Join us for a day of learning, connection, and exploration at the Tualatin Watershed Science Symposium: Headwaters to Confluence.
This event will bring together researchers, restoration practitioners, community scientists, and watershed partners to share the many projects happening throughout the Tualatin River watershed.
Morning presentations will focus on wildlife monitoring and community science projects, showcasing how volunteers and researchers are helping track species and understand ecosystem health.
Midday, participants will step outside for a guided nature walk through PCC Rock Creek’s campus wetlands and forests, offering a chance to see local habitat work firsthand.
After lunch, the afternoon session will shift to restoration science, with presentations on habitat restoration efforts and the research informing on-the-ground work across the basin.
Whether you are a community scientist, student, land manager, volunteer, or simply interested in the Tualatin River, this symposium offers a chance to learn about the diverse work happening from the headwaters to the confluence.
Mark & Kelsey, Tualatin Riverkeepers
River Runners paddle their assigned two to five mile section of the Tualatin River two or more times a year to monitor and report ecological issues (trash, invasive plants, etc.) or navigation issues (trees snags in the water, broken water trail signage, etc.). This helps TRK and its partners maintain an ecologically sound and safe river.
Candace Larson, Bird Alliance of Oregon
Dan Krum, Swamp Rose Ecology
Brief overview of the life history and ecology of freshwater bivalves found in the Tualatin Basin, followed by information on the methods used to detect and manage these fascinating keystone species.
Tracey Dulin, Clean Water Services
Scott McEwen, Tualatin River Watershed Council
In 2022, the Balm Grove Dam on Gales Creek was removed, opening up 35 miles of upstream habitat. This dam has blocked access to critical spawning habitats for species such as coho salmon, winter steelhead, mountain whitefish, and Pacific Lamprey. This presentation is a brief story of how we are using 21st century technology to track a fish that has been on this earth for 400 million years.
Bethany Llewellyn, Friends of Tualatin River NWRC
Emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive insect pest from Asia, was first found in Oregon in 2022. EAB poses a major threat to our native Oregon ash, an ecologically significant riparian bottomland species throughout the Willamette Valley and beyond. A research team from Oregon State University, the USFS Northern Research Station, and the USFS Dorena Genetic Resource Center is looking for natural genetic resistance to EAB in the Oregon ash through common garden studies, including a plantation hosted at the Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge in the Tualatin River Watershed. This presentation will provide an overview of EAB management options using Tualatin River NWRC as a case study, and an overview of the common garden study of genetic resistance.
Antonella Fillet, Tualatin SWCD
The North American Beaver (Castor candensis) is one of our most important partners in restoring and protecting waterways within the Tualatin basin. As a keystone species, beavers create critical habitat for wildlife. This presentation will dive into the benefits of having beavers on the landscape, how we can get beavers back on the landscape, and how we can coexist with beavers.
Carly Morrison, Tualatin Riverkeepers
There are many ways to get involved with Tualatin Riverkeepers as a volunteer! Hear about opportunities for habitat restoration, paddling, and advocacy work.
What to Bring
The nature walk will take place outdoors through the campus restoration area. Waterproof boots or sturdy walking shoes are strongly recommended. Spring in Oregon often means rain and muddy trails, so come prepared for wet conditions and dress for the weather.
