Services and Resources for Environment

Purple loosestrife is an invasive plant with small, magenta flowers. While pretty, it takes over and is a particular problem in sensitive areas like wetlands, which protect water quality and provide critical habitat for many animals. Purple loosestrife threatens the delicate balance in wetlands.

Although not currently known to be in Portland, Russian knapweed is a Required Eradication species. Infestations cause big problems for Oregon's farmers and ranchers. Growing in dense clumps, Russian knapweed forces out crops or native plants and is inedible to livestock and wildlife.

Saltcedar is on the Required Eradication List. All sightings should be reported. Learn more about how to report this plant.

Scotch thistle causes problems mostly in rangeland and pine woodlands. Thistle thickets take the place of plants that large animals, like cattle and elk, eat. The plant costs a lot to remove, and treatment must be repeated for several years. Scotch thistle has been found in Clackamas County.

Spurge laurel, a broadleaf shrub, was introduced as an ornamental plant to the Pacific Northwest and now is invasive. The berries, leaves, and bark are poisonous if eaten. The sap can cause rashes and swelling, and the fumes can make it hard to breathe. Be prepared if you handle this plant.

Water primrose forms dense mats that fill in wetlands, riverbanks, and lakeshores—slowing or stopping the water completely. This leads to poor drainage, loss of habitat, and low water quality. These factors hurt fish and activities like swimming, boating, and fishing.

Yellow archangel is a groundcover native to western Europe. It has become very popular in recent years and is seen in natural areas around the Portland area.

This resource from the National Weather Service shows the current and predicted flow and flood stage of Johnson Creek at the Sycamore Gauge below Powell Butte and near SE Foster Road and 150th Avenue.

The Johnson Creek watershed is the largest drainage basin in the city, and is important habitat for salmon, steelhead, and trout including several threatened and endangered species. The watershed spans 34,560 acres covering parts of two counties and four cities in the Portland metropolitan area.

This report card summarizes conditions in the Johnson Creek watershed. Recent floodplain restoration projects have improved hydrology scores, but fish and wildlife still struggle in this watershed.

The Portland Harbor program invites community members to serve on this year's grant review committee. Portlanders who represent communities disproportionately affected by the contamination and cleanup are strongly encouraged to submit an interest form.

Delivering safe, clean, and reliable drinking water is our highest priority.

The Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) Leaf Day service sweeps 52 districts with the highest concentration of mature street trees and leaves, about a third of the city. Leaf removal in Leaf Day districts is FREE. Find out if you’re in a district and what your Leaf Day schedule is this year.

The Portland Brownfield Program provides technical assistance to anyone who is interested in learning more about a brownfield within Portland or who is working on a project on property where contamination might be an issue. Find resources on this page.

Planting trees at schools provides an active learning opportunity for youth of all ages!

Find local tree care providers that have met certain criteria to be included on this list.

Most properties in Portland are connected to the City sewer system, but some still use private septic systems. Environmental Services builds new sewer mains to serve more properties and protect the environment. When this happens, property owners may receive a Required Sewer Connection Notice.