Joan Zuber, Zone 4 Director for Clackamas SWCD
Joan Zuber is the Zone 4 Board Director for the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District. Zuber is an Oregon native and has lived in Clackamas county for many years. She currently lives in Elk Prairie, located in the southwestern Clackamas County foothills. She specifically moved there to take advantage of the wonderful and bountiful natural resources the area has to offer.
“I’m an outdoors woman. I moved to Clackamas County because I wanted to ride horses, go fishing, see the stars at night, and play in the snow,” she shares.
Zuber grew up in Portland and her love of the outdoors was deeply influenced by her father. “He impressed upon me the value of the natural world, of being outside and engaging directly with nature. I grew up on hikes and hunting/gathering activities.”
Joan Zuber can often be found enjoying nature.
An Adventurer Committed to Service
“I’ve had a deep respect for the outdoors all of my life,” says Zuber. “I always wanted my knowledge to be gained first hand. I’m not one to be dragged around on someone else’s experiences.”
I’ve had a deep respect for the outdoors all of my life
Her enthusiasm to jump in and enjoy nature has led her on many adventures. Zuber’s hard-working, get-it-done attitude has benefited many different organizations. Her past involvement includes:
- the Mazamas Executive Council;
- the Chemeketans;
- Pacific Northwest Endurance Riders;
- Women Owning Woodlands
- Dumpstoppers
- Past president of Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs
She has also taught cross-country skiing and led ski tours.
Zuber is an accomplished climber, having achieved the Mazamas Sixteen Northwest Peaks Award. This prestigious award is bestowed on members who summit all sixteen peaks in the Cascades including Mt. Olympus and Mt. Shasta. To top it off, Zuber carried the Olympic torch for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Joan Zuber at the 2022 CONNCT Conference.
Twenty-one Years of Service
Zuber has served on the Clackamas SWCD Board of Directors for 16 years. She represents the citizens of Zone 4 (southwestern Clackamas County including Molalla). She was most recently re-elected to her position in 2022.
Very soon after,I was an associate board member
“I was introduced to the District by Ricardo Dailey. He was my neighbor who happened to be on the Board of Directors at that time. Rick invited me to come to the board meetings. Very soon after, I was an associate board member.”
Since she originally joined the District, voters approved a District tax base. This has provided funding to improve service, support partners, and implement more on-the-ground conservation projects.
Zuber is excited about more recent developments, like the Conservation Resource Center in Beavercreek. “I’m also very proud of our new Eagle Creek Community Forest,” she says. Both of these properties will provide future education and recreation opportunities.
Conservation is Part of Enjoying Nature
“My motto is leave it better than when you arrived,” says Zuber. “If I observe something that isn’t right, I don’t just close my eyes. I try to find a way to have a different outcome. I moved here because I love and care about these resources.”
Leave it better than when you arrived
Zuber is proud that she has been part of conservation in Clackamas County. She is happy to nurture in others the same strong values she shares for our our shared natural resources. “The District provides guidance and protection to landowners who want to preserve their investment of time, money, and stewardship.”
