Protecting Portland Streams from Stormwater Pollution

Protecting our streams leads to healthy places to swim and fish for all of us to enjoy.

The streams that start behind our houses, schools, and businesses flow to larger rivers, like the Presumpscot River and Fore River, before ending up in Casco Bay.

They’re all connected!

Educating the Community

In partnership with the City of Portland, we provide multi-generational stormwater education to residents, schools, businesses, and other groups to help keep local streams clean!

  • We deliver stormwater lessons, facilitate field trips, and coordinate and implement service learning projects.

  • We provide workshops on cost-effective and environmentally-friendly landscaping and yard care techniques. You’ll also see us at community events throughout the year.

  • We partner with businesses to highlight stormwater-friendly yard care plants and products.

  • Contact us to see how we can help!

Greener Neighborhoods Cleaner Streams is sponsored by the City of Portland and coordinated by the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Greener Neighborhood News

Featured
How Are We Impacting Natural Resources?
How Are We Impacting Natural Resources?

Seventh grade students at Lyman Moore Middle School learning about human impacts to the natural environment as part of their speaker series.

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Clean water lessons at Lyman Moore.
Clean water lessons at Lyman Moore.

Using macroinvertebrates and polluted water samples, students at Lyman Moore Middle School learn the importance of clean water.

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How to Follow the City’s Landcare Ordinance
How to Follow the City’s Landcare Ordinance

The City of Portland enacted a Landcare Ordinance that restricts the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides on public and private property to protect the health of our waterways, residents, pets, and natural ecosystems. Learn how to comply with the ordinances while having a healthy yard to enjoy.

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Upcoming Events

Important Watersheds

  • Capisic Brook

    Capisic Brook

    Do you live between I-95, Warren Ave, Stevens Ave, and Brighton Ave? Then the odds are good that the rainwater that lands on your yards winds up in Capisic Brook before flowing to Capisic Pond and the Fore River.

    Learn More
  • Dole Brook

    Dole Brook

    Do you live between Washington Ave, Route 302, and Riverside Street? Then water that lands on your yard flows to Dole Brook before flowing into the Presumpscot River.

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  • Fall Brook

    Fall Brook

    Do you live between the Lyseth and Lyman Moore campus, Merrymeeting Drive, Woodlawn Ave, and Payson Park? Then water that lands on your yard likely flows to Fall Brook before flowing into Back Cove.

    Learn More
  • Long Creek

    Long Creek

    Did you know that every time you’re flying out of the Portland International Jetport or driving by the Maine Mall you’re visiting the Long Creek watershed? The small portion of Portland in the Long Creek watershed is mostly owned by the City.

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  • Nasons Brook

    Do you live between I-95, Brighton Ave, Rand Road, and Rowe Ave? Then the odds are good that rain and snow that lands on your yard flows to Nasons Brook before flowing into the Fore River.

    Learn More