Johnson Creek Watershed Council

2025 Johnson Creek Clean-up
2025-08-16 08:45 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
The Johnson Creek Clean-Up returns August 16th, 2025! This is your chance to GET IN the creek and GET OUT all the trash that has accumulated over the past year. Since 2007, volunteers like you have jumped into Johnson Creek and pulled out over 70 tons of trash from the water. Yes that’s right, over 70 tons! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get in the creek and remove litter from where it matters the most. See you there!
Arrive at your site at 8:45 am to meet your team and Creek Captain and learn how to be safe in the water. Spend ~3 hours in the creek picking up trash, then travel to Johnson Creek Park to have lunch at 12 noon.
Interested in submitting art to be on this year’s clean-up t-shirts? Click here for more information!

What: Remove trash from Johnson Creek! Get in the water or stay on land and help remove tons of trash from in and around the creek. Stick around afterward for FREE lunch, award ceremony and time to connect with your watershed community.
When: Saturday, August 16th, from 8:45 am – 1pm, including FREE lunch
Where: About a dozen sites throughout the watershed! See site descriptions below. Detailed directions to your site will be emailed to you before the event. Lunch will be at Johnson Creek Park.
How to register: Registration is open now!!

Carefully read the site descriptions below. Each site is different and some are more physically challenging than others.
Pick the site at which you want to volunteer.
Register for ONLY the specific site at which you will volunteer.
If you are coming as part of a group, each person in your group needs to register separately.
Check your email for site details and parking instructions for your site!

Want to register a group? Reach out to Marlee@jcwc.org to get matched with the right site!
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 shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy. You will be walking in the creek in your shoes. We recommend light-weight shoes like sneakers, running shoes, or breathable hiking boots that will drain easily, rather than heavy boots that will stay water-logged. Do not wear sandals, crocs, etc.–it’s not safe! However, you may want to bring an extra set of footwear to change into at the end. Bring a filled water bottle and a snack.
We will provide: Gloves and all necessary tools, plus free lunch at the end of the event. We can also provide bus fare to and from the event. Please contact marlee@jcwc.org to arrange bus fare. Sorry, we cannot provide waders for this event.
Children unfortunately are not permitted. This event involves wading in deep water and contact with potentially harmful materials, such as broken glass, and is not suitable for children. Youth 14 years old and older are welcome if accompanied by an attentive adult.
Accessibility: This event may require wading in water greater than 2 feet deep (see site descriptions for details; not all sites require wading), standing for long periods, walking over uneven ground, going up or down steep slopes, bending, and lifting heavy objects. Each site has different requirements so we can accommodate most physical ability levels. If you have questions about the physical requirements of the event, please contact marlee@jcwc.org. Plus, we have jobs for every level of physical ability! If you don’t want to get your feet wet but still want to help, check out special jobs and land based sites.

Sites and Registration

All of our sites are full – Thank you volunteers!

A huge thank you to this year’s sponsors and partners. We could not do this important work with you! Thank you Clackamas Water Environment Services, Metro Regional Refresh Fund, Mintkeski Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Portland Parks and Recreation, North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District, City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland General Electric, Ground Score Association, SOLVE, East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, and Junk It Portland.

Land Tending at Tideman Johnson
2025-10-04 09:00 - 12:00
Join the Friends of Tideman Johnson Park and the Johnson Creek Watershed Council for a morning of stewardship and land tending! Tideman Johnson is a small but sweet park along Johnson Creek and the Springwater Corridor Trail in SE Portland. No experience necessary!

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

When: Saturday, October 4th, 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Where: Tideman Johnson City Park (directions below)

What: Native plantings, litter pickup, and invasive weed removal. Tasks may shift as needs change on the site.

How to prepare: This event will happen rain or shine, so dress for the weather! Wear long thick pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a raincoat or a hat and sunscreen, as appropriate. Bring a filled water bottle and snacks! You’re welcome to bring gloves and tools, if you want to use your own.

What we provide: Gloves and all necessary tools, and instruction on how to safely use tools and remove invasive weeds. We can also provide bus fare to and from the event. Please contact sima@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 are welcome: Children must be accompanied by an attentive adult. This work is around and near sharp prickly plants and can be challenging for young children. We recommend children ages 12 and up for this type of event.

Accessibility: This event may require standing or squatting/kneeling for long periods of time, walking over uneven ground, bending and lifting heavy objects. Bathrooms are available for this event.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Directions to site:

By transit: Take Bus #75 to SE 45th/Nehalem, then walk about half a mile west on SE Crystal Springs Blvd. Turn south (left) onto 37th Street and go down a steep hill to the junction of the Springwater Corridor Trail and the Johnson Creek boardwalk Or take the MAX Orange Line to SE Tacoma/Johnson Creek and walk south along the Park & Ride lot to the Springwater Corridor Trail. Walk east on the Trail for a little under a mile to reach the junction with the Johnson Creek boardwalk.

By bike: follow the Springwater Corridor Trail to the junction with the Johnson Creek boardwalk.

By car: park near the intersection of 37th and Tenino Streets (please be respectful of our neighbors and do not block driveways or mailboxes). Take the trailhead at the end of 37th Street and go down a steep hill to the junction with the Johnson Creek boardwalk.

Thank you to our funders and partners for supporting watershed health. The Mintkeski Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Portland General Electric, The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District and Portland Parks & Recreation, and Friends of Tideman Johnson.

Land Tending at Errol Heights
2025-10-18 09:00 - 12:00
CLICK HERE TO RSVP

What: Errol Heights Land Tending projects include weeding, planting, mulching, and trash pick-up. These needs will change month to month.

When: Saturday, October 18th, from 9:00 am – 12:00pm

Where: Errol Heights City Park (directions emailed after registration).

What to bring: Bring a filled water bottle and snacks. You’re welcome to bring gloves and tools, if you want to use your own.

What to wear: Dress for the weather! Wear long, thick pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy, close-toed shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a raincoat or a hat and sunscreen, as appropriate.

We will provide: Gloves, and all necessary tools, plus coffee and snacks. We can also provide bus fare to and from the event. Please contact info@jcwc.org to arrange bus fare.

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an attentive adult. This work is around and near prickly plants and can be challenging for young children. We recommend children ages 10 and up for this type of event.

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.

Accessibility: This event may require standing for long periods, walking over uneven ground, going up or down steep slopes, bending, and lifting heavy objects.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Thank you to our funders and partners for supporting watershed health. The Mintkeski Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Portland General Electric, The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, Friends of Errol Heights and Portland Parks and Recreation.

Land Tending at Tideman Johnson
2025-11-01 09:00 - 12:00
Due to weather, this event is cancelled
Join the Friends of Tideman Johnson Park and the Johnson Creek Watershed Council for a morning of stewardship and land tending! Tideman Johnson is a small but sweet park along Johnson Creek and the Springwater Corridor Trail in SE Portland. No experience necessary!

When: Saturday, November 1st, 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Where: Tideman Johnson City Park (directions below)

What: Native plantings, litter pickup, and invasive weed removal. Tasks may shift as needs change on the site.

How to prepare: This event will happen rain or shine, so dress for the weather! Wear long thick pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a raincoat or a hat and sunscreen, as appropriate. Bring a filled water bottle and snacks! You’re welcome to bring gloves and tools, if you want to use your own.

What we provide: Gloves and all necessary tools, and instruction on how to safely use tools and remove invasive weeds. We can also provide bus fare to and from the event. Please contact sima@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 are welcome: Children must be accompanied by an attentive adult. This work is around and near sharp prickly plants and can be challenging for young children. We recommend children ages 12 and up for this type of event.

Accessibility: This event may require standing or squatting/kneeling for long periods of time, walking over uneven ground, bending and lifting heavy objects. Bathrooms are available for this event.

Directions to site:

By transit: Take Bus #75 to SE 45th/Nehalem, then walk about half a mile west on SE Crystal Springs Blvd. Turn south (left) onto 37th Street and go down a steep hill to the junction of the Springwater Corridor Trail and the Johnson Creek boardwalk Or take the MAX Orange Line to SE Tacoma/Johnson Creek and walk south along the Park & Ride lot to the Springwater Corridor Trail. Walk east on the Trail for a little under a mile to reach the junction with the Johnson Creek boardwalk.

By bike: follow the Springwater Corridor Trail to the junction with the Johnson Creek boardwalk.

By car: park near the intersection of 37th and Tenino Streets (please be respectful of our neighbors and do not block driveways or mailboxes). Take the trailhead at the end of 37th Street and go down a steep hill to the junction with the Johnson Creek boardwalk.

Thank you to our funders and partners for supporting watershed health. The Mintkeski Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Portland General Electric, The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District and Portland Parks & Recreation, and Friends of Tideman Johnson.

Land Tending with the City of Gresham
2025-11-01 09:00 - 12:00
Join Johnson Creek Watershed Council and the City of Gresham for a morning of planting and seed spreading along Johnson Creek. The Walters site has been host to our last two Watershed Wide Events in the City of Gresham and we are returning to keep giving it love.

Click here to RSVP

What: Planting shrubs and forbs, spreading seeds
When: November 1st, 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Walters Site, SW 4th & SW Walters, Gresham. More directions below. Google Maps Link to the meeting location.
What to bring: Bring a filled water bottle and snacks. You’re welcome to bring gloves and tools, if you want to use your own.
What to wear: Dress for the weather! This work is in a natural area around and near prickly plants. Wear long, thick pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy, close-toed shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a raincoat or a hat and sunscreen, as appropriate.
What we will provide: Gloves, and all necessary tools, plus tea and snacks. We can also provide bus fare to and from the event. Please contact info@jcwc.org to arrange bus fare.
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an attentive adult. This work is around and near prickly plants and can be challenging for young children. We recommend children ages 10 and up for this type of event.
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.
Accessibility: This event may require standing for long periods, walking over uneven ground, going up or down steep slopes, bending, and lifting heavy objects. A portable restroom will be available for this event.

Click HERE to RSVP

Directions to the site:
By car: There are several parking options for this site. The nearest address is 291 SW 4th St, Gresham, OR 97080. Parking is available along SW 4th St., be mindful of the neighbors and do not block any driveways, then walk North on Walters until you reach the intersection of Walters and the Springwater Trail. Parking is also available at Gresham Main City Park, follow the signs down the Springwater trail for about 500 feet West to where Walters dr intersects with the Springwater Trail. The meeting location will be the intersection of Walters Dr. and the Springwater Trail.
By Bus: Take Bus line 9 and exit at W Powell and SW Walters. Check out Tri-met for more detailed directions from your location.
Bike or Walk: Take the Springwater Trail! Link to trail map: https://www.portland.gov/documents/springwater-corridor-mappdf/download

Thank you to our funders and partners for supporting watershed health. Thank you City of Gresham, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, Mintkeski Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, and Portland General Electric.

Land Tending at Errol Heights
2025-11-15 09:00 - 12:00
CLICK HERE TO RSVP

What: Errol Heights Land Tending projects include weeding, planting, mulching, and trash pick-up. These needs will change month to month.

When: Saturday, November 15th, from 9:00 am – 12:00pm

Where: Errol Heights City Park (directions emailed after registration).

What to bring: Bring a filled water bottle and snacks. You’re welcome to bring gloves and tools, if you want to use your own.

What to wear: Dress for the weather! Wear long, thick pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy, close-toed shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a raincoat or a hat and sunscreen, as appropriate.

We will provide: Gloves, and all necessary tools, plus coffee and snacks. We can also provide bus fare to and from the event. Please contact info@jcwc.org to arrange bus fare.

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an attentive adult. This work is around and near prickly plants and can be challenging for young children. We recommend children ages 10 and up for this type of event.

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.

Accessibility: This event may require standing for long periods, walking over uneven ground, going up or down steep slopes, bending, and lifting heavy objects.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Thank you to our funders and partners for supporting watershed health. The Mintkeski Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Portland General Electric, The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, Friends of Errol Heights and Portland Parks and Recreation.

Land Tending at Errol Heights
2025-12-20 09:00 - 12:00
CLICK HERE TO RSVP

What: Errol Heights Land Tending projects include weeding, planting, mulching, and trash pick-up. These needs will change month to month.

When: Saturday, December 20th, from 9:00 am – 12:00pm

Where: Errol Heights City Park (directions emailed after registration).

What to bring: Bring a filled water bottle and snacks. You’re welcome to bring gloves and tools, if you want to use your own.

What to wear: Dress for the weather! Wear long, thick pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy, close-toed shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a raincoat or a hat and sunscreen, as appropriate.

We will provide: Gloves, and all necessary tools, plus coffee and snacks. We can also provide bus fare to and from the event. Please contact info@jcwc.org to arrange bus fare.

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an attentive adult. This work is around and near prickly plants and can be challenging for young children. We recommend children ages 10 and up for this type of event.

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.

Accessibility: This event may require standing for long periods, walking over uneven ground, going up or down steep slopes, bending, and lifting heavy objects.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Thank you to our funders and partners for supporting watershed health. The Mintkeski Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Portland General Electric, The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, Friends of Errol Heights and Portland Parks and Recreation.

Errol Heights and Tideman Johnson End of Season Celebration
2026-05-07 17:00 - 19:00
Join the Friends of Errol Heights and Tideman Johnson, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Johnson Creek Watershed Council for an evening celebration as we close out the season at Errol Heights and Tideman Johnson. Volunteers from both sites are welcome to attend. Registration required!
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
When: Thursday, May 7th, 5:00-7:00pm
Where: Mt. Scott Community Center – 5530 SE 72nd Ave, Portland, OR 97206
What: Celebration of land tending at Errol Heights and Tideman Johnson – end of season wrap up for volunteers. Email sara@jcwc.org if you have any questions.
What we provide: Light refreshments and drinks. 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 are welcome: Children must be accompanied by an attentive adult.
Accessibility: Requests for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for any City of Portland Program, service, event, or activity at least five business days before the event by visiting portland.gov
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Thank you to our funders and partners for supporting watershed health. The Mintkeski Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Portland General Electric, The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District and Portland Parks & Recreation, and Friends of Tideman Johnson.
