Please enjoy our quarterly newsletter with information about upcoming events, program updates and native plant tips!

Please join us for our MLK Jr. day of service event "The Great Planting and Propagation Day of Service" at the Water Resources Education Center this January 20th 10 am - 1pm. Together we will work to restore the riparian area next to the Center and learn about the importance of native plants and how to propagate them. Details here.

Resident Birds

Are you noticing birds hanging around this winter? There are different types of migration that occurs such as short, medium, and long distance migration along with permanent residents. These types of migration patterns are determined by how far a bird will travel during winter if at all. More on migration habits here.

Resident birds stay in our region year-round. They are able to find food or adapt their diets to what food is available. Some common resident birds in the pacific northwest include dark eyed juncos, anna's hummingbirds, black capped chickadees, and so many more! Click here for more information!

If possible, plant native species such as, Oregon grape, snowberry, red flowering currant or other species in your yard that produce berries and seeds at different times of the year, this ensures that birds can find food during the winter months. This also provides suitable shelter for them during this time.

Participate in the Backyard Bird Count this February! Check here for more details! 

For healthy plants through the winter here are some tips from our Urban Forestry department on keeping your plants alive through the season!

Pruning trees in the winter can be helpful to remove any dead wood while not disrupting the photosynthesis process. Photosynthesis is the process in which leaves are producing food for the tree. Pruning can be dependent on the trees so be sure to do some research if you are unsure. More information here!

Native plants are best accustomed to our localized climate and do pretty well in the colder months, especially if they have been well established for a couple of years.

Potted plants are more vulnerable to colder weather and may need some insulation with straw or moved under cover. Placing plastic bags over them can keep them warm as well.

Applying mulch to plants can also aid in warmth for plants and prevent frost reaching the root system. For some more guidance on this check here for more information!

Trails to Explore!

If you are looking for some great trails to explore this winter season, check out:

Trails that are a bit farther away:

Fun & Local Activities

If you are looking for some fun activities to attend this winter season, check out:

Native Plant Spotlight

Osoberry is a fast-growing native plant in the PNW. The leaves and flowers begin to emerge from late January to early February, making it one of the first plants to appear in winter. Because of this early bloom, it is a helpful source of nectar for hummingbirds, native bees and other essential pollinators along with the berries providing food for many mammals. 

It is sometimes called Indian plum because of its fruits that develop in summer, they are small plum like berries with a large seed. To find out more information check here!

Invasive Species Spotlight

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

Garlic mustard is originally from Europe and Asia and was introduced to the United States in the 1800s for its herbal and medicinal qualities. When the leaves are crushed it leaves a garlic smell.

This plant is considered invasive because it impacts the biodiversity in many native ecosystems. The seeds spread by wind and establish earlier in spring before many of the native species, which blocks sunlight and outcompetes them for nutrients and moisture. 

The best way to manually remove garlic mustard is to hand pull the plant before it seeds, throw away in a trash bag and do not compost. 

To learn more about this invasive plant check this out!

Volunteer with the City