Articles
Books
Brochures/Booklets
Videos

ARTICLES

8 Ways Technical People Can Influence Landowners by Tom Makowski provides down-to-earth advice that anyone can use when working with landowners that in turn leads to win-win solutions for people and our natural resources.

The Volunteer Monitor -- produced twice yearly, is now available on the internet. Topics include everything from finances to project management, community outreach, and working with schools. Paper subscriptions are free. Mail your request to: The Volunteer Monitor, 1318 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94117. For ordering back issues call (415) 255-8049 or fax (415) 255-0199.

BOOKS

A Partnership Handbook: Strategies for Authentic Community Involvement (1998, 44 pp.) Idea book for watershed organizations on what both groups can expect and contribute to an effective partnership and what kinds of groups make effective partners for watershed organizations. The handbook contains good examples of projects accomplished by organizations that partnered with community groups and schools and lists of resources for further information. The book sells for $3.00. Contact Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve; 123 West Main Street; Hillsboro, OR 97123; (503) 681-6206; FAX: (503) 681-6277.

Citizen's Regional Watershed Handbook: A Guidebook on Forming Watershed Groups Available from The Wetlands Conservancy by calling (503) 691-1394 or emailing info@wetlandsconservancy.org .

Tools, Trees & Transformations This book is a popular collection of restoration stories from schools and community groups around Portland, Oregon. The stories offer terrific lessons on working with landowners, forming effective partnerships, and other challenges faced by watershed organizations. Available from The Wetlands Conservancy, (503) 691-1394 or email: info@wetlandsconservancy.org.

BROCHURES/BOOKLETS

Visual Tools for Watershed Education is a report summarizing the findings of a forum sponsored by the National Environmental Education & Training foundation and the Henry P. Kendall Foundation. The forum was designed to elicit information on water issues and how to strengthen the public's understanding of watersheds. The report is available at the link above or by calling (202)833-2933.

Working With Your Elected Officials. This is a toolkit to help your watershed organization meet its elected officials, build ongoing relationships, create information packets that explain watersheds and watershed organizations. Also included is a worksheet and a number of web site links to help you identify and contact the elected officials in your area.

Backyard Conservation. This 28-page color booklet shows homeowners how conservation practices that are used on agricultural lands can be adapted for the land around your home. Available free of charge by calling (888) LANDCARE or through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website above.

Oregon Small Acreage Fact Sheets A set of twenty different fact sheets for small acreage management were developed to provide conservation information for small acreage farmers and rural residents in Oregon. These include information on protecting your watershed, protecting streambanks from erosion, protecting your land from erosion, weed and pasture management, etc. This booklet is available from your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office or through the SWCD website above.

Outdoor Water Use: A Guide to Water Conservation and Indoor Water Use: A Guide to Water Conservation Two brochures for homeowners on how to make efficient use of water on lawns, in gardens and in homes. Please contact the Oregon Water Resources Department at (503) 378-8455 x310.

Land Trusts Land trusts are an important tool for protecting land resources for the public benefit. The Land Trust Alliance has a list of books and publications available by calling (202) 638-4725 or through the above website.

Three brochures from the Santa Cruz Planning Department Riparian Corridors, Erosion Control Ordinance and Sensitive Habitat Protection detail the land use codes that apply to new development in Santa Cruz County. Single copies are free by calling the Zoning Information Line (831) 454-2130 or by downloading them from the above websites.

Four brochures written for Oregon’s Tualatin River System provided free of charge by calling Clean Water Services at (503) 846-8621.

• Landscaping: 10 Tips from Partners for Clean Water. A brief brochure for homeowners on landscaping tips for clean water.
• Live Near a Stream: 10 Tips from Partners for Clean Water. A brief brochure for homeowners preserving water quality in their nearby stream.
• Stream & Wetland Enhancement Guide. A brief illustrated brochure intended to help homeowners, farmers, and small business-owners design, install and manage streamside vegetation. Includes lists of native plants, their ecological needs, and further resources. Very user-friendly.
• Stream-Friendly Home and Yard Care. A brief brochure with suggestions for non-toxic alternatives for home and yard care, including useful "recipes," tips, and further resources.

VIDEOS

Life On The Edge: Improving Riparian Function This video provides an explanation of how the riparian area, the transtition zone between the water's edge and the upland area, functions. Fish and wildlife, erosion, channel stability, land use practices, and techniques for improving and protecting riparian areas are all covered in this 12 minute video. To order, either visit the above website, send your request and check or money order to Oregon State University, Publication Orders, Extension & Station Communications, 422 Kerr Administration Building, Corvallis, OR 97331-2119 or email puborders@orst.edu.

We All Live Downstream This educational video examines Oregon’s Tualatin River, which runs through forest, agricultural and urban areas, and how residents and government officials are working together to reduce nonpoint source pollution. Available on VHS through the Oregon State University Extension Service by calling (503) 737-2513 or by visiting the above link.