Beaver Survey

We are looking for the next Community Science superstars for the Johnson Creek Watershed Council’s Beaver Surveys! Can you believe we are headed into our tenth year of surveys!

Join teams of 3-4 volunteers on a survey by walking a 1-mile long reach of the creek to map and collect data on beaver dams and other signs of beaver activity on Saturday, September 6th! All surveys will happen on the same day – your team sets the time.

No experience or gear necessary, all instructions and gear will be provided at orientation and on the survey day! Sign-up with a partner/group or sign-up on your own and you will be paired up with other volunteers!

Click here to RSVP!

When: Orientation – September 3rd, 6-7:30pm over Zoom

New this year! Survey Season – Surveyors will conduct one survey on Saturday, September 6th. Survey site sign up after orientation is completed.

Where: Zoom Orientation – September 3rd, 6-7:30pm, Zoom link emailed to you after registration. 

Gear Pick-up, Survey, and Gear Drop-off – September 6th, at JCWC office

Survey Season – Surveys take place at different locations in the watershed from Crystal Springs in SE Portland to SE Gresham on Saturday, September 6th. 

Orientation is required to participate

Time commitment: Orientation – 1.5 hours

Survey Season – Sign-up for a survey on Saturday, September 6th. Surveys typically take between 1.5 and 3 hours. 

How to prepare: This event will happen rain or shine, so dress for weather: rain coat, warm layers, sun hat, and sunscreen as necessary. Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring a filled water bottle and a snack. 

We will provide: We will provide all necessary training and gear. You are welcome to bring your own waders, life jacket, and walking stick. We can also provide bus fare to and from the event. Please contact info@jcwc.org to arrange bus fare.

Health and safety: We will follow current Oregon Health Authority guidelines. Masks are not required, but encouraged in indoor spaces where social distancing is not possible. Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.

Children 16 years and older are welcome to participate in surveys.

Accessibility: These surveys require walking/standing/squatting for up to 3 hours in summer weather. Surveys require wading through Johnson Creek in water levels that can vary between ankle deep to waist deep and potentially climbing over/under downed logs. Anyone under 4ft tall is unfortunately not permitted to participate in surveys. 

For these surveys we use the app Anecdata to record data. Please have Anecdata downloaded and set-up before orientation. 

Thank you to our funders and partners for supporting watershed health. East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, City of Gresham, Metro and The Wetlands Conservancy.