2010 Workshops & Schedule

These are the workshops presented at Welcome the Rain! 2010.

Backyard Habitat Program, Columbia Land Trust & Audubon Society of Portland

Landowners can greatly increase the amount of wildlife habitat in urban areas by making smart landscaping choices in their back yards! Learn how to get your backyard certified as "wildlife friendly" though the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. General landscaping advice will be offered on how to increase wildlife habitat, manage rain fall runoff, remove noxious weeds, and plant Willamette Valley Natives.

Become a Master Watershed Steward!, OSU Extension & Portland Bureau of Environmental Services

Learn how to be a partner for watershed health by becoming an urban Master Watershed Steward. Participants will learn about the OSU Master Watershed Steward Program certificate program which can be completed in-person and on-line to build core understanding of watershed issues, functions and management in the context of your community. As a Master Watershed Steward in Portland, you will have opportunities to partner with the Bureau of Environmental Services, SE Uplift, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, Oregon State University and community groups on a variety of watershed health projects while learning about and establishing a model in caring for an urban watershed.

Biking Safely in the Rain, Portland Transportation Options

Sure, it gets wet in Oregon-but with a little extra planning and preparation you can be an all-season cyclist. Come join this interactive session as some experienced all-weather riders share their tips and tricks for staying dry, comfortable, and safe while riding all year 'round.

Ecoroofs, Ecoroofs Everywhere

Have you thought about a ecoroof but don't know how to get started? Bring your ecoroof questions to this presentation where you'll learn what materials and supplies are needed to build an ecoroof. Learn how to assemble your very own 4 inch square mini-ecoroof (available for purchase after the workshop).

Green Street Steward Program, Portland Bureau of Environmental Service

Have you seen many of the Green Streets Portland is building to manage stormwater in your community? This workshop is an introduction to the city's new Green Street Steward program. Find out how you can partner with the city of Portland to care for and maintain a Green Street in your community. You'll receive "how-to" guidance and information on all the resources out there to help you get started. The initial program roll-out will be targeted to neighbors in the SE (Tabor to the River project area). City wide registration will be available in Spring 2011.

How to Disconnect Downspouts, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services

This hands on workshop and question and answer session will give participants the information needed to safely disconnect residential downspouts. Learn which downspouts on your home can be safely and attractively disconnected and become familiar with the techniques and tools to do the job yourself. The workshop is based upon City of Portland guidelines and gives general information suitable for the wider metropolitan area.

Introduction to Depaving, Depave

Learn how Depave is "breaking new ground" by promoting the removal of unnecessary concrete and asphalt to create more gardens and greenspaces. Get involved and find out more about the opportunities and challenges of depaving to create your own project!

Introduction to Rain Gardens, East Multnomah SWCD

Rain gardens are a beautiful way to add attractive, low maintenance landscaping to your yard and capture stormwater runoff at the same time! Find out what it takes to build a rain garden project to manage rainfall and protect our local waterways.

Introduction to Naturescaping, East Multnomah SWCD

Naturescaping is another great stormwater management tool. Vegetation naturally catches rain as it falls, and if you use plants native to our region, those same plants can also provide beautiful habitat for birds, wildlife and you! Join us to learn more!

Picking Plants for Naturescaping and Rain Gardens, Columbia Slough Watershed Council

This presentation will highlight native NW plants for use in Naturescaping and rain gardens. Information will include the species' natural histories, their benefits to wildlife, and their maintenance needs. Discover the best plant choices for various settings including shade, sun, moisture and slopes. And learn how to recreate plant assemblages found in nature with 'companion planting'.

Rainwater Harvesting, East Multnomah SWCD & Portland Purple Water

Are you considering installing rain barrels or other rain water harvesting system on your property? Harvesting rainwater requires some thought and planning. Come get the big picture - in this workshop we'll discuss the costs, permitting, sustainability issues, and the maintenance of a rain water catchment system.Solar Solutions,

Solar Solutions, Sustainable Solutions Unlimited

Think solar isn't an option because we get so much rain in the Pacific NW? Think again!
This presentation will highlight the different incentive programs available and show examples of residential sized systems.

Stormwater in Action Bike Tour, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services

Join the city of Portland for a bike tour of exciting new stormwater projects in SE Portland. We'll visit green streets, ecoroofs, and rain gardens in action (if it's raining!), and learn how these tools are helping to keep our neighborhoods, rivers, and watersheds healthy.

Riders will encounter some moderate hills. Most of the ride is on side streets, but some wider streets with traffic are on the route. Tour is designed for adults (children 12 and older allowed, if accompanied by a parent). Ride length: approx 4 miles.

Urban Watershed Basics, SOLV

In this workshop you'll get an introduction to urban watersheds and how they are negatively affected by the built environment around them? Learn what is being done to restore our urban streams and how you can get involved?!

Water to the Weather for Healthy Watersheds, Community Energy Project

This workshop is ideal for those who water outdoors and want to conserve water to protect the environment and reduce their water bills. This class discusses how to use a soil probe, how to measure your sprinkler system, and how to measure weekly watering needs. Qualified participants receive a free kit of materials including a rain gauge, soil probe, bucket, hose nozzle, and more.