Focus on Staff: Scott Eden, Conservation Specialist

Conservation Specialist Scott Eden has just completed his first year with the District, but he’s been honing his expertise as a conservationist for over 20 years. Eden is an experienced biologist with an undergraduate degree in biology from Oregon State University. His expertise is a welcome and valued asset to both our organization and the citizens served by the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District.

Eden has worked with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, Pudding River Watershed Council and, most recently, the Marion Soil and Water Conservation District. His twelve years at Marion SWCD as a Resource Conservationist provided him with ongoing opportunities to refine his skills in a variety of disciplines including soils and hydrology.

Project Highlights

Since joining the District, Eden has worked collaboratively with landowners on a wide variety of projects. He has spent a lot of time in the field, making site visits, and providing technical advice and support to many of the small farm landholders in the District. These small acreage projects include irrigation improvement, erosion management, heavy use areas for livestock, and pasture management. Additionally, he has been responsible for water quality and macroinvertebrate monitoring.

Some of his bigger projects include converting big-gun irrigation to drip line irrigation on several hazelnut and berry farms in Clackamas County. “I like innovation and I’m always interested in learning about the newest technology,” he notes. “Being able to bring the latest information to our producers is exciting and satisfying. I especially like the creativity and flexibility provided by my job.”

“I like being out and about,” says Eden. “My dream job has has always been to work in conservation.” He shares that he was attracted to his position with the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District because of the variety of experiences and challenges he could have here. He enjoys building on his knowledge and sharing it with others. “You never know what you’re going to find on a site visit,” he says. “There’s a real adventure component to my job that keeps me excited about my work.”

Influences

Eden and his family moved to Oregon when he was two year old. He grew up in the coast range near the Siuslaw National Forest, outside of Newport. “We lived in a fairly remote area. I was a wild child running around in the woods with my partially-tamed sister and brothers.” Eden’s parents were both public school teachers who taught Outdoor School and an open curriculum, multi-level classroom pilot project designed to promote creative and rapid learning from peers. “I grew up playing and learning in streams and forests. A part of me just needs to be outside. Working in conservation helps me preserve our precious natural resources so my child can have these experiences too.”

Goals

Eden is looking forward to making a difference in his work with the District. He hopes that he can help landowners limit polluted run off and develop scale-appropriate plans for utilizing, protecting, and preserving our local water resources. A Clackamas County resident, he enjoys learning about local history and is excited about the District’s demonstration farm in Beavercreek. “This will be our opportunity to be a good influence by example. Small acreage users will truly benefit from being able to see our practices in action.”

We are thrilled to have Scott as part of the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District team!