MWOG partners (City of Keizer, City of Salem, Marion County, and Marion Soil & Water Conservation District) collaborate to provide water quality outreach and inspire behaviors that result in healthy
streams and communities.
We coordinate virtual and in-person learning opportunities to help everyone connect with the precious waters of the Willamette Valley.
Our River is a multi-pronged outreach campaign of Mid-Willamette Outreach Group. The Willamette River is our river to protect and enjoy; as residents of the mid-Willamette Valley, what we do in the watershed impacts the quality and quantity of water available, which in return impacts our own vitality. Through Our River events, everyone is invited to connect with the Willamette in fun and thoughtful ways.
Our River Goals
- Actively connect residents to the Willamette River through ongoing adventures and opportunities that put people in, on or near the water,
- Reduce the barriers of participation by providing activities at low or no cost, and providing needed supplies.
- Provide participants with the opportunity to build pride in our Willamette River and our community.
- Provide opportunities to serve and steward the Willamette River.
Our River Activities
| Date | Event | Description | Partners |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11 9-11:30 am | Learn to Fish at Keizer Rapids Park | Learn the basic skills needed to begin fishing in urban fisheries. | Keizer Police Department, Marion SWCD, Marion County Sherriff Marine Patrol, Oregon State Marine Board, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Salem NW Steelheaders |
| June 1-2 | Free Fishing Weekend | Visit the ODFW webpage for details. | Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife |
| July 17 9am-2pm | Learn to Kayak at Keizer Rapids Park | Learn how to safely kayak and canoe. Space is limited! | Oregon State Parks, Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon Kayak Tours, Polk and Marion County Sherriff Marine Patrol, Willamette Riverkeeper |
| TBD | River Clean-ups | River clean-ups with Willamette Riverkeeper | Willamette Riverkeeper |
| TBD | Stream Celebration at Bush Pasture Park | Learn about local waterways and the services they provide for humans and wildlife. | City of Salem, Willamette Riverkeeper, and Our River |
| TBD | Movie in the Park | More info coming soon! |
Erosion Control Summit
The Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Summit is for builders, developers, planners, architects, contractors, engineers, landscapers, and municipal staff and crews. This one-day summit is held in late January. Participants learn techniques in construction erosion prevention, green stormwater infrastructure maintenance, permit updates, impacts of pollution from stormwater runoff, and more. Registration link will be posted here when available.
Click here to sign up to receive email updates and notifications about registration dates, pricing, speakers, presentations, and more for the annual Erosion Control & Stormwater Management Summit.
Water Festival
This one-day festival usually takes place in May and provides an educational opportunity to students from a different participating school each year. Activities center around watershed health and water quality.
Community Salmon Day
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. Learn about these awe-inspiring fish and what makes them special, explore the key characteristics used to determine stream health, and visit with Claudia Chinook – the largest salmon around! Here is the Community Salmon Watch Day brochure. Visit with the various experts at your own pace and for as long or short as you like. Everyone is sure to learn something new! This free community event is held in the fall.
Social Media Campaigns
Campaign to share tips for safe and healthy lawn from lawn experts.
A month-long challenge to take actions to help the earth.
MWOG Partners
Click on a partner’s button to visit their website.
Related Resources
