STEWARDSHIP

A steward is someone who is entrusted with the preservation and protection of a natural area over a long period of time. We are all stewards of the land, air, and water around us. By living responsibly and being aware of the impact we have on our environment, we can improve and protect the natural wonders around us. Below is a list of ten simple things you can do to be a good steward and help improve the Johnson Creek Watershed.

Ten Things You Can Do

1. Plant native vegetation in your yard to provide shade, shelter, and food for fish and animals, and to prevent erosion. Native species do not require pesticides or fertilizers and are drought tolerant and disease resistant. See our plants listing for where to buy native plants.
2. Put in a rain garden! Rain gardens are a beautiful way to manage stormwater runoff because they allow rain to soak into the ground naturally, reducing the amount of pollution that gets into our creeks, rivers, and wetlands. It also maintains the natural hydrology so streams dont go dry during the summer. For more information, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation district has how-to information and links on their website. Register your rain garden once you've completed it.
3. Eliminate pesticides and minimize fertilizer use. Johnson Creek has high levels of 3 dangerous pesticides, which can be deadly to fish and other wildlife. Over-used fertilizers can also be harmful to wildlife by overwhelming streams with unusually high nutrient levels. Start your own compost pile as a source of free, natural fertilizer for your yard.
4. Disconnect your downspout. Leave gutters in place while directing the downspout into your yard or a rain barrel for yard watering. This can help prevent creek flooding by filtering the rainwater through the soil into groundwater, rather than sending it directly into the creek or into a combined sewer. Be sure to check with your local government before disconnecting, as some soil types and topography are not amenable to downspout disconnection.
5. Remove unnecessary concrete or other impervious surfaces on your property to allow rainwater to soak into the ground, which will provide cold groundwater to Johnson Creek in the summer. Concrete may be replaced with materials such as pervious paving, flagstones, or gravel.
6. Prevent run-off by sweeping patios and sidewalks instead of hosing them. Hosing wastes water and carries contaminants into the creek. Also, wash your car on the lawn with biodegradable soap or at a car wash that recycles water.
7. Clean up animal waste to prevent it from washing into the creek and contaminating the water.
8. Drive less. Use transit, bike, walk, or carpool. Vehicle exhaust causes the pollutant polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, of which Johnson Creek has over 15 times the maximum acceptable amount.
9. Keep your car properly maintained so oil and other automotive solutions do not run into the creek. Always recycle your leftover motor oil curbside or at automobile shops. Properly dispose of other hazardous automotive products, solvents, or yard chemicals at a hazardous waste facility or neighborhood collection events.
10. Become a Friend of Johnson Creek! Your contribution of $35 or more will help Johnson Creek Watershed Council continue to organize exciting community events and create a restoration vision for Johnson Creek through the research, planning, and implementation of the Comprehensive Watershed Action Plan.