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Inspiring and supporting voluntary stewardship of the Marys River watershed.
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We hope you’ve been enjoying these first weeks of fall! The days are growing shorter, leaves are beginning to change, birds are heading south, and many species are
preparing for hibernation. While it may seem like the natural world is winding down, this season is full of opportunities to support the wildlife we care about. Here is a short list with some steps you can take this fall to support the wildlife around you.
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Leaving the leaves where they fall can be a big help to wildlife. Many pollinators and other invertebrates rely on leaf litter for winter shelter, egg-laying habitat, and even food.
Letting leaves naturally break down in your yard also improves soil health by adding nutrients, suppressing weeds, holding in moisture, and insulating plants from frost. If a leaf-covered lawn isn’t for you, try raking them into garden beds or simply clearing
walking paths. Nature and your yard will thank you!
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Leaving seed pods in your garden can provide a valuable food source for birds that stop by during the colder months. These seeds can help sustain them when other food is scarce.
In addition, the hollow stalks of many plants create safe hiding and nesting spots for pollinators and other beneficial insects to overwinter. By letting these natural structures remain, you’re supporting wildlife year-round and adding another layer of habitat
to your yard.
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The best thing you can do to help out pollinator species is to plant native plants that they depend on. Pick out some of your favorite native species and spread them throughout your
garden and lawn, and wait for the wonderful blooms that will come in the spring time! Many local shops have common native species, or even look out for native plant sales. Planting in the fall will allow these plants to focus on growing roots in the fall and
they will be well established come spring time.
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Benton County Soil and Water Conservation District recently opened their
Winter Native Plant sale, they have a wide range of plants including trees, shrubs, bulbs and seedlings. Pick up for these orders will be February 28th, plenty of time to plan your planting strategy!
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If you decide to cut back your woody plants this season, consider creating a brush pile instead of hauling everything away. Stacking logs and branches can provide valuable shelter
for a variety of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, insects, and small mammals. These simple piles offer safe hiding places and can become an important part of the habitat in your yard.
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Adding compost to your garden in the fall enriches the soil, supports earthworms and microbes, and helps retain moisture through the winter. It reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers
that can harm wildlife and waterways, while also acting as a natural mulch to protect plants and create habitat for pollinators. Compost doesn’t just feed the soil, it builds resilience for a healthier garden and ecosystem year after year.
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Fall is an ideal time to spot and remove invasive species on your land. If you choose to use herbicides, early fall can be especially effective, as many invasives are sending sugars
down to their root systems and will carry herbicides down as well. Always be sure to follow the directions on the product label carefully to protect yourself and the surrounding environment.
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If you prefer not to use herbicides, invasive plants can be managed effectively by pulling up the entire plant, roots and all. Pre-watering the soil before removal can make it easier
to loosen and pull out stubborn root systems, helping ensure they don’t grow back.
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If you have
identified knotweed on your property, please reach out through the
contact form on our website, or by calling our office at (541)758-7597. We may be able to help connect you to resources to assist with knotweed removals.
Thank you for supporting local pollinators and wildlife in your garden this fall. Every action you take, whether leaving leaves, planting native species, creating a brush pile, or adding compost, helps provide food, shelter, and safe spaces for the creatures
that share our landscapes. These simple steps make your garden more resilient and contribute to a healthier, more biodiverse environment in our community.
We encourage you to try one of these practices this season and see the difference they can make. Together, our collective efforts can create lasting, positive impacts for pollinators, birds, and countless other species. Your garden can be a small but powerful
part of building a thriving ecosystem this fall and beyond.
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McMenamins Friends & Family Night
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Location: McMenamins
Corvallis Pub – 420 NW 3rd St, Corvallis, OR 97330
Date: Tuesday, October 14, from 5 – 10 pm
This is the night to grab your family and friends and head to McMenamins Corvallis Pub! A full 50% of all sales during this event will go to both the Marys River Watershed Council and Luckiamute Watershed Council! By ordering up burgers, sandwiches, salads,
drinks, desserts and more, you’ll be supporting local watershed conservation.
If the weather is nice, you can bring along your furry friends too and sit at the dog-friendly outdoor tables. We hope you will join us for this fun annual fundraiser!
We will even have Watershed-themed Drink Specials!
Camas Bloom –
Marionberry vodka, basil leaves, lime juice, ginger beer
Nootka Rose Spritz – Rose wine, 7-UP, citrus slices , ice
Sitka Spruce Gimlet – Gin, lime juice, simple syrup, cucumber wheels, soda
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Location: Common Fields in Corvallis
Date: Monday, October 20th, from 5:30-7:30pm, talk
starts at 6:15pm
Join us at Common Fields to learn from Oregon State University PhD Candidate Alexander Butcher.
Common Fields generously donates 10% of proceeds from the night to the Marys River Watershed Council.
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Are you a landowner or manager of more than five acres of land? Apply to be part of this FREE 5-part workshop series to learn about conservation
planning, get expert guidance on land management, and learn about the funding sources that could help kickstart projects on your land!
Plan
For Your Land is a collaboration among five watershed councils in the mid-Willamette River basin, including the North Santiam, Luckiamute, South Santiam, Calapooia,
and Marys River Watershed Councils. Together, we are working with local landowners and land managers who are curious about how they can be good stewards of the lands they care for.
Apply for this FREE 5-part
workshop series to learn about natural resources, get professional guidance for conservation projects on your land, and connect with your neighbors in the watershed.
Classes will be taught by subject matter experts who live and work in Benton, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, and Polk Counties. Participants will have the option to attend classes in person or virtually,
based on their preference and availability. Workshop materials will be available online for anyone in the community to view and reference.
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