Native plants growing along streams help reduce erosion, filter nutrients, and keep the water cool for salmon, trout and other aquatic species. If you have a creek flowing through your property, or live along one of our scenic lakes, you may be eligible to receive free native plants from the Watershed Council to help support water quality and fish habitat in your own backyard, free of charge!

Landowners interested in restoring the streamside on their land can pick up a selection of native plants from one of four distribution sites located in Blachly, Deadwood, Lorane, and Mapleton. Landowners may order up to 300 total plants with the order period beginning in November and distribution occurring in February.

Not familiar with native plants? Not to worry! Siuslaw Watershed professionals assist landowners with creating their own planting design, recommending plants suitable for their riparian site. The SWC Field Crew also provides release, plant protection assistance, and serves as a resource for advice and referral on best practices for land management in riparian areas.

Once the plants are in the ground, it’s up to you! Maintenance to fully establish these plantings is the responsibility of the landowners. We know it can be a challenge to remove competing species, so first time participants may find more success starting with a smaller area and growing from there.  A small planting can be more manageable to successfully maintain and you can adapt your planting plan as the project progresses.

Once your native plants are fully established, you, your property, and our watershed reap the benefits: Native plants enhance the ecological value of your property. And when the whole community is involved, we see improvements to fish habitat throughout the basin, helping increase populations in the Siuslaw National Forest and surrounding areas.