Save Scholls

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Our Goal Is To Preserve & Protect The Scholls Valley

Save Scholls is a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting Scholls Valley. We advocate for the responsible stewardship of its abundant natural resources and work to develop growth strategies that safeguard farmland and fragile ecosystems.

How did Save Scholls start?

Save Scholls started as a way to organize opposition to a proposal for a potential roadway that was planning to cross two the few remaining naturally flowing tributaries to the Tualatin river and across land that has been identified as containing Significant Natural Resources. This was stopped in a LUBA appeal, but local community members, recognizing the fight to protect the Scholls Valley was not over, created a coalition of concerned farmers, preservationists, business owners, and residents.

What is the Scholls Valley?

While the Scholls Valley doesn’t have a precise, official boundary, it’s best described as the lowland area between Bald Peak and Chehalem, with the Tualatin River running through it.

How can I help?

Right now the biggest thing you can do to help is to sign up for the email list and be ready to engage or provide feedback as items arise! If you hear of any plans that involve the Scholls Valley please email them to Savescholls@gmail.com.

What is the history of Scholls Valley?

In the fall of 1847 several families (Scholl, Rowell, and Humphrey) settled in the valley. They quickly got to work and by 1849 the created a saw mill and by 1878 Edwin Stanwood built a grist mill. The Scholls community grew and remained relatively independent of Portland/Vancouver until WWII when more people were needed in the shipyards.

I have a story or photos that should be added to Save Scholls what should I do?

Please email us at Johnsavescholls@gmail.com with your stories on why Scholls Valley should be protected. Please also include any pictures you have that show the beauty of our community. We are not photographers, writers, or website designers so constructive feedback and assistance is appreciated!

What activities does Save Scholls engage on?

Community planning, roadway discussions, safety strategies, and general developments.

Why We Fight

The River Runs Through It and Because of That….

  • We get to kayak and paddle from the many parks and access points
    • Tualatin Riverkeepers has done an incredible job cleaning up and protecting the Tualatin River and its watershed.
  • We have a diverse ecosystem and many animals fill the Valley
    • Hawks, Osprey, Owls, Deer, Coyotes, Beavers, Many different fish species, Bobcats, Rabbits, Turtles, Timber tigers, and many more!
  • We have bountiful farms, not only for food and drink, but also for fun seasonal activities like pumpkin patches, berry picking, and Christmas tree farms.

Family Businesses that depend on the valley and serve the community.

Illustrated map of Scholls Valley showing the locations of local family businesses along Scholls Ferry Road, River Road and Scholls-Sherwood Road, with the Tualatin River winding through the valley.
View Interactive Map of Local Businesses

What makes this area so special?

  • The Scholls Valley has the Tualatin River running gracefully through it; this vital waterway is fed by countless natural streams and wetlands, which are essential to our diverse ecosystem and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of local flora and fauna.
  • The Valley has fertile farm land that feeds our community, and supports our economy with sustainable practices and local partnerships.
  • We have beautiful, expansive rolling hills covered in vineyards, wineries, thriving farms, bed and breakfasts and lush forests that create a picturesque landscape year-round.
  • We are home to several large and small public parks for our community and surrounding communities, providing lush green spaces for relaxation, outdoor activities, and social gatherings, where families and friends can come together to enjoy nature and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Site of the road plan proposed in 882

Economics of local farms

Farms don’t just feed us, they are an economic boon to both the rural and urban economy.

  • According to USDA even a small farm (under 100 acres) can employ between 10 and 50 workers. They also support other industries like:
    • Transportation workers
    • Veterinarians
    • Accountants
    • Mechanics
    • Equipment rental services
    • Marketing consultants
    • Feed stores
    • Local grocery stores
  • Many economic reports on farming suggest that for every direct job on a farm there is 1.5 to 3 additional jobs created to support them. So even one small farm could be responsible for 15 to 150 jobs in our community.

Hi Scholls! Hi Scholls! As you’ve likely seen from several local farms and on the news, The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) is going through a rule making that could impact farm stands and agritourism in our area. Please see the link in our bio to the OPOA website for more information and links for you to send letters to DLCD, legislators and the governor if you are concerned. If you are going to send a letter, please do so TODAY. Thank you for helping to protect Scholls and protect the farms that are so vital to our community. Still rings true today! Scholls Historical Facts #2 - Have you heard of a Sears Kit House? And did you know there is one at Lone Owl Tree Farm? Sears kit houses were ordered from a specialty Sears catalogue. The framing lumber was in most cases pre-cut and allowed the home builder to follow an instruction booklet to construct the house. Hi Scholls! As part of our role as a non profit for the area we also will be sharing some historical information amidst our land use awareness as education posts. This is our first of many posts on the great history of our community. If you have any stories you would like to share highlighting Scholls, including family histories, please send us a DM. Credit for this first fact goes to Scholls Ferry Tales by Margaret Putnam Hesse, which you can purchase at Petrich’s farm store. Hi Scholls! There is an event upcoming on 3/2 from 4-6pm at Eagles Nest Reserve to celebrate all of the hard work that went into protecting our farmland and significant natural resources in Washington County in 2024 (all the way from Scholls to North Plains!). Swipe right above for the details. Come join us for some snacks, wine and to learn more about all of the organizations that are working to protect land across the county. There will be representatives from the Save Scholls Board speaking there so please come and say Hi 👋 The Land Use Board Authority in OR remanded Ordinance 882, reversing the decision by the county to proceed. This was fantastic news after years of our community opposing this ordinance. THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone that signed petitions, put up signs, provided testimony and spread the word. I’d also like to especially thank Andrea D’Amico, Tanya Steele, @1000oregon, and the City of Tigard who all had attorneys participating in the LUBA appeal process. We could not be more grateful for your hard work and perseverance to preserve our community! Hi Scholls! Votes are due by May 21st for County Commissioner for our district. Please do your research and vote! This post highlights @sniderforcounty as he was kind to come and meet with several Scholls community members today and talk about his vision for the county.

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