Johnson Creek Watershed Council

A healthy watershed is within reach.

Promoting restoration and stewardship of a healthy Johnson Creek watershed through sound science and community engagement.

Johnson Creek flows 26 miles from its headwaters near Boring, Oregon, to where it meets the Willamette River. Along the way, it passes through forests, farms, golf courses, parks, industrial stretches, and neighborhoods, and through the four cities: Happy Valley, Gresham, Portland, and Milwaukie.

It’s a vibrant creek with many challenges.

Our Work

Discover.

Science is at the heart of our efforts to restore ecological function and connect the upland, riparian, and in-stream habitats in the watershed. We also lead collaborative projects, write peer-reviewed publications, and offer opportunities to link research with on-the-ground restoration. Discover your Johnson Creek Watershed here.

Restore.

We do restoration throughout the watershed, leading projects, organizing volunteer work parties, assisting creekside landowners with stewardship, overseeing construction on culverts and dams, and partnering with businesses to improve stormwater management. Learn more about our restoration work here.

Connect.

As a community organization, we accomplish our restoration through relationships with the diverse communities living in and around the watershed. We offer volunteer restoration and educational activities to serve all members of our community. Connect with the Johson Creek Watershed community here.

Upcoming Events:

Land Tending at Tideman Johnson
February 7 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
FULL: 2026 Creek Crew Training Part 2: In-person
February 7 @ 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Land Tending at Leach Botanical Garden
February 11 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

About Us

We envision an environment that welcomes ALL people who live, work, and play around Johnson Creek.

Johnson Creek is home to a number of threatened and native fish and wildlife, including steelhead and cutthroat trout, coho and Chinook salmon, red-legged frog, painted turtles, salamanders, pileated woodpeckers, and great blue herons.

The Johnson Creek Watershed Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1995 to lead restoration efforts and foster a stewardship ethic in the watershed.

Find Out More About Us

All are welcome. All are safe.

Read our equity and inclusion statement

HERE

The JCWC understands and empathizes with the challenge of our housing crisis. We welcome you to read our position statement.

Read Our Position on Sheltering in Riparian Areas

Stewardship

Caring for Our Creek

JCWC works with private landowners to promote restoration and stewardship. We can provide resources, expertise, and volunteers for diverse projects.

Creek Care

Contact Us!

4033 SE Woodstock Blvd
Keiter Hall
Portland, OR 97202
Phone: 503-652-7477

Our office is on the second floor of All-Saints Episcopal Church. Please use the separate entrance at the south end of the building near Woodstock Boulevard and SE 41st Street. Ring the bell.

Donate

Events

Partners