Those vegetated swales you see along many Portland streets are becoming a pretty common sight. The city has built more than 1,500 of them to manage stormwater runoff. Street runoff flows into the swale, slows down and soaks into the ground. Soil and plant roots filter pollutants and the clean water replenishes groundwater instead of draining into the sewer system or a local stream.

Green streets work well but need a little attention now and then. This time of year, falling leaves can clog inlets and fill the swales. The Johnson Creek Watershed Council is recruiting volunteers to join them in cleaning up green streets in the Lents neighborhood this weekend.

Volunteers will remove debris from green streets on Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. If you want to pitch in, meet at Green Lents Community Tool Library at 9215 SE Ramona Street. Volunteers will break into teams and be assigned green streets within walking distance of the Tool Library.

The watershed council provides the tools and refreshments. And stick around after the cleanup for a potluck from noon to 2:00 p.m. Bring a side dish and join us! To RSVP or for more information, contact Danielle at danielle@jcwc.org or 503-652-7477.

If you can’t make it this weekend but you’re interested in helping out, check out the Green Street Stewards program and learn how you can get involved.