Michael Cairns Memorial Dedication on June 28!
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Join us at North Riverside Park on June 28 at 10am for the unveiling of two interpretive panels that celebrate the importance of wetlands and Michael Cairn's efforts to protect and restore them in our local community! Afterwards, you are invited to come to Divine Distillers to raise a toast in honor of Michael and the many community partners and individuals who helped bring his vision to life. We hope to see you there!
Michael Cairns (1948–2024) was a visionary leader and advocate for both environmental and social causes in Monmouth and Independence. In 1999, he helped establish the Luckiamute Watershed Council and later became its first manager. His legacy includes a beautifully designed wetland near the Willamette River west of the Independence Sports Park, now thriving with native plants, birds, and wildlife. He also played a key role in restoring Ash Creek’s streamside habitat at what is now OSU Extension’s Mt. Fir Inspiration Gardens.
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Conservation Spotlight on LWC!
On April 16, KMUZ Radio's Conservation Spotlight featured the LWC! Click on the link to hear Jordan, Aubrey and Suzanne share the mission and goals of the LWC, explore the rich history of our watershed, and highlight ongoing and future restoration and outreach efforts.
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New Beaver Coexistence Resource Available!
Beavers can help landscapes become more resilient against drought, wildfire, and climate challenges. However, living with beavers can also be a challenge at times! The good news is that the Mid-Willamette Beaver Partnership can help you find non-lethal, long-term solutions to beaver-related issues.
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Data visualization website now updated with 2024 stream temperature data
Click to learn more!
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The Luckiamute Watershed Council (LWC) is a volunteer group of neighbors from diverse perspectives working together to learn about the watershed and doing what they can to improve local water quality and habitat conditions.
Our mission is "to engage and assist landowners and communities in the voluntary protection, restoration and enhancement of the Luckiamute and Ash Creek watersheds." We seek to foster good stewardship of natural resources and to develop an improved understanding of the area’s biological diversity. Read more about us here. Native Plants for Fire-Resilient Landscapes
Project Spotlight: Smithfield Oaks Cultural BurnThanks to funding from Roundhouse Foundation and Polk Soil & Water Conservation District, we were able to support the creation of this video by Brian Bull, which highlights the efforts of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Traditional Ecological Inquiry Program, landowners and local organizations to re-kindle a relationship with fire at Smithfield Oaks, a Polk SWCD property located near Rickreall.
Read more here. |
Next Regular LWC MeetingDate: August 14, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm Location: Happy Worker's Club (in-person only) 
Got native plants? Or getting them soon? Check out our new Native Plant Resources Page! It has all the info you need to prepare your planting site, choose which natives will grow and look great, and give your plants the best start to a long, healthy life!
Contact Us
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Knotweed in the Luckiamute
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Click here to find out what we are doing to eradicate invasive Japanese knotweed in our watershed, and how you can get involved. Help us knock out knotweed!
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Volunteers Needed!
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Do you have a special skill that you would like to contribute? Would you like to earn college credits while putting your talents to work in your community? Or are you just itching to get outdoors and help restore streambank habitat? Joining our awesome team of LWC Volunteers might be the perfect answer for you!
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