Stormwater Facilities & Amphibians
CHAT WITH AN EXPERT: STORMWATER FACILITIES & AMPHIBIANS
Do you have a stormwater facility in your neighborhood? Or maybe you have heard about these things, but don’t really know what they are and what you should be doing with them. Join us to learn about stormwater facilities from expert Jordan Washington. We will then learn about how our local amphibian populations use them for habitat. Expert Peter has several years of experience surveying different types of facilities throughout Clark County and we will discuss what habitat features you should look for and include to help our amphibian friends.
Our Presenters:
Jordan Washington has been managing the City of Vancouver’s Private Stormwater Facilities Program for the past year. He provides technical assistance to numerous Homeowners, HOAs and Businesses so they can better maintain their stormwater facilities. Prior to working with the City of Vancouver, he worked with the City of Portland’s Spill Prevention and Citizen Response Program for two years. He enjoys engaging with people and educating them on stormwater systems and the benefits they provide for the community. Contact Jordan if you would like some assistance with your stormwater facility: Jordan.Washington@cityofvancouver.us
Peter Ritson received his doctorate in environmental geochemistry with a focus on how heavy metals enter the San Francisco Bay. He broadened his environmental work to include wildlife biology through fieldwork in the Sierra Nevada, the Bighorn Crags of Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, and with projects in Oregon and Washington. Peter has combined his passion for research with science education and community involvement. He has taught middle school through graduate-level classes as well as founded and coordinated the Southwest Washington Amphibian Monitoring Project focused here in Clark County. Peter states, “I want to work with my community to greater understand the importance of our local environment. I hope to encourage the protection of our natural resources by engaging students in activities that promote this awareness. We can do this if we all work together. Contact Peter if you have questions about amphibians: clarkfrog@gmail.com
Ashley Smithers is a Resource Specialist at Clark Conservation District where she works with local landowners to implement conservation practices and coordinates workshops. She has a Masters in Environmental Management from Portland State University. Her studies were focused on urban turtle conservation. In addition to her expertise in turtle conservation, she has many years of studying amphibians in urban and rural communities. Contact Ashley if you would like to schedule a site visit or you have questions about amphibians: asmithers@clarkcd.org
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