Oregon

Sustainable Freshwater

Clean water and healthy rivers are the bedrock of our natural world — and our economy.

Oregon is graced with an abundance of rivers and streams that support a diversity of fish and wildlife, local livelihoods and recreation. Yet most major rivers are taxed beyond capacity, underground water resources are at risk, and Oregon has lost much of its historic riparian and wetland habitat.

The Nature Conservancy is a leader in freshwater science and habitat restoration. With your generous support, we:

  • Restore key floodplains and wetlands to provide clean water and support environmental flows.
  • Work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to improve river health for salmon.
  • Protect important lands to ensure rivers, wetlands and lakes have clean, abundant water.
  • Safeguard groundwater sources to protect ecosystems and drinking water.
  • Develop science and collaborate with others to balance water use for people and nature.

Dive into our work and see how we’re working to solve the complex challenges facing our planet’s lifeblood.

Chinook Salmon PortraitPortrait of a Chinook. © Tom and Pat Leeson
Saving Pacific Salmon

We're working across Oregon to protect and restore wild salmon runs. Read more

Go with the flow OR feature thumbnailTeams look at river conditions as part of the Willamette flow work — a partnership between The Nature Conservancy and the Army Corps of Engineers to adjust the operations of dams on the Willamette River. These actions will improve water quality and habitat for fish and wildlife and meet the ongoing needs of local communities. © Bridget Besaw
Go with the Flow

A partnership with the U.S. Army Corps on the Willamette is helping balance needs of wildlife and people. Read more

Beyond the blasts feature thumbnail ORConservancy scientists monitor emerging wetlands, water quality and fish species in the now-flooded Williamson River Delta Preserve. © Rick McEwan
Beyond the Blasts

First came the explosives. Now it's time for Klamath Basin wetlands and wildlife to thrive. Read more

Groundwater OR feature thumbnailA spring on the canyon wall of the Lower Crooked River, outside of Terrebonne, Oregon. The river is groundwater- dependent due to the abundance of such springs. © Marshall Gannett
From the Ground Up

Conservancy scientists are designing new methods and maps to protect water flowing underground. Read more

Power to save salmon OR feature thumbnailFemale coho salmon in Thompson Creek along the Oregon coast. © Michael Durham/www.DurmPhoto.com
Salmon Power

Your renewable power bill can help restore salmon habitat across Oregon. Learn how

David Harrison, Oregon TrusteeDavid Harrison, Oregon trustee, at Middle Fork John Day River Preserve © Charles Quinn/TNC © Charles Quinn/The Nature Conservancy
Fish Need Trees, Too

How is aspen restoration key to wild salmon recovery? David Harrison found out at an Oregon preserve. Read his report

Restoration and stuff OR feature thumbnailConservancy staff Doug Kreuzer, far left, and Jason Dumont, far right, with AmeriCorps members Corey Gargano and Jenny Bieger at the Sandy River in Oregon. © Paul Kuthe/Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe
Restoration (And Stuff)

Collaboration and community are keys to restoring important habitats along the Sandy River. Read more

Debbie Pickering at Cox Island Work PartyDebbie Pickering, the Conservancy's ecologist in Oregon, directs volunteers at a Cox Island work party. James Thompson
Taking the Field

Conservancy teams are working to protect Oregon's lands and waters from problematic plants. Read more

Liza Jane women and water OR feature thumbnailLiza Jane Nichols, former Conservancy land steward, now works her family's ranch full-time. © Adele Marie Nash
Rebirth of a River

Liza Jane Nichols is restoring fish habitat at her family's ranch along the Wallowa River. Read more

Stormwater planter thumbThe Conservancy’s Portland office, after a year of work, just completed its new stormwater planter. The planter will divert rain water from the sewer system, keeping rivers cleaner. © Bruce MacGregor
One Raindrop at a Time

Volunteers and staff unveil a new stormwater planter at our Portland office. Read more

Leslie Bach thumbnailLeslie Bach, Oregon Director of Freshwater Programs and Freshwater Team Lead. © Rick McEwan
Leading the Way

Leslie Bach leads the Conservancy's Oregon freshwater team. Learn more

Oregon Make a DifferenceNow is the time to invest in a healthy and sustainable Oregon. © Bruce MacGregor
Make a Difference

Be part of the solution for Oregon’s freshwater — and our planet's lifeblood. Donate

Read More

Photo Special Features TabLion in Maasai Mara, Kenya, Africa. © Kenneth K. Coe

Close Encounters with Nature

Whether scary or exciting, nature has a way of sneaking up on you. See stories

Arden OConnor 215x143Arden O’Connor. © Lajla LeBlanc

Nature Matters

Hear some of nature's success stories and see how nature matters to us all. Watch videos

Explore Related Content

Restoring the Delta
Southern Oregon is home to one of the West's most pioneering wetland projects. Explore
An Ecological Crossroad
We're working to reconnect the Willamette River to its historic floodplain east of Eugene. Learn more