Improving and Enhancing Habitats

DSWCD works with local communities and partner organizations to enhance, connect, and establish multiple native plant gardens throughout the county and beyond in a widespread effort to protect our native pollinators and expand their habitat. Additionally, DSWCD partners with state and federal agencies, local organizations, and other partners to work with landowners who want to improve and enhance wildlife habitat on their lands and obtain funding sources to implement projects.

How can we help wildlife in Central Oregon?

Deschutes County is home to several wildlife species and these species have impacts on private landowners, irrigation districts, and other local entities. Finding solutions to meet the wildlife needs and landowner objectives is challenging yet attainable. The Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District collaborates with partners to work on private lands to improve and enhance wildlife habitat.

How can we help wildlife in Central Oregon?

All About Pollinators

The benefits of gardening for pollinators are many. Ninety percent of our plants and trees depend on the service of our pollinators for survival and one in three bites of our food are the result of their actions. Bees do a large part of pollinating but butterflies, moths and hummingbirds pollinate our plants as well.

You can build a more pollinator-friendly space by:

  • Planting native plants

  • Going pesticide-free

  • Creating nesting habitats

  • Rethinking your lawn

Completed Projects

Small Grants at Work

With an allocation of $60,000, DSWCD has received funding to complete four meaningful projects within Deschutes County to drive positive change in our community and address important environmental issues. One portion of the funding was focused on wildlife conservation.

Pollinator Pathways Projects

DSWCD partnered with Bend Pollinator Pathways (BPP), an organization focused on creating habitats for native pollinators at risk of decimation. Their main goal is to create “pathways” for these native pollinators using the adjacent lands of residents, businesses, parks, and open spaces in order to maintain their native range.

Protecting Native Pollinators One Planting at a Time

With the population of native pollinators dwindling around the world, community members in Bend decided to make a difference. Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District used various funding sources to aid the 9 planting sites that Bend Pollinator Pathways and volunteers established.

  • Small barkdusted section next to a sidewalk with plants

    Small Grants at Work in the Community

    Published On: July 19th, 2024

    Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD) is thrilled

  • People working on a roundabout

    Pollinator Pathways Projects

    Published On: July 19th, 2024

    DSWCD partnered with Bend Pollinator Pathways (BPP), an organization

  • Close up of bee on daisy

    Bolstering Pollinator Habitats: DSWCD and BPP Join Forces in Bend

    Published On: July 15th, 2024

    The Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD) has