Fighting the 2023 Wiley Creek Fire was an “All Hands on Deck” effort. Join us on June 3rd to hear the story from fire managers and local timber industry representatives. Details: June 3rd from 5-7pm in the Sweet Home High School Auditorium. Hope to see you there! Image is a smoky forest with active fire. White text on an orange background provides event details……#southsantiam #sweethomeoregon #wildfire #wildlandfire #wildfireriskreduction #forestmanagement.

By Shannon Richardson | May 16, 2024
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Friday field day!! Staff and friends spent the morning cutting and planting willows along Crabtree Creek today. Highlights of the day include several small beaver dams, a curious coyote, and the satisfaction of seeing a mature planting on a bluebird day!Photo 1: image of water flowing over a small dam constructed of beaver-chewed sticks. Grass lines the banks.Photo 2: a green, grassy field broken up by a fence with a bush in the center, against a backdrop of large trees. A coyote is barely visible by the bush. Photos 3 & 4: green grass and a blue sky with trees and shrubs of various sizes.

By Shannon Richardson | March 8, 2024
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Time for Outdoor School!!!

By Shannon Richardson | February 28, 2024

Wait…what? It’s true– for something as amazing as Outdoor School, planning starts early, and we are in full swing! The South Santiam Watershed Council is grateful for the many partners…

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We invite you to join us at the Lebanon Senior Center tomorrow from 7-9pm to learn more about the drawdown at Green Peter. This community meeting is not part of a public process, but rather a time for folks who have questions and want to better understand what's happening in the South Santiam basin to gather. We will open the meeting with a short talk from subject matter experts to help us develop a common understanding of the mechanics of the drawdown, and what brought the Corp to this action. Then we'll move into a time for questions and answers, learning more about what the coming weeks and months may bring. Friends, we recognize that the impacts of the drawdown have been significant and there is deep concern in the community. Tensions are high. We hope that when you and your neighbors leave tomorrow's meeting, you will not only have more information than when you came in, but that you will also know who to contact with additional questions and concerns. If you aren't able to make it tomorrow, we'll post a summary of questions and answers on our website next week.

By Shannon Richardson | November 29, 2023
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Over the last few months, many of us have noticed that both Foster Reservoir and the mainstem South Santiam River have been moving a lot of sediment, flowing brown and muddy. Some of us have seen dead and dying fish, or have noticed other impacts from the drawdown at Green Peter Reservoir. By now, most folks know that the US Army Corps is responding to a court order to draw down Green Peter. This is intended to provide downstream passage for young, federally-protected Chinook and steelhead. But folks also want to know what the impacts mean for other species, for drinking water, and for the wellbeing of the larger watershed. Please join us on Thursday, November 30, for a community gathering at the Lebanon Senior Center to learn more, ask questions, and be in conversation with staff from the Army Corps. Doors open at 6:30, and there will be a short talk at 7, followed by time for Q&A. #lebanonoregon #sweethomeoregon #southsantiamriver #southsantiamwatershedcouncil #linncountyoregon

By Shannon Richardson | November 14, 2023
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Itching to add a touch of whimsy to your Halloween season? Join us in diving into the traditional uses of Scotch broom by making brooms out of its stems and shoots! We’ll learn about the history of Scotch Broom in Oregon and enjoy some tasty halloween-themed treats while crafting together! Everyone is welcome to join no matter their skill level, and sign up is free. Fun costumes are encouraged, but not required! We hope to see you there :) You can RSVP at the link in our bio! #southsantiamwatershedcouncil #southsantiam #lebanonoregon #sweethomeoregon #sciooregon #staytonoregon #millcityoregon #lyonsoregon #scotchbroom #broomsweepabroom

By Shannon Richardson | October 10, 2023
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