Beautiful Oregon – Tim Giraudier

McKenzie River Trust protects Oregon’s watersheds

All of Eugene’s water comes from the McKenzie River, which merges with the Willamette and provides water to Willamette Valley farmers, ranchers and makers as well as providing critical salmon habitat.

The McKenzie River Trust does important work to protect critical watersheds along the McKenzie and manages more than 7,000 acres within Oregon’s watersheds, work that Market of Choice truly admires and heartily supports through ongoing fundraising efforts. A Eugene-based nonprofit land trust, McKenzie River Trust formed in 1989 to protect scenic lands and critical habitats in the McKenzie River basin. Since then, it has expanded its reach to protect and conserve the watersheds of the Long Tom River, the Upper Willamette River, the Coast and Middle Forks of the Willamette River, the Umpqua River, the Siuslaw River, and coastal streams and lakes from Reedsport to Lincoln City.

The nonprofit’s goal is three-pronged: to protect special lands, to restore natural systems and to connect people to the places they care about.

What watersheds mean to our food system

Healthy watersheds play a vital role in our ecosystems, improving water quality and carbon storage, as well as increasing the land’s resilience in fending off invasive species. McKenzie River Trust’s stewardship of these vital watersheds positively impacts our food system, creating avenues for environmentally thoughtful agricultural and production practices by our local farmers, ranchers and makers. This ensures that fish and other food sources relying on the integrity of our waters are healthy, abundant and remain sustainable. That’s important work, benefitting all of us who enjoy the food bounty and natural splendor inherent to Oregon’s landscape.

How you can support their ongoing work

Join us in supporting the McKenzie River Trust during Earth Month, April 1-30, with a donation at the register when you check out. All you need to do is tell your cashier that you wish to make a donation to the McKenzie River Trust, let them know how much you’d like to give (up to $249 in store), and they will add it to your purchase. At the end of the month, we will total up the donations and provide 100% of those funds raised to the Trust. Plus, Market of Choice will make its own donation in support of important watersheds and thriving communities.

Learn more

Join the McKenzie River Trust on one of their many field days when you can visit the land they are managing. It’s a great way to experience the important work being done and build your understanding of the impact being made. Learn more.

Beautiful Oregon – Tim Giraudier