Join Friends and Neighbors for the 7th Annual Urban Forest Summit
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Join us November 1 from 9 am – 12:30 pm at the Lake Oswego United Methodist Church (1855 South Shore Blvd) for the 7th Annual Urban Forest Summit.
This year’s summit will showcase the magnificent Oregon white oak. Come learn about the value of oak trees in our community, participate in the development of the Lake Oswego Oak Strategic Action Plan, and hear an update on the City of Lake Oswego Tree Regulation amendments.
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Sean Hogan, design consultant, author, and owner of Cistus Nursery, will discuss oak species native to the West Coast and climate resilience. Brendan Addis, Conservation Specialist with Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District, will focus on efforts to support Oregon white oak ecosystems.
Engage with environmental experts and organizations and find out how YOU can “leaf” a legacy and help build a thriving and resilient ecosystem. The annual Urban Forest Summit is presented by the Oswego Lake Watershed Council, in partnership with the City of Lake Oswego and the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network.
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It’s Clean, It’s Quiet, It’s Healthy!
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Our mission is to usher in a new era of landscape practices that restore the environment, protect public health, and encourage long-term sustainability, increased biodiversity, and enhanced resilience.
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Sustainable Gardening Ideas for Fall
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The “Fall Clean-Up” myth runs deep, but it’s one of the most destructive traditions in our yards.
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Before you rush to clean up your garden this fall, please take a moment to question some of the seasonal landscaping practices that occur automatically; you may actually be doing more harm than good. Less yard clean-up isn’t neglect – it’s restoration, and what may look a little messy to us is life-saving to countless species. This autumn, consider letting your yard function not just as beautiful scenery, but as habitat, too.
Wherever and whenever you can, leave the leaves –
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- Leaves are soil builders – every leaf is packed with nutrients that trees pull from deep underground. When leaves decompose, they recycle those nutrients back into the soil, feeding roots, microbes, and fungi. It’s a free fertilizer factory under your feet.
- Many of next spring’s butterflies and moths are already here – as eggs, chrysalises, or tucked-in caterpillars in the leaf litter. Some adults also overwinter in leaves. Getting rid of leaves is like throwing away spring before it arrives. By leaving the leaves, you maintain your pollinator nursery.
- Birds hunt for insects under fallen leaves during winter; no leaves = fewer birds. Leaf litter is the pantry that keeps their populations alive.
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A yard with leaves left in place is full of overwintering insects, insulated roots, fungi weaving underground, and birds finding food!
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Leave small branches and twigs in beds – they provide good food for fungi, and they will also disintegrate into the leaf duff.
Wait until spring is underway to trim stems and flowers – Instead of cutting back everything at the end of summer, leave the stems of perennial plants. The seed heads will feed goldfinches and other birds, and the stems will provide shelter for many insects that nest in them.
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- If leaves fall in garden beds, let them stay in place.
- Place leaves from your walkways and hardscape into your garden beds.
- Avoid the use of leaf blowers around plantings. Leaf blowers erode and compact the soil, and they destroy habitat for insects and pollinators.
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Here’s a list* of landscape professionals who offer alternatives to gas-powered landscape maintenance in Lake Oswego.
*Do you know a landscaper willing to offer gas-free landscape maintenance? Let us know – we would love to promote them by adding them to our list!
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Request Your Free Yard Sign!
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Studies have shown that the actions of our neighbors influence our own choices. Adopting gas-free practices and displaying one of our signs will help build awareness, and may encourage others in your neighborhood to follow suit.
Click HERE to request your 11” x 11” sign with H stake.
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From Gas to Grid: The Benefits of Electrification
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Join us on November 6, from 6–8:30 pm, at the Lake Theater & Cafe in Lake Oswego. Come early to purchase food and beverages.
Brian Stewart, co-founder of Electrify Now, will explore how electrification is transforming homes, communities and America’s competitiveness in the global clean energy economy.
People will leave inspired and empowered to take action. Attendees will be introduced to the LOSN/Electrify Oregon coaching program where they can receive individualized, personalized coaching for moving their home appliances onto electricity.
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Lake Oswego Kids Clothing & Gear Swap Event
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The Palisades World Language School PTO and LOSN are excited to host the first annual Lake Oswego Kids Clothing & Gear Swap on Saturday, November 8, from 9am–1pm at Palisades World Language School! This fun, community event brings families together to reuse and share gently used children’s clothing, shoes, books, toys, and sports equipment. Everyone is welcomed.
Donations are being accepted now at Palisades, Westridge, Oak Creek, Hallinan, Lake Oswego High School, the Children’s Hour Academy and other schools—check with your school for details.
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Bring clean clothes that need small repairs, jewelry, small electronics or small home appliances to the Lake Oswego Repair Fair on Saturday, November 15, from 10 am-1 pm, at Our Savior Lutheran Church (15751 Quarry Road, Lake Oswego). Our volunteer fixers will help you bring them back to life.
While you are there, visit the Lake Oswego Public Library table to learn more about the Library of Things you can borrow!
Please note: We will work on one of your items at a time, and if time allows, we can try to repair another. Some repairs may not be available or may need parts we don’t have.
This event is hosted by the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network and the City of Lake Oswego.
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PO Box 775, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, USA
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