Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council

Upper Willamette SWCD's First Annual Native Plant Sale
2026-02-07 | Lane Events Center, 796 W 13th Ave, Eugene, OR, 97402, United States
Interested in taking next steps to bring conservation into your home yard and garden? The UWSWCD is hosting a Native Plant Sale on Saturday, February 7th, 2025, at the Lane Events Center Auditorium, featuring a wide variety of locally native species and seeds. Plants must be pre-ordered through our online store; when you purchase plants you will be asked to sign up for a 15-minute time slot on February 7th to come pick up your plants. The online store will go live in early December.
For additional information and resources about incorporating ecological design into your home or neighborhood, visit the Coast to Cascades Bird Alliance Habitat Haven website at: https://ccbirdalliance.org/habitat-haven/.

An Evening with Douglas Tallamy in Lane County
2026-01-23 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Wildish Theater, 630 Main St, Springfield, OR, 97477, United States
On Friday, January 23rd from 6:30-8:30, the Upper Willamette Soil and Water Conservation District will host best-selling author Doug Tallamy at the Wildish Community Theater in Springfield. Doug will provide a presentation on his latest book, How Can I Help? Saving Nature One Yard At A Time.
Doug Tallamy is the T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 116 research publications and has taught insect related courses for 45 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. His books include Bringing Nature Home, The Living Landscape, co-authored with Rick Darke, Nature’s Best Hope, a New York Times Best Seller, The Nature of Oaks, winner of the American Horticultural Society’s 2022 book award, and his latest book How Can I Help.
In 2021 he cofounded Homegrown National Park with Michelle Alfandari (HomegrownNationalPark.org). His awards include recognition from The Garden Writer’s Association, Audubon, The National Wildlife Federation, Allegheny College, Ecoforesters, The Garden Club of America, The Herb Society, and The American Horticultural Association.
This event is presented in partnership with the Eugene Bird City Coalition, a group of local partner organizations working to achieve Bird City certification for Eugene. Find out more at Bird City Oregon.
Tickets ($15 / person) go on sale on Wednesday, November 19th at 9 AM. Purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-douglas-tallamy-tickets-1918418193459

Capital Assistance for Local Farmers Final Project Report Findings
2025-12-09 12:00 - 13:00 | OR
The Capital Assistance for Local Farmers (CALF) Project brought together farm and food organizations across the state with lenders and government funders to bridge the gap, provide better technical assistance to farmers, and generate feedback loops to make programs more accessible to small and mid sized farmers in Oregon.
As a partner on this project, the Upper Willamette Working Lands Program invites you to join Friends of Family Farmers for a virtual webinar on Tuesday, December 9th, from 12-1pm to learn more about the the project, who was involved, what was learned, and our four final recommendations in order to achieve the ultimate goal of small and local market farmers getting a bigger share of the funds available for climate-smart, local, and community-oriented farming. This would help create stronger farm businesses and build a web of service providers to carry this work forward in the future.
Stay tuned for the CALF Final Project Report released December 8th!
RSVP – https://secure.everyaction.com/3llGFCMgfUmbnkqrso8v3g2

Westfir Community Stewardship Day- November 1
2025-11-01 10:00 - 14:00 | Westfir City Confluence Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/PGRtKSTwUGKRp9KQ9
Join the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council and the City of Westfir in our Fall Community Stewardship Days at Westfir Confluence Park. We will be removing invasive vegetation and planting native species in the riparian habitat. Snacks, water and tools will be provided, but please come dressed for the weather in clothes you can get dirty in and wear close toed shoes. Register for one or both of the days and look out for an email with more info leading up to event days. We look forward to seeing you out there
Follow this link to register!

Great Willamette Cleanup
2025-10-04 10:00 - 13:00 | Clearwater Park, 2400 Clearwater Lane, Springfield, OR, 97478
Join the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council, Willamalane Parks and Recreation District, and Willamette Riverkeeper for an on-land trash cleanup effort as a part of the 2025 Great Willamette Cleanup. We will start at Clearwater Park and work our way along the Middle Fork Trail as time allows. Grab your walking shoes and get dirty for good! Afterwards, join us for a Volunteer Thank You Party in Eugene at 1:30pm (location TBA).

Please dress for the weather, bring water, sunglasses, and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Willamette Riverkeeper will provide trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers.

More information and registration can be found here!

Questions? Please reach out to the event coordinator, Luke Stuntz at lukestuntz@willametteriverkeeper.org

MFWWC Board of Directors Meeting
2025-09-24 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-07-23 17:30 - 19:00 | MFWWC Office, 655 A Street Suite A/B, Springfield, OR, 97477, United States
The Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council Board of Directors is composed of local stakeholders who represent the diverse interests of the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed. Each of them lives, works and/or plays in the basin. Our Board meetings are open to the public and you are welcome to join the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council’s Board meeting at our office. If you have questions or want to receive Board meeting materials in advance of the meeting, please email Executive Director Dov Weinman at dov@middleforkwillamette.org

Salmon Watch Field Module Training
2025-09-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Carmen Smith Spawning Channel, https://maps.app.goo.gl/XQB7Fitv7nVV6DxJ7
If you are interested in leading a station this fall during Salmon Watch and want to experience what it is like to rotate through stations and learn from experts? Join us for the field module training this fall! This training is structured as a mock Salmon Watch trip with trainees playing the role of the student. Volunteers will learn how to guide and support student learning during Salmon Watch field trips!
New volunteers are required to attend at least one training option. Volunteers who participated in the August training are welcome to join us for the field module! This training will be held on September 20th from 10 AM – 1 PM at the Carmen Smith Spawning Channel.
Please use this link to register by September 10th. Additional details will be sent post-registration, including details for carpooling.

Oakshire Inspires Benefit
2025-08-27 11:00 - 22:00 | Oakshire Public House, 207 Madison St, Eugene, OR, 97402
On August 27th, Oakshire Public House will be donating $1 from every core pint to the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council. Funds raised will support the work we do in restoration, outreach, and youth education. Please join us for food, beverages, and music by In The Alley!

Staff will be there from 5-7pm. We hope to see you there!!

Summer Salmon Watch Training
2025-08-22 15:00 - 17:00 | McKenzie Watershed Council Office, 175 W B St, Springfield, OR, 97477, United States
Are you interested in supporting the Salmon Watch Program by leading a station at one of our fall field trips? Please join us for our volunteer training event this summer! This training is for new and returning Salmon Watch volunteers! Learn how to lead stations and support student learning during Salmon Watch field trips. New volunteers are required to attend at least one training option.
The training will be held at the McKenzie Watershed Council office on August 22 from 3-5 PM. Additional details will be sent post-registration.
Please use this link to register by August 11th. Registration closes on Sunday, August 17th.

Westfir Confluence Park Summer Restoration Event
2025-06-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Westfir City Confluence Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/PGRtKSTwUGKRp9KQ9
The City of Westfir and the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council invite you to join us in restoration at the Westfir Confluence Park located where the North Fork of the Middle Fork Willamette and the Middle Fork Willamette Rivers meet.
On Saturday, June 21 from 10am – 2pm we will be removing invasive species as a part of ongoing habitat restoration. Please register here by June 18.
Water, light snacks, gloves and tools will be provided, but please bring a water bottle, a lunch, appropriate clothes for heat or inclement weather and anything else you may need to help pull invasive plants. All ages and abilities are welcome, and we encourage biking or carpooling as parking is limited at the site.

We look forward to seeing you there!

2025 Annual Watershed Celebration
2025-05-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Dorris Ranch, 205 Dorris St, Springfield, OR, 97477
Please join us for an opportunity to celebrate all the work we have done this year, recognize the funders who support us and all the volunteers who make our education program possible. Our goal this year is to raise unrestricted funds for our restoration projects, which allow us to have flexible funding to use where it’s most needed throughout project planning and implementation. Please help us raise funds by participating in the silent auction!

Bring yourself, your kids, and your significant others, but please leave your pets at home.

RSVP HERE

This event is made possible by generous support from important community partners.
Confluence Sponsor: Café Mam
Tributary Sponsor: Weyerhaeuser
Headwaters Sponsors: Oregon Water Shed, Forrest Paint Co., Fall Creek Farm and Nursery Inc., Giustina Land and Timber, Caddis Fly Angling Shop, Lane Forest Products.

Westfir Confluence Park fall planting day #2
2024-11-20 10:00 - 14:00 | Westfir City Confluence Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/PGRtKSTwUGKRp9KQ9
The City of Westfir and the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council invite you to join us in restoration at the Westfir Confluence Park located at the confluence between the North Fork of the Middle Fork Willamette and Middle Fork Willamette Rivers.
On November 7th and November 20th from 10-2 we will be removing invasive species and planting native plants as a part of ongoing habitat restoration. Please register here by the registration dates (11/4 for the 11/7 date, and 11/15 for the 11/20 date).
Water and light snacks will be provided, but please bring a water bottle, a lunch, appropriate clothes for inclement weather and anything else you may need. All ages are welcome, and we encourage biking or carpooling as parking at the site is limited.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Westfir Confluence Park fall planting day #1
2024-11-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Westfir City Confluence Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/PGRtKSTwUGKRp9KQ9

Salmon Watch Volunteer Training Field Module
2024-09-21 10:00 - 13:00 | OR
**EVENT REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED**

All new volunteers are required to complete one of the Salmon Watch Trainings being hosted on August 16th or September 21st. You may attend both if you would like to, but you are only required to complete one.
As a Salmon Watch Volunteer you will: Cultivate environmental stewardship within students, help students experience the ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest and teach students about beauty of the salmon lifecycle.

This training on September 21, 10am – 1pm will be meeting at Carmen Smith Reservoir, if you need to carpool please let us know in the google form below.
**During this training, you will be a part of a mock Salmon Watch Outing as a student and witness salmon spawning streamside. Please bring anything you would need to be comfortable for two hours in the woods.

Salmon Watch Volunteer Training
2024-08-16 15:00 - 17:00 | OR
All new volunteers are required to complete one of the Salmon Watch Trainings being hosted on August 16th or September 21st. You may attend both if you would like to, but you are only required to complete one.
As a Salmon Watch Volunteer you will: Cultivate environmental stewardship within students, help students experience the ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest and teach students about beauty of the salmon lifecycle.

This training on August 16th will be at the McKenzie Watershed Council office at 175 W B St, Springfield, OR 97477.

Please register using this google form so we know you will be attending.

Westfir Confluence Stewardship Pint & Pull
2024-08-09 09:00 - 13:00 | Westfir City Confluence Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/PGRtKSTwUGKRp9KQ9
The City of Westfir and the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council invite you to join us in restoration at the Westfir Confluence Park located at the confluence between the North Fork of the Middle Fork Willamette and Middle Fork Willamette Rivers.
On August 9th from 9am – 1 pm we will be removing invasive plant species to maintain native plantings as part of ongoing riparian restoration. Please register here for the event by August 2nd.
Water and light snacks will be provided, but please bring a water bottle and anything else you may need to be comfortable in the heat. All ages are welcome, and we encourage biking or carpooling as parking at the site is limited. At the end of the day, you are welcome to join us at Westfir Lodge for lunch and beverages. We look forward seeing you there!

2024 Annual Watershed Celebration
2024-05-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Dorris Ranch, 205 Dorris St, Springfield, OR, 97477
Focused on fun and connection, this event gathers our community for an outdoor celebration with music, food, drinks, and great conversation. Please join us for tacos from Rene Taco Catering, hand-crafted beer from Plank Town Brewing Co! We’ll be celebrating with lawn games, silent auction items from local artists and partners, and live music from Americana , R& B band “In the Alley!”
This is an opportunity to celebrate all the work we have done this year, recognize the funders who support us and all the volunteers who make our education program possible. Our goal this year is to raise unrestricted funds for our restoration projects, which allow us to have flexible funding to use where it’s most needed throughout project planning and implementation. Please help us raise funds by participating in the silent auction! Click here for full event details!
We will be celebrating with:

FOOD! Including delicious Taco Catering , Sponsored by Forrest Paint Co
A reusable Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council Pint glass to refill with drinks from Plank Town Brewing, and additional non-alcoholic beverages, Sponsored by Oregon Water Shed!
Live music with local band “In the Alley,” who graciously donated their time
An incredible spread of silent auction items from local vendors and artists, as well as some travel outing packages!
Short update on our work in the watershed and all we have accomplished this last year
Lawn games and a kids corner with our stream table and other fun activities

Bring yourself, your kids, and your significant others, but please leave your pets at home.
A huge thanks to our title sponsor, Cafe Mam, and all our event sponsors Weyerhaeuser, Forrest Paint Company, Oregon Water Shed, and The Caddis Fly Shop!
Questions? Call or email us! 458-215-8200 or dov@middleforkwillamette.org
We can’t wait to see you!
RSVP HERE

Lane County City Nature Challenge
2024-04-27 10:00 - 14:00 | Westfir City Confluence Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/PGRtKSTwUGKRp9KQ9

Westfir Confluence Park Community Restoration
2024-04-06 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Westfir City Confluence Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/PGRtKSTwUGKRp9KQ9

Pint Night!
2023-11-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Falling Sky Brewpub, 1334 Oak Alley, Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
The Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council is participating in GivingTuesday! A global movement unleashing the power of radical generosity, GivingTuesday encourages people to do good by giving. Our staff encourages you to embrace generosity on Tuesday November 28, 2023, to support our mission for a healthy Middle Fork Willamette Watershed through environmental education and habitat restoration for the entire community to enjoy.
Your donation on GivingTuesday will go towards one of our floodplain restoration projects at Elijah Bristow State Park. Elijah Bristow State Park is a unique and wonderful place, and because of this we are embarking on an inclusive method of planning for this restoration project that prioritizes community input throughout the planning process. Our restoration goals at Elijah Bristow State Park include reconnecting the floodplain and letting it meander, spread out, and create new pathways over 4.4 river miles.
In addition to our restoration specific goals, restoration at Elijah Bristow State Park will also support youth education programs. The park is frequently used as an outdoor classroom by our Regional Education Team, who has hosted over 31 field trips there since 2021. Field trips consist of Salmon Watch, Habitat Surveys (WELL Program), Lane Migrant Education Forest Fridays Camp, high school field trips, Middle School Restoration Program and student stewardship.
Elijah Bristow State Park is widely enjoyed by a variety of users, and we have been and will continue working with community members, partners, and park users to create the plan for restoration. Capacity to build these partnerships and facilitate project management will be made possible by your donation on Giving Tuesday, November 28th.
There will be opportunities throughout the day to donate to our work, finishing off with a fun evening at Falling Sky Brewpub where $1 of each beer sold is being donated to the Council.
Our staff hopes to see you there, and stay tuned for more updates on our campaign!

Annual Watershed Celebration
2023-05-11 17:00 - 20:00 | White Oak Pavilion, Mount Pisgah, 34901 Frank Parrish Rd, Eugene, OR, 97405
Join us for delicious barbecue and hand-crafted beer from Plank Town Brewing Co. We’ll be celebrating our great Middle Fork Willamette watershed community with lawn games, a raffle with artwork and prizes from local artists and partners, and live music from wry-witted folk singer Cuchulain! Click here for full event details!
We will be celebrating with:

Free food! Including delicious BBQ, drinks from Plank Town Brewing, and additional non-alcoholic beverages
Live music with local musician Cuchulain, sponsored by Forrest Paint
Short update on our work in the watershed and all we have accomplished this last year
Lawn games and a kids corner with our stream table and other fun activities

Enter to win one of our amazing raffle prizes including a gift basket from Tea or watershed art from several local artists!
Bring yourself, your kids, and your significant others, but please leave your pets at home.
A huge thanks to our title sponsor, Mountain Rose Herbs, and all our event sponsors Weyerhaeuser, Forrest Paint Company, and The Caddis Fly Shop!
Questions? Call or email us! 458-215-8200 or dov@middleforkwillamette.org
We can’t wait to see you!
RSVP HERE

Oakshire Inspires
2022-08-03 11:00 - 22:00 | Oakshire Public House, 207 Madison St, Eugene, OR, 97402
On Wednesday, August 3rd Oakshire Brewing will be donating $1 of every pint purchased to the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council! Visit the pub anytime between 11 am and 10 pm to take and advantage of the fundraiser and join Council staff from 5 pm till 7 pm for an evening of beer, music, and conversation at the Oakshire Public House in the Whitaker.
We will have live music by local musician Cuchulain (cuchulainkelly.com) from 5 pm-7 pm. So come listen to some tunes, support the watershed and chat with staff while we all support a local business dedicated to giving back to the waters that make its beer so delicious!

Education Volunteer Training
2022-06-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Elijah Bristow State Park, 38267 Wheeler Rd, Dexter, OR 97431, Dexter, OR, 97431
Are you interested in helping kids explore their watershed through field trips and outdoor schools? Join us for an informational training on Saturday, June 11th. Attending this training will help you decide if this volunteer role is right for you and provide basic training to allow you to assist our Youth Education Coordinator. We will introduce you to our field trip and outdoor school programs, familiarize you with the different roles available, and provide basic skills on specific lesson plans. While this training will provide a basic understanding of the volunteer role, additional specific training will be provided for individual volunteer opportunities. Snacks and drinks will be provided and accommodations can be made for anyone needing additional assistance. Registration is required and can be found via the registration link below. A successful background check is required to work with children and will be provided at the completion of this training. Please contact gale@middleforkwillamette.org with any questions or requests. We hope to see you there!
Register Now

Elijah Bristow State Park Scotch Broom Pull
2022-05-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Elijah Bristow State Park, 38267 Wheeler Rd, Dexter, OR 97431, Dexter, OR, 97431
Join us and Oregon State Parks for a day of volunteering, pulling Scotch broom along the confluence of Lost Creek and the Middle Fork Willamette River. Your work will help support previous watershed restoration done in this location and help reduce this noxious weed in the park.
This is part of the Oregon State Parks Centennial celebration and their 100 volunteer projects for 100 years! Celebrate Oregon State Parks Centennial and participate in the legacy of service that has sustained the state parks system for a century.
We will meet at the Lost Creek parking lot and hike about 1/2 mile on trail to the worksite. There will be a vehicle on-site if anyone isn’t able to hike in. All tools, gloves, and supplies will be provided. We ask that you wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle. Families and children are encouraged to join, although we do ask that young children be accompanied by an adult.
We ask that you register for this event so we can have the appropriate number of tools and gloves for everyone joining.
Register Now

Releasing the Oak: Restoration at Thurston Hills Talk
2022-05-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Dorris Ranch, 205 Dorris St, Springfield, OR, 97477
Join us for our first live Fermenting Ideas talk in over two years! Our Restoration Projects Manager, Ka-Voka Jackson, will be joined by Natural Resource Planner at Willamalane Park and Recreation District, Fraser MacDonald at the Dorris Ranch Barn. They will talk about why oak restoration is needed at Thurston Hills Natural Area, our past project there, and our plans for upcoming restoration. At the end of the talk, we will take a short walk into Dorris Ranch to explore a past oak restoration site at the park. Our experts will be on hand to explain how restoration like this works in an active park and how the habitat has responded after the restoration. Registration is not required, but if you would like to sign up we will send you reminder emails and information.
Register Here

Spring For Your River - Clearwater Park Cleanup
2022-05-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Clearwater Park, 2400 Clearwater Lane, Springfield, OR, 97478
Join Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council, Willamalane Parks and Recreation District, and Willamette Riverkeeper to clean up along the Willamette River and the Middle Fork Trail at Clearwater Park. We will be walking on trails and through the park and in well-maintained areas. Families and children are encouraged to join along with an attending adult.

We will be meeting in the upper parking area near the Middle Fork Trail entry in Clearwater Park. Please be on time as we will disperse in teams to different areas after a welcome and safety briefing. Please dress for the weather and bring water, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. We will provide trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers.
Register Here

Oakridge/Westfir Tree Planting Festival
2022-05-06 - 2022-05-08 | Oakridge
The Oakridge/Westfir Tree Planting Festival honors the connection between the prosperity of Oakridge and the life of the trees. In 1953 community leaders started an annual festival tradition that celebrates tree planting, and that festival continues today. There are events happening throughout the weekend across a wide variety of interests. Join the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council at the Banner Park Booths on Saturday, May 7th to experience our stream table and fun activities for kids and adults!
Find Out More

Thurston Hills City Nature Challenge Birding Tour
2022-04-27 17:30 - 19:30 | Thurston Hills Natural Area, 7575 Main St, Springfield, OR, 97478, United States
This year as part of the City Nature Challenge we are partnering with Willamalane Park and Recreation District to host a birding tour at Thurston Hills Natural Area. We will have experts on hand to help identify birds and teach you how to use eBird and iNaturalist. This tour will explore the new trails at the South entrance to Thurston Hills and highlight both past and future restoration projects undertaken by the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council and Willamalane as well as the birdlife found there.
We will be walking about two miles up and downhill on well-maintained trails as our guides share their insights on the birds found at the park, how restoration has affected the bird population there, and how community scientists (like yourself) can help further our understanding of birds at Thurston Hills.
Registration is required for all attendees as we are limiting the size of our group to allow for effective birding. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to gale@middleforkwillamette.org.
Register Here
