Watersheds have social, ecological and economic significance. Clean, healthy watersheds are a vital source of drinking water, irrigation, recreation, species preservation, and environmental integrity.
The Laird Norton Family Foundation invests in watersheds with the goal of making measurable improvements in the ecosystems of watersheds – from fish passage and streamflow restoration to land conservation and environmental education for local youth. We are currently working in the Hood Canal (WA), Upper Deschutes (OR), and Rogue (OR) watersheds.
We select Northwest watersheds based on several criteria:
We seek to add value not just by making good investments in worthy projects and organizations, but by building relationships in watershed communities, gaining experience in and knowledge about particular watersheds, and fostering partnerships, convenings and additional investment from other funders.
We select Northwest watersheds based on several criteria:
- Ecological significance
- Partnerships between on-the-ground organizations
- Community engagement and support
- Supportive regulations or watershed improvement plans
- Ongoing scientific monitoring
- The presence of other funders
We seek to add value not just by making good investments in worthy projects and organizations, but by building relationships in watershed communities, gaining experience in and knowledge about particular watersheds, and fostering partnerships, convenings and additional investment from other funders.
2012 Watershed Stewardship Grants
- Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, Deschutes Land Trust, and Deschutes River Conservancy (OR)
$60,000 In support of restoration work, monitoring, and evaluation on Whychus Creek. - Geos Institute, Rogue Riverkeeper, Rogue Valley Council of Governments, WaterWatch (OR)
$100,000 In support of collaborative efforts focused on the formal development and implementation of a restoration agenda for the middle Rogue basin. - Long Live the Kings (WA)
$25,000 In support of work in the Hood Canal basin. - The Nature Conservancy (WA)
$25,000 In support of the Hood Canal Large Estuary Project. - Washington State University Extension - Mason County (WA)
$20,000 To support community outreach efforts for Extension water resources programs for the benefit of Hood Canal. - Geos Institute (OR)
$25,000 In support of work to develop the economic and hydrologic case for using watershed restoration efforts to address the impacts of climate change and meet water management goals in communities and watersheds. Geos' mission is to use science to help people predict, reduce, and prepare for climate change. - Oregon Natural Desert Association (OR)
$25,000 To support restoration efforts on the Silvies River, with an emphasis on monitoring and testing restoration efforts. Goals of the restoration include development of healthy and self-sustaining riparian areas that support increasing numbers and diversity of native vegetation and wildlife, with a particular focus on restoring beaver habitat and populations, such that eventually, beavers will play their natural, major role in maintaining the watershed.
