Johnson Creek Watershed Council’s community presence for 30 years was celebrated in May when more than 150 people gathered to hear stories of past challenges and accomplishments, present day impact, and visions for our future. We celebrated community-wide partnerships and collaborations through which JCWC remains vital and strong today.
One individual in particular, Walt Mintkeski, whose many contributions are ever-present in the Johnson Creek Watershed, delivered our Keynote presentation. Walt presented JCWC’s origin story filled with black and white images from the 1930’s through more recent times when the creek flooded entire neighborhoods, setting the stage for why the Council’s impact is meaningful for the lands, waters, wildlife and people inhabiting our urban watershed today. Thanks to Walt and JCWC founders – and untold numbers of volunteers whose dedication over 30 years – everyone who lives, works and plays in the watershed can observe coho and chinook salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout in their urban neighborhoods.
Thank you, Walt – you are a Johnson Creek treasure!
JCWC staff delivered present-day stories of their own where event attendees learned that in 2024 alone our community engagement efforts achieved the following results:
1,364 volunteers planted 5,761 plants, removed 5.5 tons of trash and 8,948 square feet of invasive species from Johnson Creek, and ate 450 tamales in celebration of their amazing accomplishments. In addition, 1,622 youth became educated about their watershed while watching 13 salmon meandering Johnson Creek. Riparian restoration efforts over 15 years dramatically reduced the amount of garlic mustard from Johnson Creek completely transforming local properties and neighborhoods. Restoration projects at Trinity Lutheran Church, Milwaukie Bay and numerous sites throughout the watershed are ongoing to ensure water quality remains high for all life throughout Johnson Creek.
Riffle Awards were presented to the following whose tireless efforts this last year made a meaningful difference for JCWC and the watershed: Wolfe Water Resources (Business); Portland Community College (School); Ethiopian and Eritrean Cultural and Resource Center (Nonprofit); and Andrew Villagrana and John Powers (Ernie Francisco Awards).
Thank you Riffle Award winners!
In conclusion, JCWC introduced its new Executive Director, Jennifer Hamilton! With more than 20 years of nonprofit experience at her back, Jennifer officially assumes JCWC leadership for which Board and staff members are very grateful. Please contact Jennifer anytime to become better acquainted with her and the Council, and its vision for the years and decades ahead.
Photo credit: Andrew Seng