
2023-06-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
A meeting of the education and outreach committee.
Zoom Link
Draft Agenda
If you need special accommodations, including translation services, in order to participate, please call the office at 503-391-9927 or email office@marionswcd.net as far in advance as possible.
The Marion SWCD is an equal opportunity employer, providing services to the public without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, mental or physical disability, marital status, age or other protected status or activity in accordance with applicable law.

Conservation Spotlight: Growing Oaks at Willamette University
2023-06-21 08:00 - 08:30 | KMUZ, 100.7 & 88.5 FM
Conservation Spotlight talks with the founders of the Growing Oaks program at Willamette University – a student led coalition with an interdisciplinary focus on cultivating relationships and projects among communities in the Willamette Valley with the shared mission of restoring Oregon White Oak habitats.
The Conservation Spotlight is a radio segment shining light on partnerships and programs for natural resources that airs on the third Wednesday of every month at 8 am as part of the weekly Willamette Wake Up radio program on KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM. Marion SWCD shares the Spotlight with Polk SWCD and OSU Extension Service Small Farms Program.

Natural Resources Committee Meeting
2023-06-21 09:00 - 10:30 | Zoom
Zoom Link
06-21-23_Natural Resources Committee_Agenda
f you need special accommodations, including translation services, in order to participate, please call the office at 503-391-9927 or email office@marionswcd.net as far in advance as possible.
The Marion SWCD is an equal opportunity employer, providing services to the public without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, mental or physical disability, marital status, age or other protected status or activity in accordance with applicable law.

Public Works Day: City of Keizer
2023-06-22 10:00 - 14:00 | Keizer Rapids Park, 1900 Chemawa Rd N, Keizer, OR, 97303, United States
The City of Keizer & community partners are hosting an active, family-friendly Public Works Day celebration at Keizer Rapids Park! It is our hope to raise awareness and educate our residents about what it is that Public Works and local businesses do to serve the community. We plan to have food, activities, information, and games for all to enjoy.
Check out the story map for visuals.
Follow the Public Works Day at Keizer Rapids Park event on Facebook!
Partners: Marion Soil & Water Conservation District, Loren’s Sanitation, Mid-Valley Garbage and Recycling, AKS Engineering, Salem Electric, Keizer CERT, Knife River, K&E Excavating, 811, Cherriots, Keizer PD, Keizer Utility Billing, and Sancho’s Tacos.
Contact: Lana Bremer

Stayton Farmers Market
2023-06-28 15:00 - 18:00 | 300 E Florence St, Stayton, OR, United States, Oregon, 300 E Florence St,, Stayton, OR, 97383, United States
Stop by the Stayton Farmers Market today and say hello to representatives from Marion Soil and Water Conservation District and North Santiam Watershed Council!

The Stayton Farmers Market is from 3-6 pm every Wednesday from June 21-Aug 23 at the corner of Third Ave and Florence in downtown Stayton.

Marion County Fair
2023-07-07 10:00 - 18:00 | Oregon State Fair and Expo Center, 2330 17th St NE, Salem, 97301, United States
Stop by Marion SWCD’s table in the livestock barns area to learn about our Ag Conservation Education program and how to keep manure and its byproducts out of our waterways! And visit with our staff about other ways we can assist you in conserving your resources.

Board Meeting
2023-07-12 18:30 - 21:00
Regular Board Meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month, starting at 6:30 PM. For more information call 503-391-9927.
Draft Agenda (click here)

If anyone needs special accommodations in order to participate in our meetings, please call the District Manager at least 48 hrs. before the meeting at 503-391-9927 or email office@marionswcd.net.

Conservation Assistance Grant Review Committee
2023-07-17 08:00 - 17:00
07-17-2023 CAG Review Comm Agenda
Marion Soil and Water Conservation District (MSWCD)
CAG Review Committee Meeting
Monday, July 17, 2023, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Link to Video Conference:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82466562364?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting Call in Number: 1 (253) 215 – 8782
Meeting ID: 824 6656 2364 Passcode [REDACTED]
Staff Contact: Susan Ortiz, susan.ortiz@marionswcd.net

Education and Outreach Committee Meeting
2023-07-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
A meeting of the education and outreach committee.
Zoom Link
Draft Agenda
If you need special accommodations, including translation services, in order to participate, please call Heath Keirstead at 503-949-4709 or email heath.keirstead@marionswcd.net as far in advance as possible.
The Marion SWCD is an equal opportunity employer, providing services to the public without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, mental or physical disability, marital status, age or other protected status or activity in accordance with applicable law.

Conservation Spotlight: Joe Scott
2023-07-19 08:00 - 08:30 | KMUZ, 100.7 & 88.5 FM
On this episode of Conservation Spotlight, Polk SWCD staff chat with Joe Scott. Joe is the Teaching and Learning Coordinator for the Traditional Ecological Inquiry Program. He will talk about the role that fire plays in managing the landscape and the resulting ecological benefits. He’ll also discuss using storytelling as a means to pass along traditional ecological knowledge and bridging that with contemporary insight on land management.
The Conservation Spotlight is a radio segment shining light on partnerships and programs for natural resources that airs on the third Wednesday of every month at 8 am as part of the weekly Willamette Wake Up radio program on KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM. Marion SWCD shares the Spotlight with Polk SWCD and OSU Extension Service Small Farms Program.

Learn to Kayak
2023-07-19 09:00 - 14:00 | Keizer Rapids Park, 1900 Chemawa Rd N, Keizer, OR, 97303, United States
Beginning boater adults (ages 18+) will learn how to safely kayak and canoe. Kayaks for this event are provided by Salem Kayak Rentals (SKR). Users of SKR kayaks must be less than 260 pounds and under 6’3″. Rentals come with waterway access permit, certified PFD, whistles, and paddles.
This is an Our River event hosted by Mid-Willamette Outreach Group, Through Our River events, everyone is invited to connect with the Willamette in fun and thoughtful ways.
Event Partners: Oregon State Parks, Oregon Marine Board and Salem Kayak Rentals. Salem Kayak Rentals business and equipment are registered with the Oregon State Marine Board.
Participants are required to submit a waiver from Salem Kayak Rentals.
Complete the waiver now.
If you need special accommodations, including translation services, in order to participate, please call the office at 503-391-9927 or email office@marionswcd.net as far in advance as possible.

Summer Plant Sale
2023-07-21 10:00 - 19:00 | Bush’s Pasture Park, 890 Mission St SE, Salem, Oregon, 97302, United States
Mission Street Parks Conservancy is once again holding the annual Summer Plant Sale in conjunction with the Salem Art Fair at Bush’s Pasture Park!
• Friday, July 21: 10am – 7pm – Marion SWCD will be present on Friday with native and invasive plant info, examples, and resources!
• Saturday, July 22: 10am – 7pm
• Sunday, July 23: 10am – 3pm
Located next to the Art Barn at Bush’s Pasture Park, 600 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302

FEATURING: Annuals & Perennials • Succulents • Herbs • Pollinator Plants
FREE and easy access on foot from the neighborhood at the north end of the park
NO entrance fee to attend the plant sale
EASY pick up of purchased plants by car
PROCEEDS benefit Bush’s Pasture Park, its maintenance and beautification

The plant sale is located in the shade of huge trees near Bush House Museum, providing a respite from the usual blazing heat of mid-summer. You will find unusual plants offered by local specialty nurseries. MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Come check it out!

Conservation Club: Wildfire Resiliency and Preparedness Workshop: Home Defensible Space
2023-07-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Oregon Garden, 879 W. Main St., Silverton, OR, 97381, United States
Are you concerned about the risk of wildfire in your neighborhood? Join our fire resiliency and preparedness class to learn about essential skills and knowledge to protect your home and family.
The class will cover topics such as wildfire risk evaluation, home hardening, creating defensible space around the home, preparing for evacuation, and fire-resistant plants of the Willamette Valley. The class will be taught by local experts from Oregon State Extension, Silverton Fire District, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
The class will take place at the Oregon Garden utilizing their fire safety demonstration house. Enroll now to strengthen your ability to assess and mitigate wildfire risks in your community! RSVP is required for this free event. Please note: space is limited: a pass to the Oregon Garden does not guarantee a space for you at this event. Scroll down to RSVP now.
Presenters

Kayla Bordelon – OSU Extension Regional Fire Specialist for the Willamette Valley and North Cascades. In this role, she supports community and landscape fire resiliency projects and carries out education and outreach about fire awareness, preparedness, and risk reduction. Dr. Bordelon holds a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Idaho’s College of Natural Resources, with an emphasis on wildfire education and communication. She has served in various natural resource education roles with the National Park Service, Forest Service, Peace Corps and a variety of non-profit organizations. Bordelon grew up in the Willamette Valley and is proud to serve residents of her home region as we all learn more about how to live well with fire.
Stephanie Stafford – Fire Risk Reduction Specialist at the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal. Her primary focus is wildfire risk reduction. She serves Benton, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties. Stephanie has worked for 15 years at the OSFM where she previously served as the Fire Prevention Coordinator. She chaired the Oregon Life Safety Team, providing both structural and wildland fire safety programs and campaigns to fire agencies and community partners. She developed the Bigfoot: Believe in Fire Safety campaign for wildfire prevention and preparedness and has experience developing a variety of programs and resources related to wildfire, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, leading fire causes (i.e., cooking, smoking, electrical, heating, debris burning), home fire sprinklers, and home fire escape planning. She co-chaired the Oregon Fire Prevention Workshop committee, served on the National Fire Protection Association’s Public Education Network and Education Section Board, and served on the Board of Directors for Aumsville Rural Fire Protection District. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement from Western Oregon University, and a Certificate in Public Management from Willamette University.
The Silverton Fire District is a professional, full-service fire District that utilizes six paid firefighters, two paid clerical personnel and close to 70 volunteers who respond out of five stations spread across a 106 square mile area. The Fire District also services the city of Silverton and Scotts Mills and provides aid to surrounding Fire Districts when called on. Founded in 1883, the District has a rich history of serving the local community with dedication, expertise, and compassion. The Silverton Fire District provides fire protection, fire prevention, first response emergency medical services, and a range of other services to its community. Their team is staffed by highly skilled firefighters and emergency medical response personnel that work to respond to emergencies and provide critical care to those in need. In addition to emergency response services, the Silverton Fire District is also dedicated to preventing fires and other emergencies through public education and outreach programs to help raise awareness on the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness. Whether it is responding to an emergency or providing education and outreach, the District is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those it serves.
Brooke Edmunds – Community Horticulturist for OSU Extension in Marion, Polk, Linn, and Benton counties.  She oversees the Master Gardener volunteer programs in each county and teaches online and in-person gardening classes. Brooke answers hundreds of gardening questions each year including providing recommendations on fire-resistant landscape installations. Brooke’s background is in plant pathology and horticulture.  She has a Ph.D. in plant pathology from North Carolina State University and her M.S. and B.S. from Iowa State University.  She lives in Salem and greatly enjoys gardening with her kids and exploring Oregon’s hiking trails.

Event Partners
The Oregon Garden, Sustainable Silverton, OSU Extension (Regional Fire Specialist and Master Gardeners), Oregon State Police- Office of State Fire Marshal, Silverton Fire District, and Doe Mountain, Oregon Department of Forestry.
If you need special accommodations, including translation services, in order to participate, please call the event coordinator at 971-382-2000 or email kassi.roosth@marionswcd.net as far in advance as possible.

Santiam SummerFest
2023-07-29 10:00 - 19:00 | Marion SWCD office, 408 N. Third Ave., Stayton, OR, 97383, United States
Come celebrate summer with Marion SWCD from 10 am to 7 pm at Santiam SummerFest!

Annual Vendor Street Fair with more than 100 participating vendors including area businesses, retailers, organizations, churches, artisans, culinary creatives and more. Plus Live Music, Food, Brews all day long in the Entertainment Area. Family Fun Zone including petting zoo, sports, games and activities for the whole family. Big Boys Toys attraction featuring construction, forestry, emergency services, motosports, equipment and more.
Celebrating 27 years! Always the Last Saturday in July on 3rd Ave. – Historic Downtown Stayton. Free to the attendees. (Suggested $5 donation per person/$20 per family.)
10AM – 4PM Vendor Street Fair, Family Fun Zone & Big Boys Toys
11AM – 7PM Food, Brews & Live Entertainment

Board Meeting
2023-08-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Hybrid
Link to Video Conference: (Zoom) Meeting Link
Meeting Telephone Number: 1-253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 865 7320 1661 | Passcode: [REDACTED]
Staff Contact: Brenda Sanchez (503-871-7311) | brenda.sanchez@marionswcd.net
08-02-23 BM Meeting Agenda DRAFT

First Friday: Water Weeds of the Willamette
2023-08-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
First Fridays are held on the first Friday of every month (except July) from 12-1 pm via Zoom. Join Marion SWCD staff and subject matter experts to learn something new about soil and water conservation and a wide array of related topics.

Beth Myers-Shenai, Invasive Plant Specialist with Oregon Dept. of Agriculture, will provide a virtual tour of the invasive plants found in Salem-area waterways including: Ludwigia, parrotfeather, yellow flag iris, yellow floating heart. Some of the species Beth will cover are common and others are newer to our region. Learn how to identify them, resources to help you in the field, and what to do when you spot them. This is a great introduction for people who recreate in the river and for those who live streamside.
If you need special accommodations, including translation services, in order to participate, please call the event coordinator at 503-949-4709 or email heath.keirstead@marionswcd.net as far in advance as possible.

Englewood Forest Festival
2023-08-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Englewood Park, 1260 19th St NE, Salem, OR, 97301, United States
Join us at the free Englewood Forest Festival in beautiful Englewood Park for a day of art, music, dance, environmental education, wonder, and discovery!
Marion SWCD will be sharing information and activities related to pollinator support.

Natural Resouces Committee Meeting
2023-08-16 09:00 - 10:30 | Zoom
Agenda
Zoom Link

Salmon Watch Volunteer Training
2023-08-23 09:00 - 13:00 | Packsaddle County Park, 34519 N Santiam Hwy, Gates, Oregon, 97346, United States
Salmon Watch is a place-based, experiential field trip that introduces students to local watersheds and the salmon that inhabit them. The field trips are about 4 hours long and are scheduled for mid-September to mid-October.

Volunteers are essential to Salmon Watch! Each volunteer leads one of these field stations:

Salmon Biology: Help students understand what they are seeing as the salmon build redds and fight for position, discuss the salmon life cycle, perform a fish dissection, and help students understand salmon’s cultural importance.
Macroinvertebrates: Students wade into the river to explore and collect these marvelous indicators of water quality.
Water Quality: Share the wonder of science with these tests – use tools and chemistry to test dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and turbidity.
Riparian ecology: This station has a lot of room for you to make it your own as you introduce students to the connections between healthy riparian areas and healthy in-stream habitats.

Attend this half-day training to help you prepare for your Salmon Watch. Whether you are a brand-new or returning Salmon Watch volunteer, this training will have something for you!

If you have any questions, please contact Heath Keirstead at heath.keirstead@marionswcd.net.

Can’t attend on 8/23 but still interested? Our friends at Linn Benton Salmon Watch have volunteer trainings (dates TBD). Learn more here.
RSVP to reserve your spot for Marion SWCD’s volunteer training on August 23.
If you need special accommodations, including translation services, in order to participate, please call the event coordinator at 503-949-4709 or email heath.keirstead@marionswcd.net as far in advance as possible.

Pride in the Park
2023-08-26 10:00 - 18:00 | Riverfront Park, 200 Water St. NE, Salem, 97301, United States
Visit with Marion SWCD at Pride in the Park to learn how we help people access the resources and information needed to conserve natural resources. There will be live music and performances at the Gerry Frank Rotary Amphitheater; an art show at the small amphitheater; booths with local vendors, non-profits, and activities across the meadow.

Autumn Native Bulb Sale
2023-09-01 - 2023-10-15
We’re accepting orders from September 1 to October 15, 2023 for our Autumn Native Bulb Sale. Individual bulbs can be purchased for $2 each, or receive 3 of the same species for $5.
Shop now!
Orders will be available for pick up on Saturday, October 21 from 12-5 pm at Salem Public Library during the Pollinator Symposium.
For more information about the Symposium and to RSVP click here.

First Friday: Woody Weed ID & Control
2023-09-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
First Fridays are held on the first Friday of every month (except July) from 12-1 pm via Zoom. Join Marion SWCD staff and subject matter experts to ask questions and learn something new about soil and water conservation and a wide array of related topics.

Sarah Hamilton (Marion SWCD’s Native & Invasive Plant Specialist) will provide an overview of several common and a couple lesser known woody invasive species and describe methods and resources for their management. Species covered include: English Ivy, Old Man’s Beard, Scotch Broom, Spurge Laurel, and more.
If you need special accommodations, including translation services, in order to participate, please call the event coordinator at 503-949-4709 or email heath.keirstead@marionswcd.net as far in advance as possible.

September 6th Board Meeting
2023-09-06 18:30 - 21:00 | Hybrid
09-06-23 BM Meeting Agenda DRAFT

Community Salmon Celebration
2023-09-09 12:00 - 15:00 | Bush’s Pasture Park, 890 Mission St SE, Salem, Oregon, 97302, United States
How are you connected to salmon?
If you are curious about Pacific Salmon and their freshwater habitats, come walk the path at Bush’s Pasture Park on Community Salmon Watch Day and learn about these awe-inspiring fish and what makes them special, explore the key characteristics used to determine stream health, and have hands-on fun! This free, move-at-your-own-pace event is appropriate for all ages. Everyone is sure to learn something new!
Most stations are along Pringle Creek. Visitors are encouraged to park on Leffelle Street on the south side of the park.
If you need special accommodations, including translation services, in order to participate, please call the event coordinator at 503-949-4709 or email heath.keirstead@marionswcd.net as far in advance as possible.

Small Farm School
2023-09-13 | Clackamas Community College, 19600 Molalla Ave, Oregon City, 97045, United States
Small Farm School is an annual, full-day event with hands-on workshops and classroom sessions. Both beginning and experienced small-scale farmers will find classes to fit their needs. Our classes cover topics from equipment to soil health, crop and livestock management, and more.
Small Farm School is an all-day event for beginning AND experienced farmers and small acreage landowners. Field and classroom workshops will address small farm topics such as crop and livestock production, land access, funding options, and management for soil and water conservation. Course offerings change each year, so if you have attended in the past, join us again! There is always something new to learn.
Registration Fees

Registration: $80 – August 2 – August 30
Late registration: $100 – August 31 – September 8
Scholarships available for Veterans, Black/Indigenous, and other farmers of color
$25 discounts are available to the first 20 Marion County residents to register. (Contact Heath for code!)

Registration fees cover class materials, lunch, and a coffee break. Registration fees are refundable up to 7 days before the event (Sept. 6). No walk-in registrations are accepted. Due to space limitations, Small Farm School reserves the right to close registration on September 8, 2023, or when capacity is reached.
Classes are size-limited and will close when full. Early registration is highly recommended to ensure the best class selection. Keep up to date and learn more about this year’s offerings by following Small Farm School on Facebook!
Partners
This event is hosted by OSU Extension, Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District, Clackamas Community College, Friends of Family Farmers, Marion Soil and Water Conservation District, Black Food Sovereignty Coalition, and Rogue Farm Corps.
Register Now

Test
2023-09-13 08:00 - 17:00

MSWCD Education and Outreach Committee Meeting
2023-09-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
This is a meeting of Marion SWCD’s Education and Outreach Committee Meeting.
Draft Agenda
If you need special accommodations, including translation services, in order to participate, please call Heath Keirstead at 503-949-4709 or email heath.keirstead@marionswcd.net as far in advance as possible.
The Marion SWCD is an equal opportunity employer, providing services to the public without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, mental or physical disability, marital status, age or other protected status or activity in accordance with applicable law.
