Natural Environment
Keeping our water clean in lakes, streams and rivers
In the Pacific Northwest, we enjoy plenty of creeks, streams, rivers and lakes. We swim, boat, and fish in these waterways and want to keep them healthy and clean. They add beauty to our community and provide habitat for abundant wildlife.
We all play a role in keeping those waters clean in our everyday actions at home, work, school and play. Simple stewardship actions can help keep pollution from reaching our waterways. In Clark County, our stormwater drains go directly to stormwater facilities or the creeks themselves. It is important to realize what could get into a storm drain, besides rain water. Use the panel to the right to navigate our resources and find out if your everyday actions are protecting our watershed.
Related articles: Legacy Lands | Urban Wildlife
We live surrounded by nature in the Pacific Northwest. Be it forests, rivers, mountains or spectacular views of a gorge, the PNW has a wild edge to it. With that wildness comes encounters with wildlife – sometimes even in our home gardens and yards.
Usually we welcome that that fleeting sight of wildlife. We even may create an inviting environment for birds and other small animals to pass through or stay. But, occasionally nature may intrude. To help you to both create an environment to welcome animals and to protect yourself and your property from unwelcome visits from animals, we have gathered some information and resources that should help. Use the Wildlife Resources on the right panel to read on.
Related articles: Clean Water | Attracting Beneficials
Want to take a stroll along the Washougal River? Explore a trail not too many have seen? Get off the beaten path? See wildlife in its natural habitat? Clark County’s Legacy Lands program secures these spaces so residents can enjoy these wonders now, and for future generations.
Related articles: Clean Water | Urban Wildlife
Clark County’s diverse natural landscape is made up of broad river valleys, narrow creek canyons, wetlands, lakes, riparian zones, forests, mountains, meadows, foothills and farms. The Legacy Lands program protects these lands highly valued for habitat, scenic corridors, low-impact recreation and other qualities that enhance our local environment.
The county has more than 5,000 acres of protected land. Many of these areas are open for public use while others provide critical habitat for protected species.
Visit your local conservation properties for adventures close to home including hikes, horseback rides or picnics. We provide you a listing of properties, facilities and features to help plan for a one hour trek or an all-day adventure.
Wings to Weather in Your Neighborhood
Do you love to dig in the dirt or watch storm clouds roll in? Do your children love to feed birds and hunt for ladybugs? If your family is curious about the outdoors, tell us what you see in your backyard! Join WildWatch, a family-friendly, citizen science initiative of Clark County’s Green Neighbors program. You’ll have fun counting bees, tracking storms, measuring snowfall or keeping vigil over birds’ nests, and you’ll advance science with your observations.
You don’t have to go far to help out. Walk out your door and choose one or two of these simple observations. All of the sites accept your information online and can be done in your own backyard. You can invest as much or as little time as you choose.
WildWatch is brought to you through a partnership between Clark County Solid Waste and Environmental Outreach and the City of Vancouver, with support from the Backyard Bird Shop.
Related articles: Volunteer Opportunities | Become a Master Composter/Recycler
