Our local rivers are home to unique and precious wildlife. Portland has the most listed endangered species than any other major city in the United States. Although that may sound like bad news, it actually means our city has a lot of native fish and wildlife left to protect in our community. Learn more about three of our local wildlife that call the Portland Metro Area home.

The Portland-Vancouver-Gresham Metro Area is home to iconic fish species like Steelhead. Public servants and scientists regularly monitor our local rivers and streams for fish populations and macroinvertebrates (bugs). The diversity of bug types tells scientists about whether the water is very clean to very dirty.

Pacific Lamprey live in rivers throughout the Portland-Vancouver-Gresham Metro Area. These fish are a culturally significant First Food to Native American people and are also used for medicine. Populations declined as rivers were dammed. Today, Willamette Falls in Oregon City, is still an important location for tribes to fish for lamprey for ceremonial uses.

Oregon Slender Salamanders are native to Oregon and live in dark, moist forests along our rivers.

People from throughout the world are drawn to the Pacific Northwest for our outdoor recreation. Clean rivers and streams provide ample opportunity to enjoy many water related recreational activities.

Portland and Vancouver’s waterways are excellent for canoeing, river rafting and kayaking.

Local birds flock to waterways for breeding and foraging. Portland sits along the Pacific Flyway, making it a magnificent attraction for bird watching during migration. In fact, the Smith & Bybee wetland within the Columbia Slough watershed in Portland is the largest urban wetland in the United States.

Our waterfront parks like Tideman Johnson Park along the Springwater Corridor, provide great opportunities for hiking, biking and skating.

Our cities pride themselves on clean and local water sources. Oregonians and Washingtonians source their drinking water from both surface water and underground sources. Your actions can have a big impact on the water we drink. By protecting our local waterways, you are protecting our community’s health and wellness. Learn more about your local water source.

Bull Run reservoirs holds the City of Portland’s drinking water

The Trask and Tualatin Rivers provide high quality drinking water to people throughout Washington County

The Clackamas River provides clean drinking water for cities including Estacada, Gladstone, Law Oswego, Tigard and more.

City of Gresham scientist tests local streams for pollutants. Pollutants include heavy metals, by-products from cars, and pesticides from lawns. Our public servants and scientists monitor our rivers and streams to keep our communities healthy.

Keep harmful chemicals away from kids, pets and waterways by making your own green cleaning products at home. Learn how to make your own non-toxic cleaners.

Flushing household items like medications can be harmful to animals in our local rivers and streams. Non-flushable items like “flushable” wipes can also cause big clogs in our sewer system. We need a functioning sewer system to keep your water bills low and toilets working. Learn how to recycle harmful household products.

Saving water is good for everyone! Not only does it keep our rivers and wildlife healthy, but it can save you money on your water bill.Learn more about how to conserve water in your home and yard.

Pet waste in your backyard ends up polluting rivers and streams. Scoop your pet’s poop in your yard and don’t forget to follow leash and scoop laws in parks.

Bacteria from pet waste can send up in our rivers and streams. Scoop your poop to protect our clean water.

Pesticides contain dangerous chemicals that can end up in our rivers and streams and be harmful to children and pets. Sign the healthy lawn and garden pledgeand get your free yard sign.

The Healthy Lawn and Garden Pledge keeps your family healthy and safe.

Native plants save water, support native wildlife, are low maintenance and are beautiful. Sign up for the Backyard Habitat Certification Program to start planting natives in your yard. You can also follow many of our partners, like your local Soil and Water Conservation District, to learn about upcoming native plant sales and classes.

This thriving backyard habitat supports native birds, pollinators and beneficial insects.

Ecoroofs, rain gardens and downspout disconnections all help filter and absorb rain water. Not to mention, they are beautiful! These features can help naturally filter pollutants they may come from roofs, roads or pets. Learn how to build your own rain garden.

This rain garden helps absorb rain water and runoff.

The safest way to wash your car is at your local car wash. If you choose to wash your car at home, be sure to wash it in an area that absorbs water (such as gravel or grass), capture soapy runoff and prevent any grease or soaps from entering the storm drain. Get more car washing tips or watch an informational video.

Keep our rivers and streams clean by taking your car to a car wash or being extra careful to capture any soapy or greasy runoff in your yard.

Everyone belongs to a watershed. Everything we do in our home, yard and neighborhood can impact our local rivers. Learn more about your watershed by visiting Our Rivers map.

Learn more about what makes your watershed unique.

River clean ups, tree plantings and wildlife surveys are fun for the whole family. Find your local watershed council by visiting Our Rivers map.

Your local watershed council plants thousands of trees each year along our rivers and streams.

In addition to your local watershed council, we are lucky to have many nonprofits in our neighborhoods committed to clean rivers and streams. Friends of Trees, Willamette Riverkeeper, Columbia Land Trust or your local park group are great organizations to volunteer your time.

During the spring and fall, many local nonprofits host tree and shrub planting events that are fun for the whole family.

Our local governments work hard to keep local rivers and streams clean. Many of them have volunteer programs for residents to become a green street steward, mark storm drains, plant native plants and more! Want to pitch it? Find your local government in our partners list.

Three Summer Works interns work with the City of Gresham on outreach for local clean river programs.

Join our partners at science talks, salmon surveys and educational workshops. Visit our Events Calendar to learn about upcoming community events.

The Annual Johnson Creek Clean Up is a fun and “hands on” way to volunteer your time for clean rivers.

Protect our water and wildlife by following Leave No Trace principles in parks. Learn more about Leave No Trace.

You can practice Leave No Trace principles by attending clean up events like those run by SOLVE Oregon.

Many pollutants in our rivers come from cars. Cars leak, produce exhaust, and spread toxic particles each time you brake. These pollutants wash into roadside gutters and eventually into our rivers and streams. You can protect our rivers by taking active transportation whenever possible. Learn about how to bike and walk in your neighborhood.

Portlanders of all ages will love bike events like Sunday Parkways.

Looking to hire a landscaper, repair your car or get a car wash? EcoBiz certifies eco-friendly businesses and can help you make the green choice.

Keep our rivers and streams clean by taking your car to a car wash or being extra careful to capture any soapy or greasy runoff in your yard.