Making an Impact
SMALL STEPS MAKE BIG DIFFERENCES
COUNCIL MILESTONES
With the support of our landowners, partner organizations, contractors, and generous donors, the Marys River Watershed Council has completed many restoration projects. Together, we’ve restored fish passage, created fish habitat, treated and removed invasive species, and hosted educational programs throughout the community. This work reflects years of collaboration, trust, and hands-on stewardship. The accomplishments below represent not just metrics, but a shared commitment to caring for this place we all depend on.
RESTORATION PROGRAMS
Fish Passage
the Mid-Valley River Connections group is a group of 5-watershed councils including North Santiam, South Santiam, Calapooia, Luckiamute and Marys River. The group was awarded a NOAA grant in 2024 that is aimed at removing barriers to fish passage. Learn more about the project on the page linked below.
Invasive Species Removal and Native Planting
Marys River Watershed Council works to remove all invasive species in our project areas. The council collaborates with landowners to identify, treat, and remove knotweed patches as it can have detrimental impacts to stream health if left untreated. Visit the knotweed page to learn more about these efforts, and the funders who make it possible
Monitoring
Monitoring streams in our watershed provides critical data that can help drive our restoration efforts. The Council is able to collect this data thanks to the generous landowners who allow us to place monitors on their properties. You can see the report of the 2025 temperature data on the monitoring page, linked below.
Education Programs
Youth Watershed Council
The Youth Watershed Council is a year-long high school program that broadens students’ STEM, leadership, environmental stewardship, career development, and skills. Learn more about the program and see what the students have been up to on the page linked below!
Summer Camps
Marys River Watershed Council assists the City of Corvallis at the Rock Creek Explorers camp, and leads stations at the Girl Scout Camp, both hosted at Rock Creek. These summer camps are an opportunity to teach students about the importance of our watershed, and the species that depend on healthy ecosystems.
Plan For Your Land Workshop Series
The Mid-Valley River Connections collaborative group hosted the first year of this land owner focused workshop series in 2026. This series had a variety of speakers present on restoration projects you can carry out on your own land. It also provided documents and resources to write your own conservation plan to reach plan, and reach your goals for your land. You can find recordings for each session, as well as resources on the page linked below.
Community Events
MRWC staff love to get into the community and share their passion for the outdoors. These events are also a great opportunity for the Youth Watershed Council to get hands on experience in environmental education. You can learn more about where you can find the staff on our events page!
