Four Seasons Creek Restoration
Four Seasons Creek Restoration
Embedded Files
Four Seasons, Crystalbrook partner with local conservation district for multi-year creek project
Four Seasons, Crystalbrook partner with local conservation district for multi-year creek project
Four Seasons HOA and Crystalbrook HOA, in partnership with Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District (TSWCD), have begun a multi-year project to restore South Johnson Creek (also known as Johnston Creek) that runs through our neighborhood.
Why restore the creek?
Why restore the creek?
To stop erosion (we have erosion in 80% of our banks).
Native plantings stabilize creek banks.
Without them, we have lost a significant amount of our creek banks. See Picture 1, a lone rush holding a piece of the bank as it erodes on either side.
Improve habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
Stabilize the creek for increasing high-water events.
Keep out the invasive species, like reed canary grass that already has started to take over along the lawn area near Village Lane. See Picture 2.
Replace the significant denuded (bare) ground with plants!
TSWCD has done an evaluation of our site, which is available here, describing its conditions and need for restoration.
How is the HOA moving forward?
How is the HOA moving forward?
This is a multi-year, multi-step process:
Step one: We hired Phoenix Habitats, a habitat restoration company, to put together a master plan for planting along the entire creek. Phoenix Habitats will produce drawings that will be posted on this webpage. Stay tuned!
Step two: begin planting on denuded areas under the 2025 Tualatin Watershed Improvement Grant (TWIG) of $5,000, awarded to the HOA by TSWCD. Planting fall 2025 and spring 2026. Grant deliverables are measured by:
Number of plants that are planted and survive
Area that is planted
Number of volunteers. This means WE NEED VOLUNTEERS to plant to SAVE MONEY and to help us with our measured outcomes and to be competitive for a 2026 TWIG. So please volunteer when asked!
Step three: prepare the site in non-denuded areas, including removing invasive reed canary grass.
Step four: plant non-denuded areas when ready.
The ultimate goal is to have a healthy ecosystem of native plants, shrubs, and trees all along the creek, with a stabilized bank.
How to Learn More
How to Learn More
The HOA wants homeowners and residents to understand the goals and work being done at the creek and be able to ask questions and have input. There are several ways to achieve this:
This webpage, which will be updated with new information.
Crystalbrook and Four Seasons special meetings to discuss the project, which will invite members of TSWCD to attend.
Homeowners are also welcome to email creek@fshoa.net with any thoughts, questions, or concerns.
Restoring the creek is a key priority for the HOA. It is important not only for the many residents who live along the creek, but for all residents of Four Seasons. It is a critical part of our neighborhood and the region. We appreciate your cooperation and hopefully your support!
We remind residents that interfering with contractors is a violation of the governing documents, and damaging the common area is a violation with an enhanced penalty. So if you do not agree with the work at the creek, you may express your opinions and ask questions, but you may NOT take any action within the common area.
Picture 1: Without native plants, the creek banks erode
Picture 2: Reed canary grass invades the creek near Village Ln
Habitat Conservation Program
Habitat Conservation Program
The HOA is applying for TSWCD’s Habitat Conservation Program (HCP), under which TSWCD would take over management of the restoration of the creek for 5-6 years. The two properties on either side of Division on South Johnson Creek are under HCP. Similar HOA HCP projects have goals for their projects that look like Picture 3. For examples of other TSWCD projects, check here.
Picture 3: Cross Creek HOA before and anticipated after
Page updated
Report abuse