I've been involved with the Long Tom for over ten years, first as a volunteer and now as a Board member too. Originally volunteering to slosh through creeks seining for macro invertebrates I got to know the restoration staff and director. Their commitment to watershed restoration was inspiring. After attending some meetings I was impressed with the grassroots nature of the organization, and how a Board of disparate personalities and occupations could work so well together in pursuit of a common goal. That combined enthusiasm and dedication of staff and Board is what has kept me coming back all these years. I've served on quite a few non profit Boards over the last thirty years, and this is by far my favorite. All organizations should be so well run - and as much fun!
Review from Guidestar
This group exists to help people enhance their local environment and it excels in all of its goals. My first experience with LTWC was as a new landowner in the watershed with questions about what to do about a small dam on my property which was slowing down the creek to silted almost still water. They were eager to help solve the problem and came up with sound expertise and grant support to carefully remove the dam and plant native vegetation to restore the creek habitat. Their guidance and advice led me to a new level of stewardship to the property.
In return for their service to me, I started volunteering with them in the field and later became a member of their Board, all being rewarding experiences. The organization is efficiently managed, strategically focused, and totally committed to bringing people of the watershed together for the common goal of education and preservation of habitat issues. They hold exceptional public "meetings" where experts give informative presentations on wide-ranging topics ranging, such as native fish migration, mammals in the watershed, managing forest lands, and invasive vegetation. These meetings bring together individuals from the area and help nurture new relationships with landowners who could benefit from LTWC's services.
My experience with the group has been totally positive as I watch the organization spend their time on issues that matter and are not distracted from their mission and vision to "use the collective wisdom and voluntary action of community members" to improve watershed conditions. LTWC is a model organization for community action leading to sensitive stewardship of the natural resources.
I'm new to this organization, having been elected to the Board less than one year ago. I am impressed by the hard work and efficiency of the staff, and the way that the board members eagerly volunteer time to assist on the ground, in the office, or behind the scenes. Staff turn over is very low - that says a lot.
And the organization is always looking to the future and asking about how to improve its service to the community.