MARION SWCD INSIDER Y O U R P A R T N E R I N C O N S E R V A T I O N | S I N C E 1 9 7 1

Volume 37 Issue 1 Salem, Oregon Janurary 2016

he 14th Annual Stan Vistica Memorial Plant Sale Scholar-ship Fundraiser will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, March 11, at Bauman’s Farm and Garden, 12989 Howell Prai-

rie Road, Gervais Ore., 97026. Overstock will be sold from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at the same location.

Profits from the native plant sale go to fund scholarships for two students from Marion County studying natural resources or agricul-ture at an Oregon college or university. The scholarship was estab-lished in 2006 and honors long-time board member and conserva-tionist, Stan Vistica.

Native plants can be used in urban home and garden landscapes. They help support and enhance local environments and habitat for wildlife, birds and pollinators as well as increase the biodiversity of an area. Natives require minimal or no water once they are estab-lished and rarely require additional fertilizers or pesticides

There will be three new native species available this year: Blackcap raspberry (Rubus leucodermis), Bald-hip rose (Rosa gymnocarpa) and

GROWING NATIVE PLANTSA WORKSHOP FOR NATIVE PLANT ENTHUSIASTS

students and no more than 30. Teams must have one adult supervisor. Regis-tration is required. Team leaders must submit registration forms by Thursday, Jan. 21. Marion SWCD will provide each team with all the materials needed to take part in the event. These include; educational workbooks, activity filled coloring books, a teachers guide book, mural paper and crayons.

Every student will win prizes. Teams with winning entries will receive spe-cial gifts and earn the school or organization $100 for educational supplies or equipment. For more information visit the district’s website to download reg-istration forms and view the informational video, www.marionswcd.net/?page_id=92, or call Janice Calkins at (503) 391-9927 or send email to janice.calkins@marionswcd.net. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnYA9PxYbGU

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISING NATIVE PLANT SALE DATES SET

See Plant Sale, Page 3

egister to-day to par-ticipate in

the Marion SWCD An-nual Conservation Mural Competition. This year’s theme is Conservation Habits = Healthy Habii-tats. Students from kin-dergarten to fifth grade may participate. Teams must have at least five

MURAL CONTEST KICKS OFFCONSERVATIONS HABITS = HEALTHY HABITATS

Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) will also be available in plug containers and in seed packets. Milkweed is the only plant that mon-archs will use to lay their eggs.

oin the Polk, Marion and Yamhill Soil

and Water Conserva-tion Districts along with the Luckiamute Water-shed Council for a free workshop on native plant propagation from 6 – 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 21, at the Rickreall Grange Hall, 105 Nesmith Road,

Rickreall.Learn how to reproduce and identify native

plants at this event presented by the USDA Corvallis Plant Materials Center. Topics covered: Propagating native riparian trees and shrubs from cuttings and seed; winter twig identification; seed collection techniques, how and when to collect seeds; which plants should be bought as bare root plants; plant collection and permit information.

Plant selection will focus on riparian plants and will include: willows, dog-wood, elderberry, mock orange, spirea, oceanspray, cottonwood, Oregon ash, Oregon grape, vine maple and others.

Seating is limited. RSVPs are required and must be received by Tuesday, Jan. 19. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. For more information or to RSVP call, (503) 391-9927 or send email to, office@marionswcd.net.

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AG SPECIALIST WANTEDDISTRICT LOOKS TO EXPAND STAFF

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STREAM TEAM LAUNCHESNEW PROGRAM ASSISTS RIPARIAN LANDOWNERS

arion Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking a dynamic visionary to join the SWCD as an Agriculture Resource Specialist. This critical and innovative full-time

position is based in Salem, home to the highest producing and most diverse agricultural crops in Oregon.

The Agriculture Resource Specialist will be the go-to person for the Ag community, assisting and educating farmers and landown-ers. This individual will teach farm conservation and management planning to make sure that the Ag community understands the purpose and importance of implementing conservation practices that protect and enhance our soil and water resources.

Primary duties will include:• Conduct assessments and inventories of Ag producers and land-

owners property to determine how existing soil, water and natural resource conditions impact the environment.

• Develop conservation plans to assist landowners and others with their conservation efforts.

• Plan and assist landowners in implementing and applying Best Management Practices (BMPs) so that they comply with state and federal rules and regulations.

• Follow the SWCD’s local Agricultural Water Quality Management Area Plan and assist the Oregon Department of Agriculture staff with site visits to assure compliance with the plan.

• Write grants for funding for landowners, for SWCD projects and for Marion SWCD programs.

The position will be open until filled. For more information on job requirements email district manager, Jane Keppinger at office@marionswcd.net or visit Marion SWCD’s website, www.marionswcd.net.

alling all streamside property owners; Marion SWCD is pleased to announce, the Stream Team, new program and service available spring 2016 for all district streamside

property owners in Marion County. This is an educational and technical based public service provided at no cost

Rivers and streams are the main arteries of a watershed and provide vital services; such as the distribution of water, nutrients, organic mat-ter and minerals; all of which are necessary for the production and sustainability of our natural resources. Streamside landowners have a special responsibility to be stewards protecting and preserving freshwa-ter resources. Properly functioning riparian (streamside) areas provide essential benefits such as:

• Filtering and preventing sediment and pollution from entering the streamflow. maintaining clean surface water for swimming, fishing, drinking water, and irrigation.

• Reducing soil and streambank erosion and strengthening stream-bank stability.

• Absorbing and storing water for groundwater and aquifer supplies. • Aiding in flood control and supporting summer streamflows needed

for irrigation and aquatic life.• Supporting the growth and succession of healthy streamside plant

communities needed to support fish and wildlife habitat.The Stream Team program will be available to help streamside land-

owners and residents perform this stewardship and assist them with issues and concerns they might have regarding care and maintenance of their property. Staff members will do site inspections and complete an assessment of the stream’s condition, identifying invasive plants, making recommendations and suggestions on stream care and control-ling invasive plants.

Qualified landowners will receive assistance with invasive plant con-trol, riparian plantings and follow-up maintenance on a seasonal basis for up to five years. A minimal enrollment fee for this extended service is required.

By working towards maintaining a healthy functional riparian system landowners will have additional benefits such as: Reduced mainte-nance and costs overtime; reduced property loss from excess erosion; increased property values; noise re-duction; dust dissipation and added privacy from roads and neighbors.

For more information about the Stream Team or to enroll in the program, call Brenda Sanchez, Soil, Water and Riparian Specialist, at (503) 391-9927 or send email to, brenda.sanchez@marionswcd.net.

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PLANT SALE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

False Solomon’s seal (Maianthemum racemosum). Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) will also be available in plug

containers and in seed packets. Milkweed is the only plant that mon-archs will use to lay their eggs. It is also one of their nectar sources. In addition to Showy Milkweed, there will be over 70 varieties of native plants available from which to choose.

Most trees and shrubs are sold with bare roots and are not in pots. Plastic bags and sawdust will be available to keep plants moist until planting. Bare root plants should be planted within a few days of pur-chase, whether in a pot temporarily or in the ground.

Several species of shrubs will be available in one gallon pots while most flowering plants are sold in small four inch pots. A native plant seed mix of annual and perennial flowers from Heritage Seedlings will also be available. Plant availability is dependent on the weather and winter growing conditions at the nurseries that supply the district.

Worm bin composting and compost tea demonstrations will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday March 11. Worm composting is a en-vironmentally friendly way to use table scraps and make garden and landscape fertilizer. A raffle will be held and the winner will receive a complete bin with worms.

Marion County OSU Extension master gardeners will have an infor-mation booth from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday as well. Experts will be available to answer gardening questions.

There will be no pre-orders. Cash, checks, credit and debit cards will be accepted. There will be no limit on the number of plants that can be purchased on Friday. For more information or to see a full list of available plants and their prices visit, www.marionswcd.net.

For a complete List of Native Plants, see Page 5

district relies on volunteers to help make the Annual Stan Vistica Memorial Plant Sale Scholarship Fundraiser happen. This year the sale will take place on Friday, March 11 with

Saturday, March 12 reserved for overstock only.There are two days and several different shifts to choose from: There will be one shift on Thursday March 10, from 10 a.m. - 1 p. m.,

assisting with pre-sale preparation. Volunteers will help set up plant stock, label plants, organize plants, put up banners, arrange tables, etc.

There will be three shifts available Friday March 11 these include 9 a.m. – noon, noon – 3 p.m. and from 3 p. m. – 6 p.m. Volunteers will assist customers with their orders, help customers through the check-out process and provide bark dust for customers.

There will be no shifts on Saturday, March 12, which will be over-stock sales only.

For more information or to volunteer, call Jenny Meisel at (503) 391-9927 or send email to, jenny.meisel@marionswcd.net.

If leaving a voice mail or sending an email, volunteers are asked to include the day and shift they would like to work.

he Marion Soil and Water Conservation District’s Landowners Assistance Program (LAP) had a success-ful 2015 - 2016 awarding all of its available funding

to numerous conservation projects implemented by district ag producers and landowners. As a result February applications will not be taken. Please check back later this spring when the district will announce the next opportunity to participate in the LAP grant process.The LAP is undergoing a program review. It is being revised

and will be updated to meet the current needs of our commu-nity. Get a jump start on the LAP grant process by contacting a

Marion SWCD conservation specialist to begin conservation planning and project development. For more information, call Brenda Sanchez, Soil, Water and Riparian Specialist, at (503) 391-9927 or send email to, brenda.sanchez@marionswcd.net.

SPRING LAP GRANT UPDATESUCCESSFUL YEAR EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERSSTART THE SPRING PLANTING SEASON OFF WITH A BANG

arion SWCD is accepting applications for three positions for its budget committee for the 2016 annual budget process. These are non-elected volunteer citizen advisory positions estab-

lished by state statute. Applicants must reside in Marion County, live within district boundaries

and be registered voters. They cannot be employees, officers, or agents of Marion SWCD

Members will be appointed by the district board of directors at the March 2016 monthly meeting and will serve three year terms.

Applicants must be able to attend a minimum of two evening meetings each spring to discuss and approve the district’s operating budget. Each member must be able to have adequate time to review budget materi-als prior to meetings. Though this is a volunteer position, member may receive reimbursement for expenses incurred while serving.

Applications must be submitted to the district office by Friday, Feb. 19.For more information or to apply, contact district manager, Jane Kep-

pinger at (503) 391-9927 or send email to jane.keppinger@marionmswcd.net.Applications are available online at www.marionswcd.net or during business hours at the district office located at 338 Hawthorne Ave. NE, Salem, 97301.

COMMITTEE POSITIONS OPENVOLUNTEER TO HELP CREATE THE SWCD BUDGET

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Oregon State University Small Farms Conference:

The OSU Small Farms program presents a Small Farms Confer-ence, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 20, at the OSU Confer-ence Center, 875 SW 26th St, Corvallis, 97331.

This year’s conference will feature several intensive sessions including:

• Farm profitability• Dry farming• Managing a cut flower operation.Cost is $45 per person through Feb. 1, after which the fee is $65

per person. The last day to register is Feb. 12. For more informa-tion or to register visit, http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/south-valley.

Office Space Available

Marion SWCD is looking to lease additional space in their offices, located in a highly desirable area with heavy traffic flow.

The professional complex is situated between Center and State Streets with easy access to downtown Salem and I-5. It is well suited to the needs of a government agency or non-profit organi-zation

The 1850 sq. ft. open floor plan boasts natural light from high windows and sky tunnels. The suite includes three private offices and four cubicle spaces.

Access to ground floor conference rooms and additional offices are also available. A private staff kitchen/break area and a full size restroom are included.

Parking is available. Full service lease includes all utilities, inter-net connection, professional maintenance and repair. Offices are also available for rent on an individual basis.

For more information, contact Pam Rushing, principal broker, Coldwell Banker Commercial Office at (503) 566-5706, by cell at (503) 884-0457 or by email at, prushing@cbcre.com.

Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Summit

The City of Salem will host a Erosion Control and Stormwater Summit, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 26, at the Keizer Civic Center, 930 Chemawa Road N.E., Keizer.

This educational event is presented as a training resource for home builders, developers, engineers, architects, landscapers, construction contractors, as well as municipal staff and crews.

Topics include: new techniques for prevention of construction erosion; design standards for stormwater facilities; operation and maintenance of public stormwater facilities and a review of recent regulatory updates.

For more information or to register, visit: www.cityofsalem.net/erosionsummit.

hree Marion Soil and Water Conservation District Zones Positions and one At-Large Position will be up for election.

The title District Director is given to persons who are elected or appointed to serve on a conservation district board. To ensure proper representation in a district, each district is divided into legally-defined zones.

Directors are elected or appointed from those different areas of the district. By statute, ORS 568.560, a seven-member board must have five zone director positions and two at-large positions.

Zone Positions 1, 2, 4 and At-Large 1 will be before the electorate to be voted on in November 2016. Zone 1 covers the area from St. Paul to Keizer and is a four year term.

Zone Position 2 covers the Scott’s Mill, Woodburn and Silverton areas and is a two year term. Zone 4 covers the Turner, Aumsville Stayton and Jefferson areas is a four year term.

Zone Positions require potential candidates to either; (Option #1) reside within the zone they intend to represent, own or manage 10 or more acres of land in that zone and be involved in the active management of the property and be a registered voter; or (Option #2) reside within the zone that is represented, have previously served at least one year as a director or associate director of a district, have a conservation plan approved by the district board and be a registered voter.

At-Large Positions require that the candidate reside within the boundaries of the conservation district and be a registered voter. There are no land ownership or management requirements for at-large positions.

Although directors are elected by the local residents, they do serve in a voluntary capacity. Directors are not paid for their time and services, however they may be reimbursed for specific costs incurred while doing official district business.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Natural Resources Divi-sion is the elections filing officer for the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) director elections oversees the conservation district elections process.

Elections for SWCD directors occur every two years. The next General Election is scheduled for November 2016.

Candidates and districts must follow specific guidelines to advertise the elections and to have candidates’ applications processed and placed on the ballot.

ODA notifies the districts and county clerks which positions are to be on the ballot for election, the procedures to follow, and deadlines needing to be met.

Candidates and districts are responsible to submit the appropriate paperwork to the local county clerk and to ODA.

For more information about District Director Positions or duties, contact Jane Keppinger at (503) 391-9927 or send email to Jane.kep-pinger@marionswcd.net.

BOARD DIRECTOR VACANCIES HELP LEAD THE FUTURE OF CONSERVATION

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UPCOMING EVENTSCONTINUED ON PAGE 8

See Upcoming Events, Page 3

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STAN VISTICA SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER PLANT SALE LIST SUPPOST LCOAL STUDENTS STUDYING NATURAL RESOURCES

Conifer Trees Deciduous and Evergreen TreesDouglas Fir Psuedotsuga menziesii Alder, Red Alnus rubra

Grand Fir Abies grandis Dogwood, Pacific Cornus nuttallii Western Hemlock Tsuga heterophylla Madrone, Pacific Arbutus menziesii

Western Red Cedar Thuja plicata Oregon Ash Fraxinus latifoliaWill. Valley Ponderosa Pine Pinus ponderosa Oregon White Oak Quercus garryana

Quaking Aspen Populus tremuloidiesShrubs

Blackcap Raspberry Rubus leucodermis NEW Oregon Grape- Tall Mahonia aquifoliumBlue Blossom Ceanothus thrysiflorus Oregon Grape- Creeping Mahonia repens

Currant, Golden Ribes aureum Osoberry/Indian Plum Oemleria cerasiformisCurrant, Red Flowering Ribes sanguinium Rose, Bald-hip Rosa gymnocarpa NEW

Dogwood, Red-Osier Cornus sericea Salal Gaultheria shallonDouglas Spirea Spiraea douglasii Salmonberry Rubus spectabilis

Elderberry, Blue Sambucus caerulea Serviceberry, Western Amelanchier alnifoliaElderberry, Red Sambucus racemosa Snowberry Symphoricarpos albus

Huckleberry, Evergreen Vaccinium ovatum Thimbleberry Rubus parviflorusKinnikinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Twinberry, Black Lonicera involucrata

Mock Orange Philadelphus lewisii Twinflower Linnaea borealisNinebark, Pacific Physocarpus capitatus Vine Maple Acer circinatum

Oceanspray Holodiscus discolorFlowering Plants

Aster, Douglas’ Aster subspicatus Lily, Oregon Fawn Erythronium oregonumBlue-Eye Grass Sysyrinchium idahoense Lily, Tiger Lilium columbianum

Bunchberry Cornus canadensis Lupine, Large-Leaved Lupinus polyphyllusCamas, Common Camassia quamash Milkweed, Showy Asclepias speciosa

Camas, Great Camassia leichtlinii Mule’s Ears, Narrow Leaf Wyethia angustifoliaCheckermallow, Meadow Sidalcea campestris Oregon Sunshine Eriophyllum lanatum

Columbine, Red Aquilegia formosa Pacific Bleeding Heart Dicentra formosaFairy Bells Disporum hookeri Redwood Sorrel Oxalis oregana

False Lily of the Valley Maianthemum dilatatum Self-Heal Prunella vulgarisFalse Soloman Seal Maianthemum racemosum NEW Shooting Star Dodecetheon hendersonii

Fern, Deer Blecnum spicant Strawberry, Wood Fragaria vescaFern, Maidenhair Adiantum pedatum Stonecrop, Broadleaf Sedum spathulifolium

Fern, Sword Polystichum munitum Stonecrop, Oregon Sedum oreganumFringecup Tellima grandiflora Tolmie’s Star Tulip Calochortus tolmiei

Geranium, Western Geranium oreganum Trillium, Giant White Trillium albidumIris, Oregon Iris tenax Violet, Early Blue Viola adunca

Larkspur, Columbia Delphinium trollifolium Violet, Yellow Wood Viola glabellaLily, Chocolate Fritillaria affinis Wild Ginger Asarum caudatum

Yarrow, Western Achellia millefolium

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THE 44TH ANNUAL MEETING BROUGHT TOGETHER

Top: Stephanie Hazen, win-ner of the Spirt of Conserva-tion award Makes her dinner selection.

Middle Left: Associate Direc-tor, Robert Dyk, listens to guest speaker, Rufus LaLone, of the Weather Cafe.

Middle Right: Director Ken Tetsel and wife, Sue, show off their raffle prize.

Bottom: Old friends Rufus LaLone and Director Doug Krahmer, share a hug and a smile.

AWARD WINNERS, DIRECTORS AND GOOD FRIENDS

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Top Left: Director Doug Krahmer congratulates Gayle Goschie on her Cooperator of the Year award. Top Right: Members of the Aumsville Corn Festivale Board and Corn Festival Court Smile for the camera.

Middle Left: Director Bob DeSantis offers a toast. Middle Right: Associate Director Terry Hsu laughs during Rufus

LaLone's presentation.Bottom Left: Members of the Aumsville Community Theatre Board

share a laugh after dinner.Bottom Left: Marion SWCD Chairman Tim Bielenberg begins the an-

nual meeting with announcements.

UPCOMING EVENTSOregon English Ivy Forum

The Oregon Department of Agriculture will present an English Ivy Forum from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, at the Oregon Department of Forestry, Building C, Tillam-ook Room, 2600 State St., Salem.The event will start with information on ecology, impacts

and integrated management tools followed by lunch and a forum-style discussion.For more information or to register for the event call

Jo Davis or Beth Myers-Shenai at (503) 986-4621 or send email to jdavis@oda.state.or.us or smyers@oda.state.or.us

Salem No Ivy Coalition

The Salem No Ivy Coalition will hold ivy pulls from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday Jan. 23 and Saturday, March 5 at Wood-mansee Park, 4629 Sunnyside Road S.E., Salem, 97302.No experience is necessary to volunteer, tools and gloves

wil be provided. Volunteers should wear long pants, sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.For more information or to register to volunteer, call the

City of Salem at (503) 589-2197, or visit www.facebook.com/SalemNoIvyCoalition or www.SalemNoIvyCoalition.Blogspot.com.

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PaidSalem, OR

Permit No. 807

The Marion SWCD provides services to the public and equal employment opportuni-ties to all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orienta-tion, gender identity, national origin, mental or physical disability, marital status, age, or other protected status or activity in accordance with applicable law.

Marion Soil & Water Conservation District

338 Hawthorne Ave. N.E.Salem, Oregon

97301

www.marionswcd.net

MARION SOIL & WATERCONSERVATION DISTRICT

Board of Directors:Tim Bielenberg, Zone 4

ChairmanEmily Ackland, At-Large 1

Vice ChairwomanDoug Krahmer, Zone 1Secretary/Treasurer

DirectorsGreg Rosa, Zone 2

Darin Olson, Zone 3Bob DeSantis, Zone 5

Kenneth HetselAt-Large 2

Associate Directors:Robert DykMark Fields

Leland HardyTerry Hsu

Scott Walker

Staff:Jane Keppinger

District ManagerJanice Calkins

Office CoordinatorDee Moore

Communications SpecialistBrenda Sanchez

Soil, Water & Riperian Specialist

Jenny MeiselInvasive & Native Plant

SpecialistSusan Ortiz

Programs AssistantRon Crouse

Natural Resources Education Specialist