NEIGHBORHOOD SUSTAINABILITY

Upper Willamette SWCD works with urban and rural communities in protecting and stewarding the natural resources that sustain the people and wildlife of Lane County, now and for future generations.

The Coast to Cascades Bird Alliance’s Habitat Haven Program, funded in part by UWSWCD, can help you create the habitat and connectivity that birds and pollinators need to thrive through the use of environmentally friendly practices like planting native plants, removing invasive weeds, eliminating or reducing the use of pesticides and conserving water. Click here to learn more.

The Upper Willamette Soil & Water Conservation District’s first annual Native Plant Sale will be held on February 7, 2026. 

Click here to learn more.

Click here to read our Neighborhood Sustainability Engagement Report.

Haga clic aquí para leer nuestro Informe de participación en la sostenibilidad del vecindario.

Economic Development

Natural Resources have always been the backbone of Lane County’s economy. The Upper Willamette SWCD recognizes the importance of contributing towards the economic development of our families and communities while also providing for the sustainable management of our land and water resources.

Economic Development Strategies:

  • Create local sustainable jobs through increased investment in sourcing local foods and leveraging state and federal resources for education, conservation, agriculture, and forest practices.
  • Develop programs that help small-scale farmers and foresters add value to their products and access local markets.
  • Support farmers, foresters, and other resource managers to obtain investments for the implementation of sustainable practices that improve soil and water management as well as their bottom lines.
  • Ensure that investments made in local conservation and education efforts are leveraged to bring additional dollars from the state and federal levels.
  • Plan and invest in soil and water conservation in a way that is economically, socially, and ecologically sustainable for today’s communities and tomorrow’s.

We provide education and planning/technical assistance, and can possibly connect you with resources to implement your project.

We’re here to partner with landowners, conservation nonprofits, and local, state, and federal agencies. We offer FREE site visits, assessments, and technical assistance. See our available grants to learn about funding.