Discover how “getting dirty” is part of the fun for folks who came to improve the health of the Johnson Creek Watershed at the Foster Floodplain …
Friends and families enjoy “getting into the sticks” as they help improve the health of the Foster Road Floodplain in the Lents neighborhood during the Johnson Creek Watershed Council’s Watershed Wide Event.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Again this year, at several locations along the major East Portland waterway, volunteers showed up in large numbers for the Johnson Creek Watershed Council’s (JCWC) Watershed Wide Event. It took place on Saturday morning, March 7.
One of those locations in outer East Portland was the Foster Road Floodplain Natural Area where volunteers were planting bare-root native plants and doing litter pick-up, in partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation.
Here, planting bare-root natives, is JCWC Executive Director Jennifer Hamilton.
“This event is important to us, because it’s important to the watershed,” JCWC Executive Director Jennifer Hamilton said, pausing for a break.
“Planning these plants helps stabilize the soil content,” explained Hamilton. “And it helps control the effects of flooding here in the floodplain,” she added.
Some distance off the path, volunteers look for the colored flags that tell which kind of plant to install in that area.
“Having native plants here keeps the ‘cycle of life’ going while providing awesome vegetation food for the wildlife that’s out here.” Hamilton continued.
“Beyond this, it’s important to the community,” she continued. “It’s awesome to come out here and sit in a circle and hear about everyone’s connections to the watershed before we started work this morning,” Hamilton told East Portland News.
Volunteers Sienna and Kari Jones prepare to put in some more plants.
“Some those here are neighbors, some came because they are professionals in the field – and others came as part of a ‘Meet-Up’ group,” Hamilton acknowledged.
“Volunteer events like these create community as people come together on a beautiful crisp winter day like today to plant some really important natives for this floodplain,” concluded Hamilton.
This family sets off to put some new native plants into the ground near Johnson Creek.
Take a look at volunteer events the Johnson Creek Watershed Council is hosting this week by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
