Many people find themselves stuck in the mud when trying to figure out how to manage stormwater on their property.  Internet searches and literature can generate ideas, but don’t always leave residents with the hands-on skills and confidence to successfully implement a project on their own property.

Enter the “Stormwater for Challenging Sites” workshop series, which began in SW Portland in 2014.  The series is a partnership of Southwest Watershed Resource Center, Green Girl LLC, and Stamberger Outreach, with funding from West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District and the City of Lake Oswego.

This year’s courses begin in March with an overview workshop covering site assessment and identification of opportunities and constraints.  In April and May, participants meet at properties with site challenges such as poorly infiltrating soils or steep slopes.  The design process is explained, attendees participate in the construction of a project and discuss long-term maintenance.

The workshops are free, and participants can attend one, or all four.  Space is limited.  To find out more and register, visit www.swni.org/stormwater.

The Southwest Watershed Resource Center inspires awareness and action on behalf of watershed health in SW Portland neighborhoods, through a partnership between Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. and the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services.