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East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District announces its 2013 Partners in Conservation grants totaling $770,000 awarded to conservation and environmental education projects in the District’s boundaries (all of Multnomah County east of the Willamette River).

The Partners in Conservation (PIC) program funds projects that address soil and water quality issues in the District, such as habitat restoration, environmental education, sustainable agriculture, and stormwater management. During the May 2013 board meeting, 30 grants were awarded.

The Naturescaping for Backyard Habitats Tour is a great opportunity to enjoy behind the scenes access to naturescaped yards and certified Backyard Habitats and to connect with other natural gardening enthusiasts to dig up fresh ideas for your own yard.

This FREE, self-guided tour takes place on Saturday, June 1st from 11am - 4pm. Find out more and keep up with the latest event details on our Yard Tour page.

Click here to register today!

Anyone who owns forestland - even a small parcel - likely has questions about how to manage and protect it while still achieving their goals and objectives.  Fortunately, to help family forestland owners find answers, the Oregon Forest Resources Institute has published a 16-page booklet: Family Forests: A guide to technical, financial and educational resources for family forest landowners.  "The idea behind the resource guide is to introduce small woodland owners to an active community where they can learn and get help from peers and experts," says Mike Cloughesy, OFRI director of forestry.

The new publication can be ordered or downloaded for free from OFRI's website, at www.OregonForests.org

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has finalized the rules for a new state law addressing imported firewood that is set to go into effect on January 1, 2013. Starting in the new year, Oregonians will have a choice to buy local or buy firewood that has been heat treated and labeled as pest free.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is once again offering reimbursement for some of the costs to become organically certified by a U.S. Department of Agriculture accredited certifier. Oregon growers, processors, and handlers who are certified organic by USDA accredited certifiers are eligible to receive 75 percent of their certification fees reimbursed, up to a maximum of $750 per annual certification period.

This reimbursement is also available to Oregon growers, processors, and handlers renewing their certification. Applications must be received no later than October 31, 2012.