The internet is a great resource, but remember there is no all-knowing editor making sure internet information is accurate.  My first choice for gathering information is Cooperative Extension.  Land grant universities in each state maintain an Extension Service that distributes research-backed information on numerous topics.  Do your homework and check facts using multiple sources.

Gather Information

How science works--Explanation of the scientific process and how it informs our understanding of the real world.

Global Footprint Network--Use this fun, interactive calculator to figure your carbon footprint and learn about energy saving techniques.

Oregon State University Extension--Research-based information on a wide variety of topics from experts at Oregon's land grant university in Corvallis.

University Extension Programs in other states

GardenWeb--A very large site with forums for asking questions and sharing information.

Agrimet weather data--A US Bureau of Reclamation site with soil temperature data (currently linked to the weather station in Aurora, OR, but Agrimet has sites all over the state).  Soil temperature information is useful for determining when to plant in the spring.

International Society of Arboriculture--Organization setting the standard for tree care around the world. Visit to find a certified arborist in your area and learn more about trees.

ATTRA--National Sustainable Agriculture Service.  Need I say more?  These folks are working at a variety of levels to ensure food security in the United States.  Site mostly oriented toward commercial growers and producers.

Natural Resource Conservation Service Soil Surveys--Current web portal to soils data from across the country.  Navigate to your property using a Google Earth-type map and learn about your soils.

City of Portland, Oregon, Plant List--A great resource for Northern Willamette Valley residents interested in landscaping with native plants.  Also useful as a tool for disturbed site rehabilitation.  Lists native plant communities and plant species, noxious weeds and provides other information about native plants in the Portland area.

Home Orchard Society--Non-profit group based in Oregon City, with fruit tree arboretum on the Clackamas Community College Campus, and many fruit tree-related events each year.  In particular, check out the fall fruit show and spring scion exchange.

Fire-related information

National WIldfire Coordinating Group--Firewise USA and other wildfire education programs--One stop shop for  information on creating defensible space around the home.

Oregon Department of Forestry--Oregon local agency with lots of information on fire prevention at home, at work, and at play.

Clackamas County Fire Department--Local county fire authority.  More information on local incidents, evacuation notices, shelter information, road closures, and more.

InciWeb--InciWeb is an interagency all-risk incident information management system.  Find an incident on the map, get information about it.

CalTopo--Mapping and other software company with excellent fire mapping resources.  Link to fire map.

IQAir--World air quality mapper.  Zoom to your location.

Gather Materials

Clackamas Landscape Supply--Landscape supply in Oregon City

Concentrates--Organic feed store located in Milwaukie

PDX ReStore--Support Habitat for Humanity by purchasing building materials from the Portland ReStore.

Portland Craigslist--A great site for finding free and inexpensive landscape materials, tools, and meeting other gardeners, etc.

Chip Drop--For Portland metro residents, sign up on this website to receive chips from tree services.

Oregon Forest Directory--Online directory of buyers and sellers of forest products and services

Community Resources

Local Harvest--Find local food sources wherever you are in the United States.

Oregon Food Bank--Share your abundance through the Oregon Food Bank.

Edible Portland--Magazine and resource for local eating.

Growing Gardens--Supports low-income gardeners in the Portland area.  Provides volunteer gardening mentors and 3 years of material support.

EcoTrust--Pacific Northwest organization dedicated to sustainable society.

Cascadia Permaculture Institute--Led by Jude Hobbs, a permaculture guru and excellent teacher.  Services include permaculture design and consulting, PDC certificate courses, and Salmon Safe and LIVE certification for growers.