Open Spaces. Treasured Places. 8,000 acres saved and counting.

Celebrate your natural areas Dear GreenScene reader Contents

Page What does it take to protect and restore health Just the facts to our local rivers and streams?streams? How do we Program data and acquisition information 4-5 support fish and wildlife habitat? Do we have the Local share program 13 skill – and the courage – to restorerestore swimmable, Map of open spaces and projects 16-17 drinkable waterways in the Portland regionregion for Planning for public access 19

ourselves and generations to come? Stories Metro Councilor Susan McLain 6 We can and we did. All of us, together. Trains, trails and tuna melts 8 Volunteer Don McCarty 12 The Hewitts: Clear Creek 14 In 1995, the voters of the metropolitan region created a model Wildflowers of Cooper Mountain 18 program for landowners, neighborhoods, businesses and government Restoration greatest hits 20 to work together to protect land near our rivers and streams – more The Gotters: Tualatin River 23 than 8,000 acres and counting. By approving the $135.6 million open Tualatin Riverkeepers 23 spaces, parks and streams bond measure, voters directed the Metro The Webers: Willamette River 24

Council to protect our precious butte tops, stream corridors, river Points of view canyons, wetlands and prairies with significant water quality, wildlife Don Morissette, home builder habitat and recreational benefits for the region. Our acquisitions and former Metro councilor 7 include nearly 74 miles of stream and river frontage which offer an Stephen Quennoz, Portland important natural buffer from development while allowing greater General Electric 10 Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo 15 public access to local waterways. Rudy Kadlub, Costa Pacific Communities 22 This special edition of GreenScene features voices and stories from Gail Snyder, Friends of Forest Park 25 across the region. I hope you enjoy reading about some of the people, Russell Hoeflich, The Nature places and ideas that shaped the open spaces program and made our Conservancy 26 Mike Houck, Urban Greenspaces mutual success possible. Institute 27

Let’s celebrate. Things to do Open Spaces, Treasured Places 3 Today, nearly all of the bond money has been spent and it’s time to Become a volunteer steward 13 Treasured Friends events 28 celebrate the investment we have all made in our children’s future Fall calendar of nature activities 28-30 and the region’s health and economy. During a special series of events Autumn bird watching 30 from Sept. 1-11, you’ll find an inviting variety of opportunities to get to know your newly acquired natural areas. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating all that has been accomplished.

Eight thousand acres saved and counting. It’s quite a legacy that you have given to this place. On behalf of all the citizens of the metropolitan region – those here today and those yet to come – I thank you.

Sincerely,

David Bragdon, Metro Council President

2 Come. Explore. Repeat.

Presented by Portland General Electric and The Oregonian

A ROOM WITH A VIEW First Thursday Dedication Event Photographic Image Gallery Featuring photos by Bruce Forster Sept. 1

CONCERTS ON THE LAWN McMenamins Grand Lodge The John Bunzo Trio Sept. 2

Michael McDermott photo BIKE TO THE MAX Bike the Springwater Trail from the Woodstock Bike Gallery Sept. 3 Open Spaces. Treasured Places.

OPEN HOUSE IN OPEN SPACE Open Space Walking Tours Celebrate Sept. 1-11 Cooper Mountain Vineyards Sept. 4

WILDLIFE OF THE OPEN SPACES UP THE RIVER WITH A PADDLE LEGACY BREAKFAST AND BUS TOUR Oregon Zoo Amphitheater Join Willamette Riverkeeper, Next Grandparents Day with Elmer’s Sept. 5 Adventure and eNRG Kayaking Restaurants and TriMet Willamette Park, West Linn Sept. 11 Sept. 10 JUDE AT THE ALADDIN Tickets at Ticketmaster Sept. 9 THE HARVEST FAIR Sign up to be a “Treasured Friend” Sauvie Island’s Annual at these events or on the Wintering In ANCIENT FOREST HIKE Metro web site and be eligible Sept. 10 and 11 With Friends of Forest Park to win a bicycle or a kayak. Sept. 10

For registration information and event details, visit www.metro-region.org/parks or call (503) 797-1928.

3 Promises made, promises kept

What did we get Jackson Bottom/McKay and Dairy creeks for our money? (493 acres) Acquisitions along these More than 8,130 acres of tributaries of the Tualatin valuable natural areas and River support water qual- nearly 74 miles of stream ity enhancement efforts in and river frontage have been the Tualatin Basin and add protected by the open spaces, wildlife habitat to the Jackson parks and streams bond mea- Bottom Wetlands Preserve sure. management area.

The bond measure also gave Tualatin River access $25 million directly to local park providers for investment points (398 acres) Acquisitions along the in local county and city park Tualatin River provide rare improvements and, in some habitat types and at least four cases, even more land acqui- future public access points sition. More than 100 local for canoeing, kayaking, fish- park projects in neighbor- ing, picnicking and wildlife hoods across the region offer viewing. biking, hiking and wildlife watching opportunities close to home. Cooper Mountain (256 acres) Oak woodland, dry native Exceeding prairie, mixed conifer for- expectations – est, and stream and wetland areas will be the backdrop for Metro makes a public natural area being your dollars work planned for Cooper Moun- tain near Beaverton. harder Rock Creek (117 acres) The Metro Council and pro- A tributary of the Tualatin gram staff have worked hard River, Rock Creek flows to stretch your open space WillametteWillamette NarrNarrowsows through an area of rapid investment. As of June 2005, C. Bruce Forster photo urban growth. Acquisitions more than $10 million has protect some of the natural been leveraged from state and features of the area, provide local partners to buy land. would be spent on overhead Regional natural wildlife habitat, help maintain Seven private landowners and administrative costs. Not water quality and offer recre- donated their property to the only were acreage goals far area acquisition ational opportunities. open spaces program and four surpassed, but administra- more provided partial dona- tive costs averaged only 9.6 Gales Creek (606 acres) Forest Park buffer/ tions – for a total of nearly percent. Wetlands and riparian forests expansion (865 acres) 200 acres. In some cases, acquired along Gales Creek Acquisition of inholdings and landowners donated conser- south of Forest Grove protect adjacent buffer areas protects vation easements or agreed Administration/ wildlife habitat and water the future of Forest Park, to a “bargain” sale of their overhead quality near the Tualatin Riv- 9.6% a 5,000-acre park in urban property. er and connect to other large Land costs Northwest Portland. Local share 73.6% regional natural areas such as program 15.4% When the bond measure was Fernhill Wetlands. Willamette River put to voters in 1995, it was estimated that 6,000 acres Trail Greenway (959 acres) construction Acquisitions from Wilsonville would be protected and 13.35 1.4% to the Multnomah Channel percent of the bond proceeds protect fish and wildlife habi- tat and provide scenic value 4 and future river access. Specif- Tryon Creek linkages to the region, excellent wild- Peninsula Crossing Trail ic Willamette River Greenway (58 acres) life habitat and panoramic (1 acre) projects include Multnomah Stream greenways leading to vistas. Located in North Portland, Channel (326 acres), Willa- Tryon Creek help protect wa- this 3.5-mile trail connects the mette Cove in North Portland ter quality in the watershed as Columbia River shoreline Columbia Slough and Smith (27 acres), Willamette Nar- well as support the integrity (271 acres) and Bybee Wetlands Natural rows near West Linn (472 of Tryon Creek State Natural Riparian forest and island Area with the Willamette Gre- acres) and Canemah Bluff Area. acquisitions west of the Sandy enway. The trail is open for near Oregon City (134 acres). River improve public access public use. Newell Creek Canyon to the Columbia River and Tonquin geologic area (280 acres) preserve remaining undevel- OMSI to Springwater (487 acres) Newell Creek flows through a oped habitat. Corridor This area near Tualatin links forested canyon near Oregon (53 acres) to the Tualatin River National City. Acquisitions include Sandy River Gorge Now home to the Springwater Wildlife Refuge and contrib- nearly 6 miles of stream front- (1,082 acres) on the Willamette Trail, this utes scenic value to the cities age and help protect salmon Acquisitions along this wild critical link in the regional of Wilsonville and Tualatin. It and trout habitat. and scenic waterway and its trails system is used by more also features unique geologic tributaries provide important than 400,000 people per year. evidence of prehistoric glacial Clear Creek Canyon fish and wildlife habitat and flooding. (520 acres) water quality benefits. Clackamas River North Acquisitions along this tribu- Bank Greenway tary of the Clackamas River Regional trails (608 acres) support a salmon fishery and Acquisition of land along the provide habitat for more than and greenways Clackamas River between 100 species of fish and wild- Barton and Clackamette parks life, including coyotes, cougar, Fanno Creek Greenway provides significant habitat blacktail deer, elk, cutthroat (39 acres) restoration opportunities, trout, chinook and coho salm- Acquisitions will help com- flood storage, water quality on and 76 species of birds. plete the 15-mile regional protection and future recre- trail planned from the shores ational values. East Buttes/Boring Lava of the Willamette River in Domes (856 acres) Southwest Portland to the Beaver Creek Canyon A group of extinct volcanoes confluence of Fanno Creek Greenway (110 acres) and lava domes in north and the Tualatin River. These Near Troutdale, this tributary Clackamas and east Mult- properties also provide water of the Sandy River offers an nomah counties provides quality protection in a highly important fish and wildlife unique geographic character urbanized area. corridor. The city of Troutdale has also completed several seg- ments of a regional greenway trail in the canyon for hiking and wildlife watching.

Burlington Northern rails-to-trails (2 acres) This corridor was originally envisioned to provide public access from Sauvie Island just north of the island bridge, over the Tualatin Mountains to the Tualatin Valley. At this time, a trail option is not likely, since the railroad company has not abandoned the rail corridor as previously planned.

Native plants and trees thrive in natural areas protected by Metro’s open spaces bond measure. C. Bruce Forster photos

5 Building a green ethic

he Greenspaces Master Plan was the first major legislation on the agenda when Susan McLain joined the Metro Council in 1991. Biologists had inventoried the significant undeveloped natural T areas in the region and the plan reflected a hope of what habitat might be protected and restored to give people the kind of outdoor experience that they enjoy and care about. Metro conducted a livability survey that year and among the top three items was “being close to nature.” People clearly expressed that nature was important to them, and played a special role in their lives. “I felt proud to vote on that,” Susan recalls. “It was a lot of fun to get started with something I care so much about.” Metro Councilor Susan McLain Jeffrey Simon photo Susan says, “It was hard to decide how She joined the campaign’s speaker’s to follow through on the Greenspaces bureau and made nearly 70 presenta- toration of urban greenspaces. Her sup- Master Plan – what were the best tools tions – sometimes two or three in one port for the acquisition program has been to restore, acquire and preserve the area’s evening – to neighborhood and commu- critical to maintaining the political will to most critical habitats? We decided to nity groups, parks providers, even groups go to the voters for their support.” support a bond measure.” In 1992, the like water conservation agencies. She Metro Council put a natural areas bond went door-to-door to convince voters to The Regional Trails Plan was another measure on the ballot, and it failed. support the plan. When the $135.6 mil- aspect of the Greenspaces Master Plan lion bond measure passed, Susan says, implementation and Susan, along with “We’re not giving up,” Susan insisted. “We took a dream and made it into a the other councilors, was involved in Instead, she and the other councilors reality. We promised 6,000 acres and ulti- development of the Springwater Corri- tried to figure out how best to give mately gave more than 8,000 acres. The dor, Rock Creek Greenway Trail, Fanno people the natural areas and parks close bond measure was a turning point for the Creek Greenway Trail, Peninsula Cross- to home that they said they wanted. In region.” ing Trail and more. The combination of 1995, another bond measure was put citizen support, agency commitment and on the ballot and Metro came up with a Mike Houck, director of the Urban success securing some federal transpor- new strategy. “We gave the public more Greenspaces Institute and urban natural- tation dollars moved many projects on specific information about the areas ist for the Audubon Society of Portland their way. we would go after – we identified key comments, “Councilor McLain has been properties and projects and promised we one of the most consistent voices on the The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which would purchase 6,000 acres.” Metro Council for the protection and res- provided funding for the region-wide inventory, also collaborated with Metro to create a Greenspaces grant program, and Susan was appointed to the panel that would choose the grant recipients. “That was another area I loved. I sat on the panel for close to five years, from 1996 to 2000, and it was an exciting time.” With $2.2 million in grants, more than 300 project recipients leveraged that money into $9 million to carry out their work on the ground.

“These were projects that were impor- tant for restoration and education in four counties – Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington and Clark. Families and children would go out on Saturdays and plant trees, or clean up a stream. It pre- sented people with a way to build a green ethic. It was fun, it was educational. The grant recipients were always groups that had a lot of partners. One project might have a middle school partnering with a county, a scout troop and a watershed Red-flowering currant organization. It was very proactive.” C. Bruce Forster photo 6 Thousands of people volunteered over the course of the Greenspaces grant pro- Former Metro Councilor gram, which inspired the Metro Council to fund a staff position for a volunteer coordinator to tap into that resource. explains the willing seller The program matured quickly. In 2004, 1,500 volunteers donated 32,000 hours approach of service to Metro Regional Parks and Greenspaces. “I’m proud of that,” Susan adds. “We have been able to engage the The 1995 open spaces bond mea- community and the result is having these sure was unanimously referred to great natural areas that are good for hab- voters by the Metro Council with the itat, good for recreation, good for clean air and clean water.” provision that it would be a willing seller program. This meant that land- In addition to using acquisition, edu- owners must voluntarily choose to cation and restoration to protect the sell their land to Metro and that the region’s great natural areas, the Metro government’s power of condemna- Council has worked with local govern- ments in the region to develop key regu- tion would be used, if ever, only in latory programs that help improve water the most extreme circumstances. The quality, prevent flooding and protect program has remained 100 percent important fish and wildlife habitat. This faithful to the willing seller policy fall, the Metro Council plans to adopt a fish and wildlife habitat protection plan and philosophy in all 261 transactions C. Bruce Forster photo called Nature in Neighborhoods. “It’s completed with landowners. The will- been contentious, complicated, exciting, ing seller policy was championed by and a long time in coming,” says Susan. Metro Councilor, Don Morissette. In I believe that government doesn’t have “In September when the plan is com- an interview with Metro staff, Don to rely on a heavy hand to be successful. plete, we’ll have another success story. It I thought that many private landowners talked about why. will show our commitment to fish and would be shocked that we were there to wildlife, the forest canopy, and maintain- work with them, not to force them. ing the beauty of the region and our con- Q: Was the willing seller policy nection to nature.” controversial? Q: Were there other benefits to the A fifth-generation Oregonian, Susan A: The willing seller approach was willing seller policy? grew up in Clackamas County and has really breaking new ground in 1994, but A: I think there was a lot more support lived for 30 years in Forest Grove. In the there was some resistance to this policy for the measure from unusual areas mornings, she teaches English, speech both internally and externally. There because we were working with people, and debate at Glencoe High School. Her was a fear that it might not work. We not forcing people. four children and three grandchildren proved to a lot of skeptics that it would strengthen her commitment to protect- work. Not to mention that litigation and ing the region’s natural resources. “Being argument cost a lot of money and a lot Q: Why did you think willing seller was a mother and a grandmother is a good of money could have been wasted that the right approach? wasn’t. Ultimately this provided more reality test of how you’re spending the By limiting our program to willing benefit to the public. A: public money, and what the benefits will sellers we allowed them to see the be.” She is pleased with what’s coming benefits to the community rather next. “The council is looking at 2006 Q: Why was the willing seller policy so than being deterred by their fear that for another possible natural areas bond important to you personally? we would be taking something from measure, to take a needed next step and them against their will. The legacy of continue the important and good work A: I wouldn’t support the bond measure this program is so powerful. I knew it that we have only just begun.” until the willing seller policy was included could be used effectively to motivate as a provision. I thought it was important landowners to become willing sellers. to show that people would be far more receptive to selling their land than maybe Don Morissette has been a home builder in the people thought. I wanted buy-in from the Portland metropolitan area for more than 30 years. community to have open space but also He was president of the Home Builders Association of for us as government to learn to deal with Metropolitan Portland in 1992 and served as a citizens on equal footing. The message Metro Councilor from 1994 to 1998. was, we’re not big brother, we’re just like you, trying to make the Portland area a better place for our children and our grandchildren.

7 some initial research to figure out if we The art of the deal: a willing could build the trail without his consent, as Metro did after all own the land now. But we quickly discovered the truth of seller program in action what a senior partner at the Chicago law firm where I started my career had by Jim Desmond, director of Metro Regional Parks and Greenspaces told me many years ago when he sat me down, legal pad and pen in hand, to re- ceive what he said would be a “detailed primer” on railroad law. He uttered just three words: “The railroad wins.”

Trains, trails and tuna melts

In most of the areas where Metro was buying land, if we couldn’t get our first choice, there were frequently alternative sites of high quality. But this was an all or nothing scenario – there would be no trail unless Mr. Samuels agreed. So it became my job to convince him to either sell to us altogether or agree to coexist in a “rail-with-trail” scenario. I called him up in early 1996 and suggested we meet. Springwater on the Willamette Trail He said I could meet him for lunch at C. Bruce Forster photo Libbie’s Restaurant in Milwaukie where, I quickly discovered, Mr. Samuels ate lunch nearly every day, and everyone etro officials often “The railroad wins” knew him. I was right where I needed to emphasize that the be – on his turf. open spaces bond Few of our successes were more dramatic measure has been a than the purchase of the corridor that We ate lunch at Libbie’s every month or so for about two years, though we had M strictly willing seller became the 3-mile Springwater on the Willamette Trail, starting just south of six or seven meetings before I attempted program, which is a nice way of OMSI and proceeding south along the to “negotiate” anything. Instead, I tried saying we didn’t force anyone to sell east side of the Willamette River, through to simply listen, and learn about Mr. us their land using condemnation. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge to Umatilla Samuels and his business. I came to un- Although it’s worth noting that nearly Street at the foot of the Sellwood Bridge. derstand that this was far more than a business for this man. He loved trains, every other metropolitan natural area We bought what is known in the real es- loved them in a way that other men protection program in the country tate business as the “underlying fee inter- might love golf, or bird watching, or that has resorted to condemnation, the est” (i.e. the dirt) from Portland General I love old Marvin Gaye records. He was words “willing seller” mean a lot Electric for a price well below market in a buff of train history and especially the more than that. a deal that PGE made as easy as any we old Portland Traction line. Mr. Samuels ever did. But that purchase was subject himself drove the freight trains through For those of us fortunate enough to have to an existing right-of-way in favor of an the corridor at 7 a.m. His company em- worked on this program, “willing seller” operating rail line that had existed there ployed his sons and his wife and they all isn’t a real estate construct – it’s about for more than one hundred years, for- worked together to operate the trains. people and building relationships. Con- merly called the Portland Traction line. Business is one thing, but a man’s pas- sider that very few of the 261 parcels of The current owner of the railroad rights sionate hobby is quite another, and fam- land that Metro has purchased as of July was Dick Samuels, whose company, ily usually trumps them both, so here 2005 were for sale. We identified key Oregon Pacific Railroad, moved freight I had the trifecta of commitment that properties and approached the landown- through the corridor and operated a sea- made any discussion with Mr. Samuels ers about selling their land. This is not- sonal excursion train known as Samtrak about a lot more than money. Metro so-affectionately known as “cold calling” between OMSI and Oaks Park. buying him out of his business was out in the sales business, and it isn’t always of the question. easy. But this strategy worked well, and When we started the deal, many people along the way we met great people, ac- warned me about Mr. Samuels, predict- Eventually, in between Mr. Samuels’ cumulated some amazing stories, and ing he would be difficult to deal with as passionate opinions about overly ag- learned a lot about how people in the he had tangled with various city bureaus gressive city bureaucrats and dog own- region feel about their land and their and neighbors for many years. We did ers trespassing along his tracks (despite community. his extensive signage including one that 8 read, “KEEP OUT – THIS MEANS into another negotiation with a railroad Last weekend, my five-year-old twin YOU”), I began to introduce the concept company in Nebraska. Meanwhile, the daughters learned to ride bikes (without of a “rail with trail.” I explained that a Oregon Department of Transportation training wheels, they would want me to fence would separate them and probably let us know how high the fence had to add), so I took them down to the trail for decrease the amount of trespassing on his be to meet their safety requirements a ride. From the distance, I heard a train tracks. I showed him photos of a similar and the city of Portland told us such approaching. About the time I could tell successful project from Seattle. a fence would violate their Willamette for sure the conductor was Mr. Samuels, River Greenway requirements designed he stuck his arm out the window and Many tuna melts later, we found our- to promote wildlife passage. (Being a waved at us, though with my sunglasses selves talking generally about relocating government agency, by the way, does not and helmet on, I’m sure he couldn’t have the track to the eastern side of the cor- exempt you from government bureau- recognized me. Over my right shoulder ridor to maximize the river views, how cracy.) We methodically worked our way was the best view in town of the down- the trail could be designed to avoid any through each issue and the deal closed in town Portland skyline. A lone kayaker crossing of the tracks at all by trail users, July 1998, two years after I first started was paddling near Ross Island and a and other approaches that would address talking to Mr. Samuels. great blue heron soared over the river Mr. Samuels’ concerns – which, by then, across the trail and the tracks to a grace- I had been hearing about for months Through it all, I came to know Mr. ful, muddy landing in Oaks Bottom. One and come to understand and respect. Samuels well and deeply respect his com- of my kids said, “Daddy, look, a train!” He had mentioned that one of his sons mitment to his work and the importance Job satisfaction doesn’t get any better was a bike rider, so I also outlined how of rail traffic. And I had learned that his than that for me. critical this corridor was to the regional word was his bond. He made good on off-street trail system and the legacy he every promise he ever made me. I made Remember, every time you hear the would be leaving his grandchildren if sure that Metro did, too. phrase “willing seller,” that there are sto- we could put a deal together. And I had ries behind those words – 261 stories and learned that all he needed to operate counting. trains in the corridor was 17 feet and Debuting “our trail” that most of the corridor was 60-100 When the city of Portland built the trail Jim Desmond has been the director of Metro Regional feet, so Metro would be buying a portion and it officially opened to the public in Parks and Greenspaces since 2003. He came to Metro of his right-of-way that he didn’t actually 2002, a ceremony was held with various in 1995 to run the open spaces acquisition program need. federal, Metro and city officials. Some and manage a team of real estate negotiators and people walked the new 3-mile trail while support staff. Before that, he was a project manager When we finally did get around to talk- others climbed aboard Mr. Samuels’ for the Trust for Public Land and a regional attorney ing about money, we both agreed the train as he drove people back and forth for The Nature Conservancy. He started his career as a value of the right-of-way was not easy to through the corridor. He told me that business attorney in Chicago. assess. But Mr. Samuels had mentioned day how excited he was about “our his dream of operating a rail museum trail.” someday, so I proposed the idea of Metro buying a building suitable for that pur- pose and trading it for most of the right- of-way and his consent to install the trail next to his operating rail corridor. We went to look at a warehouse in Sellwood that Mr. Samuels thought would do the The Springwater trick, and through one of the best strokes on the Willamette of good luck I’ve ever had, the asking Trail was designed price was exactly what we thought the and built by the right-of-way was worth. city of Portland with city and So we struck a deal, over lunch at Lib- bie’s of course – Metro would pay for the federal funds track relocation (which Mr. Samuels and and money his sons did for a small percentage of the from Portland’s going rate for such a job), and acquire local shareshare of the bond from Mr. Samuels all but 17 feet of the measure.measure. It is estimated that moremore than rail corridor, in exchange for the building 400,000 people per year use the trail for wildlife watching, in Sellwood. recreation, exercise and getting to work. Then we ran into a series of complica- tions. We learned that when Mr. Samu- In 2003, the Springwater on the Willamette Trail won the Rail-Trail els’ company bought the rail line, Port- Design Recognition Award for “rail-with-trail” projects from the Rails-to- land Traction reserved the right to ap- Trails Conservancy and the American Society of Landscape Architects. prove any subsequent changes to the rail easement or future improvements in the corridor. So suddenly we were thrown 9 PGE continues partnership with Metro to improve fish habitat

By Stephen Quennoz, vice president of power supply for Portland General Electric

n the electric business, we know the value of connec- tions. By working together I with others in our service territory and throughout the region, we’ve all been able to accom- plish great things for our community. One shining example of this is the environmental stewardship efforts that Metro, Portland General Electric and other partners have developed during the last decade through the Metro open spaces program.

In 1995, Oregonians spoke loud and clear: parks and natural areas are an important investment. We couldn’t agree more and as Oregon’s largest utility, we’ve contributed millions of dollars in restoring the environment, including $3 million to enhancing fish habitat along the Clackamas River.

During the last three years, PGE and PGE project manager John Esler (left) and Metro natural resource manager Jim Morgan translated Metro have partnered to restore envi- a unique partnership into remarkable results on the ground. Their work together along the ronmentally sensitive land in Clackamas Clackamas River will benefit wild salmon for generations. County, an area where we operate four PGE photo hydroelectric facilities. These facilities provide about 30 percent of our annual hydroelectric generation, an important were observed utilizing the cooler water Clackamas, Deschutes and Willamette renewable resource for customers. and log structures of the ground water rivers. side channel near Barton Park. In 2004, we worked with Metro, Oregon Improving the environment of the rivers Wildlife Heritage Foundation, Oregon We share Metro’s vision of restoring river where our customers benefit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife and ri- habitat so its lands can contribute to a generation of hydro power is an issue our parian restoration specialists Inter-Fluve, healthy, functioning river system, and we customers care about, and the steward- Inc. to complete restoration of the former continue to work with Metro to develop ship of these resources is a commitment side channels along the Clackamas River. the environmental potential of natural we take very seriously. With the goal of providing habitat for areas along the Clackamas River and its juvenile salmon in the Clackamas River tributaries. I’m not aware of any other PGE, Metro and local nonprofit organi- near the Barton Bridge, this $1.3 mil- utility that has this unique relationship zations will continue to strengthen the lion project will increase the survival of with a government organization to re- health of the river system with two young salmon migrating downstream to store public lands. additional projects. the Pacific Ocean, ultimately resulting in more adult salmon returning to the We have a long-standing history of in- Clear Creek Clackamas River. corporating environmental perspectives in our utility operations and business The first project is restoration activities The project site is within 608 acres of practices. In fact, the first aquatic biolo- in Clear Creek, an important tributary riparian and island natural area that was gists started working for PGE almost 50 that enters the Clackamas River near purchased by Metro with funds from the years ago, and we now have 12 biologists Carver. Metro protected 520 acres along open spaces bond measure. Within weeks working on fisheries issues where we Clear Creek as part of the open spaces of completing construction, hundreds have hydroelectric facilities: the Sandy, bond measure, and PGE is contributing of steelhead, coho and Chinook salmon $500,000 to fund a series of projects 10 on this land and sites of neighboring landowners. Additional partners include Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation with a donation of $100,000 and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which will provide project design and permitting assistance. The Clackamas Basin Watershed Council will work with landowners in the basin to gather sup- port and cooperation for these activities. With this incredible team of partners and the support of the community, we are sure to see a lot of progress on the ground in 2005.

The goal of this restoration project is to replace culverts that restrict fish passage and add log structures to provide habitat for juvenile salmon and steelhead. Ten sites with willing landowners have been identified in the Clear Creek basin that would benefit from salmon habitat im- provements. Metro’s Clear Creek natural Metro’s largest acquisition along the Clackamas River is a 239-acre natural area known as River area is the cornerstone of this bold un- Island. Just upstream and across the river from Barton Park, 130 acres were donated to Metro dertaking. Improvements to this area are by Parker-Northwest Paving Co., while the remainder was purchased. PGE and Metro will work expected to be completed by the end of together to implement a series of restoration projects at the site that will contribute dramatically the summer. to fish and wildlife habitat on the river. C. Bruce Forster photo River Island We’re excited to celebrate all of the ac- The second project is located on the complishments of Metro’s open spaces former site of a mining operation up- program. As presenting sponsor of Open stream from Barton Park. During the Spaces, Treasured Places, PGE is proud major flooding in February 1996, the to be a part of this historic milestone Clackamas River cut off a 1,000-meter that honors 10 years of environmental meander channel and eroded more than stewardship and ground-breaking part- 100,000 cubic yards of gravel from the nerships. river bank and into the mining settlement ponds. These changes damaged salmon Building on our successes on the habitat and created a refuge for non-na- Clackamas, PGE and Metro will con- tive fish that prey on young salmon. tinue to work together to improve and maintain the health of Oregon’s streams, Metro acquired the River Island site af- rivers and open spaces. It’s a connection ter the 1996 flood with plans to restore that has proved to be very powerful. the site. In 2005, PGE and its partners funded an investigation of the physical Stephen Quennoz oversees all aspects of PGE’s and biological changes that have resulted generation and power supply operations, including from the meander cut-off site. Based on oversight of the operation and maintenance of PGE’s the findings, PGE plans to propose and eight hydroelectric power plants. help fund a package of restoration proj- ects to benefit salmon slated for imple- mentation in 2006. Metro, PGE and their partners moved 40,000 Restoring the River Island site will be a cubic yards of earth and placed hundreds of major undertaking because this area is huge logs and boulders to recreate an old side still active with channel migration and channel system along the Clackamas River to changes in biological utilization. It’s by provide vital habitat for young salmon. The far the largest project PGE has been in- $1.3 million project, the largest of its kind volved with of this type and offers the in Oregon, will increase the ability for coho, single largest salmon habitat restoration chinook, steelhead and trout to survive and opportunity in the Clackamas River help improve the status of salmon populations basin. in the river. PGE photo

11 Don, other volunteers and Metro staff “Get a shovel and come discovered by trial and error that if they cut the scotch broom below the first fresh green sprout, 90 percent of the over here” plants wouldn’t mature and go to seed. It saved them from the work of digging up the huge plants, which also had the ’m just a guy who doesn’t want to pay health club dues,” positive effect of no longer turning up protests Don McCarty, who shies away from praise for the six soil and exposing fresh seeds. “That was years he volunteered as a natural area steward for Metro’s kind of a fun discovery,” Don notes with “I Canemah Bluff property. “It’s just the way I get my exercise. a smile. Rather than jogging up and down the street, I prefer to do After a while areas formerly impen- something that helps me out and is productive for the environment.” While etrable were cleared to make noticeable he’s recently adopted other sites closer to his home, twice a week Don got a trails. At one end is a spectacular view healthy workout, trekking around the bluff with clippers, pruners, a hand over the edge of a steep cliff looking saw and a bottle of water and tackling the invasive scotch broom and ivy down to the Willamette River flowing far that had enveloped the landscape. below. The trails now wind through the meadows and woods, and Metro natu- ralists lead hikes around the property, But the site was smothered in invasive which the city of Oregon City will open species. “It was like a scotch broom to the public. forest,” Don recalls. “The plants were six to eight feet high. In some places While Don usually chose to work alone, you couldn’t even walk. The trees were enjoying the solitary work, he was fre- draped in deadly ivy, some vines three quently visited at the site by neighbor inches in diameter.” Twice a week Don Howard Klemson, a millwright, former went to work, about four hours at a Oregon City mayor, and amateur his- time. torian who regaled Don with stories. Canemah Bluff sets amid the Canemah That first spring Metro brought in a Historic District, a community of charm- group of AmeriCorps volunteers, “eight ing historic houses, listed on the National to ten kids who were on site for at least Register of Historic Places. At the far end a week.” Don worked with the kids to of the property is the Canemah Historic clear out scotch broom, digging it out Pioneer Cemetery, founded in 1865. and amassing huge piles, before the Howard and another neighbor acted shrubs went to seed. Another time Metro as caretakers of the cemetery, with its brought in a work party of about 20 graves and headstones dating back from people, who cleared out a dump site with the early 1800s. about a hundred years of trash in a single Don hopes that more folks will step up Volunteer steward Don McCarty morning. to volunteer as stewards for Metro’s Ron Klein photo Then came the goats. “There was a natural areas. He reflects, “When I large area of 5- to 6-foot high extremely watch people bicycling and jogging over In 1998 Metro purchased Canemah healthy blackberries.” About two hun- by Oaks Park and I’m doing restoration Bluff, the 39 acres atop a forested dred goats were rented and, according to work nearby, it makes me think that’s a ridge overlooking Oregon City, a last- Don, “they did a marvelous job of wip- lot of energy going up in smoke. I want minute rescue from a 139-unit housing ing them out.” to say, ‘Get a shovel and come over here.’ development that was already platted I’d like to see more and staked. Not long afterwards, Don, Through it all, Don worked methodical- people turning in already a familiar volunteer, was asked ly, making a bigger and bigger dent in the their health to help out. He was immediately taken invasive species. Ultimately Metro pur- club dues with the property, which encompasses chased adjoining Canemah Bluff prop- and pick- a lush pristine forest, meadows and erties for a total of 134 acres. “It was ing up a a large wetland. In the woods are tall painfully obvious what to do,” he quips. pruner. In madrone trees, huge firs and Oregon “You didn’t need a plan. Just attack. It an ideal white oak. When you see something like seemed you never ran out of challenges. world, this, undisturbed, you want to become a It was a great feeling to go back the next more part of it.” He would look at an ancient year and see one-third as many young people tree with a broken trunk and imagine its plants and the next year almost none. would be doing history. One area was completely eradicated of something for the scotch broom. But other areas seemed environment.” inexhaustible.”

12 Local share projects Become a volunteer steward keep nature close to home

f you think I wenty-five million dollars The nature park has served as an Don McCarty is T of the open spaces bond funds important environmental education on to something, resource to nearby schools. Students were invested in local projects. a volunteer from Reynolds School District worked steward position Park providers around the region with city staff and local scientists to might be right completed more than 100 projects to conduct research and gather data on for you. Inspired improve, expand or add to their parks the flora and fauna of the site. Teachers by the dedication and natural areas by acquiring new attended training sessions on wetlands, of a handful of data collection and stewardship. Students land, restoring habitat and building volunteers like used their research to create interpretive Don, Metro is new trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, signs and a brochure for Salish Ponds launching a new boat launches and other facilities. Wetlands Park. program that will give more people the opportu- Located in virtually every city, county Today, trails connect two adjacent nity to develop a special relation- and neighborhood in the region, schools, neighborhoods and Fairview ship to a particular Metro park or these efforts have protected our water City Hall to the wetland park, offering natural area through service and quality, provided fish and wildlife with people the opportunity to study and leadership. places to live and offered people more appreciate wetlands and how they help opportunities for hiking, walking, nature protect our water quality. In addition Volunteer stewards visit their study, recreation and escape close to to the trails, the park includes a fishing adopted site on a regular basis and home. dock, footbridges, picnic areas, viewing work the land individually – tear- platforms and interpretive signs. Habitat ing out invasive species, planting Salish Ponds Wetlands Park improvements were made by restoring natives, removing debris and more. native vegetation. They also lead volunteer groups in Fairview in these and similar activities from The land for the wetlands park was time to time, which helps facilitate Wetlands and the waterfowl, bats, donated to the city by local residents and a valuable community connection frogs and other wildlife they attract businesses. Funding from the local share at these precious natural areas. are often very visible signs of nature in portion of the open spaces bond measure, neighborhoods. Even relatively small paired with the land donation and the Successful candidates will be ener- wetland areas pack a punch ecologically help of volunteers on restoration efforts, getic people who are passionate – providing essential nesting, feeding, was critical to the success of the project. about parks and natural areas, like resting and wintering areas for migratory working alone and with others, birds and other wildlife. As with enjoy strenuous labor and look elsewhere across the nation and around forward to getting their hands dirty the world, the once-bountiful wetlands in in all kinds of weather. Stewards our region have been disappearing, lost volunteer at least two times per to meeting the needs for housing, jobs month (averaging about 10 hours and industry. Development continues per month). Natural areas are to be a threat, making it ever more available throughout Multnomah, important to find opportunities to Washington and Clackamas coun- permanently protect wetlands and the ties. Since most of the sites are not wildlife populations that depend on accessible by public transportation, them. access to personal transportation is required. Salish Ponds Wetlands Park is a 70-acre natural area park in Fairview protected If you are interested in exploring as part of the open spaces bond measure. a volunteer steward position, call Fairview Creek, two ponds with Mary West at (503) 797-1814 or characteristic cattails and an Oregon send e-mail to [email protected]. ash woodland are prominent features. or.us. Established with wildlife in mind, the The local share program helped fund natural area is home to a variety of improvements at Salish Ponds Wetlands Park. wildlife including herons, waterfowl, hawks, owls, songbirds, raccoons, coyote, deer, frogs, snakes and more.

13 veloped, the Hewitts were troubled by The secret place of the condors people trying to camp, leaving trash, and coming up from the creek and trespass- ing. Marie recalls, “Once someone tried to break into the garage. I showed him a shotgun and said, ‘Don’t come back!’”

Metro had purchased the 46 acres next to the Hewitt’s site, and was interested in their property. Besides the many trees the Hewitts had planted, the for- est includes a predominantly native understory of shrubs and groundcover, with Pacific yew, red elderberry, Oregon grape, fringecup, sword fern and wild ginger. The reach of Clear Creek that runs through the property is a still-fully- functioning stream draining the Cascade Mountains that is perfect for coho and chinook salmon. What appears as a fast flowing, whitewater river during winter runoff slows in summer to pool-riffles with gravel beds and large log jams. The location and natural integrity of the he 28 acres are mostly erty and the house burned down. Joe’s property provides connectivity to the forest. The land was dad died in 1967 and in 1970 Joe, Marie larger wildlife habitat of the Cascades, as and his mother decided to move back to evidenced by tracks of black bear, cougar logged once, but some the woods. They had a well dug and built and elk. T old growth, including a new house. huge western red cedar After Metro bought the Hewitt’s prop- trees, remains. A year-round creek, Marie says, “I wasn’t used to having so erty in 2003, the two adjacent sites were a tributary of the Clackamas, still much space. I ended up enjoying it. It joined together and provided to the was very beautiful, and fun to see the Oregon Zoo for their condor recovery harbors steelhead and salmon runs. wildlife. I used to look out the window program. It’s an ideal setting and has re- In the many years they lived on the and see three or four deer.” Joe adds, sulted in the most advanced condor facil- place, Joe and Marie Hewitt planted “We’d see most everything. A lot of red- ity constructed to date anywhere. The trees – Spanish yews, Douglas fir, red- tailed hawks. Beaver dams on the creeks. area needed to be secluded, away from woods, flowering plums, cherry, blue Hummingbirds would come to the feeder human intrusion, yet within a 30-min- in your hand. Just about everything that ute drive of an international airport for spruce, myrtle. “We liked trees,” Joe lives in the Willamette Valley was there.” emergency transport of eggs or birds to says by way of explanation. Their two daughters and son got inter- other locations in the country. Two sci- ested in wildlife, too. entists are living on the site. “They incu- Joe’s roots to the place sink deep. Return- bated the eggs in our basement,” Marie ing from World War II, his father bought The Hewitts raised wolves that ran wild comments. “The flying cages are on the the property in the fall of 1945. Long be- through the woods. “They’re indepen- adjoining property.” The condors, former fore, a Norwegian had built a traditional dent,” Joe comments. “They don’t be- residents of Oregon, have successfully V-roofed log cabin that had been badly long to you, you belong to them.” They produced hatchlings. They’re being raised vandalized and was uninhabitable. The had four wolves, and one had pups that in specially-constructed flight pens, for Hewitt family moved into a small house they sold to Native Americans in Warm later release back into the wild. that had been started in the middle of the Springs. “When we first got the wolves, forest. It was 2 1/4 miles off the highway, no one was living on the property next Someday the Hewitt’s place may have with no electricity or running water and door, but when neighbors moved onto hiking paths so people can come and lighted by kerosene lamps. “It was pretty the place, we had to curtail them, and explore the trees and creek. For today, primitive. I wasn’t too fond of it at the finally decided to give them away. We the property plays an important role in start,” Joe says. “We had to carry up advertised, “Free wolf to a good home.” bringing an endangered species back water from the creek a quarter mile.” The from the edge of extinction. A new gen- land around was all forest, too, and there As the years passed, Joe says, the prop- eration of condors is getting its start in were occasional bears and cougars. erty became too much to handle. “It was a special place – a protected place with getting to where we couldn’t take care of a deep ravine, a creek where salmon and Eventually running water and electric- it. We’d always kept two acres mowed, steelhead still run and ancient cedars ity were installed, but Joe left home and and that was getting to be too much.” tower above the forest. went to college. He and Marie were mar- As neighboring areas became more de- ried in 1951. Later his folks left the prop-

14 The Oregon Zoo supports wildlife Bringing a beautiful buzzard conservation efforts all over the world, but some of the most important work we do helps endangered and threatened back to Oregon species in our own backyard. It’s been a long time since condors soared through by Tony Vecchio, director of the Oregon Zoo the Columbia Gorge, but they were once our local wildlife. We decided to throw our hat into the ring with the California Condor Recovery Program, even though it was a long shot and we didn’t have the space to house the condors if we were accepted.

When the Oregon Zoo was invited into the program in 2001, we were only able to move ahead thanks to Metro’s open spaces acquisition program. Conservation staff from the zoo and natural resource scientists from Metro Regional Parks and Greenspaces Department worked together to come up with a suitable site for the condor facility. They found it in a natural area along Clear Creek in Clackamas County acquired with funds from Metro’s open spaces bond measure. This unique opportunity for the zoo and the parks and greenspaces department to work together, along with the support and leadership of the Metro Council, has In 1987, the world’sworld’s 27 remainingremaining CaliforniaCalifornia condors werewere taken into captivity in an attempt to reaffirmed for me how committed Metro save the species from extinction. As of 2004, there are 274 birds; 114 are free-flying in California, is to conservation. Arizonia and Baja. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo Since our program got off the ground late in 2003, three condor chicks have been hatched at the Clear Creek facility. When I became director of the they obtained a condor specimen and Two of the chicks, Kun Wak Shun and Oregon Zoo in 1998, if someone had examined it. Their journal documented a Tatoosh, are being raised there and are bird with a 9-foot-2-inch wingspan, red asked about bringing California doing well. Current construction at the head and a sound like a dog. facility will add breeding space and a condors back to Oregon, I would new pre-release “boot camp” to prepare have called the notion highly Of course, the California condor was juvenile condors for eventual release to improbable: A pie in the sky dream in Oregon long before Lewis and Clark the wild. Though those releases will not (more accurately, an endangered bird came to town. Condor bones more than take place in Oregon, it brings us one 9,000 years old have been found in in an Oregon sky dream). Well, it step closer to a goal I no longer view as Oregon Native American middens. Also improbable – bringing Lewis and Clark’s wasn’t long before someone did ask. known as the “thunderbird,” the condor “beautiful buzzard” back to Oregon. The zoo’s marketing manager, Jane appeared in the traditional art of the Hartline, came into my office one day Wasco Indians and other local tribes. The Tony Vecchio began his zoo career in 1969 at the in 1999 and said she thought a great native peoples of the Pacific Northwest Highland Park Zoo in Pittsburgh, Pa. Prior to joining considered it a helper who was believed way for the zoo to participate in the the Oregon Zoo, he served nine years as director at to bring storms, rain, thunder and upcoming bicentennial anniversary of the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, R.I., which lightning. became a leading organization in zoo conservation Lewis and Clark’s journey would be to and innovative exhibit design under his direction. bring California condors back The last reported sighting of a California to Oregon. condor in Oregon happened in 1904 near Drain. Populations of California condors In the 1805 and 1806 journal entries of began to decline everywhere in the wild explorers Lewis and Clark, the California in the twentieth century and by 1987, the condor appeared repeatedly. In 1805, the world’s remaining 27 California condors explorers reported seeing “a beautiful were taken into captivity in an attempt to buzzard of the Columbia,” a bird that save the species from extinction. seemed larger than any they had seen before in North America. In 1806 15 R L Open ISpaces. Treasured S Places.

Protected natural areas and local park projects Multnomah Channel

Vancouver

Banks

Peninsula North Plains Crossing Trail Camas Willamette Washougal Cove Whitaker Forest Ponds Park Columbia River Jackson Bottom Shoreline Dairy/McKay Maywood Park Creeks Fairview Troutdale Portland Wood Village Hillsboro Rock Creek Forest Grove Cornelius

Jackson Beaver Creek Gales Bottom Gresham Canyon Trail Creek

Sandy Fanno Springwater River East Beaverton Creek On The Gorge Buttes/Boring Greenway Willamette Trail Lava Domes

Tryon Creek Linkages Milwaukie Cooper Happy Valley Gaston Mountain Damascus Tigard Trolley Trail

King City Lake Oswego Johnson City R L I S Tualatin R E G I O N A L L A N D I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M River Sandy Durham Clackamas Access River Greenway Tualatin Rivergrove Tualatin Gladstone Metro open space acquisitions River Access Public parks and open spaces Clear Creek Local share acquisitions Sherwood Canyon and improvements Newell West Linn Creek Existing public trails Oregon City Canyon Canemah Freeways Tonquin Bluff Geologic Area

Wilsonville Willamette *(Incorporated Cities shown as various Narrows color shades on shaded relief background) Graham Oaks Estacada Natural Area

Miles

0 1 2 4 6

▼ Canby ▼ N METRO DATA RESOURCE CENTER Barlow 600 NORTHEAST GRAND AVENUE PORTLAND, OREGON 97232-2736 TEL (503) 797-1742 FAX (503) 797-1909 [email protected] www.metro-region.org

Please recycle with mixed paper Rare wildflowers return to Cooper Mountain Natural Area

any people associate Naked broomrape is a small plant that the Pacific Northwest grows to a maximum height of 6 inches. It is found on rocky, thin soils grow- with vast landscapes ing beneath native saxifrages. Clustered M of towering firs and broomrape is about 3 inches tall and moist conifer forests. grows in association with the plant woo- ly sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum) in the In truth, there are many habitats that Aster family. Both plants are annuals and make up our environment, including are fleeting on the landscape. They ap- rolling and rocky landscapes of oak pear for one or two weeks in the spring, woodlands, savannas and prairies produce seed and are gone. that once dominated the floor and Camas (Camassia quamash)is a native rocky buttes of the Willamette Valley. lily found in wet prairie throughout the Valley. The bulbs of this plant were a Metro’s Cooper Mountain Natural primary winter food source for Native Area is just such a place, and one of Pale larkspur Americans. Bulbs were collected en masse the few remaining in the Portland and were steam cooked in a pit for sev- metropolitan area. eral days. After this process, the bulbs cooked into a sweet, sticky molasses-like substance. The finished products were Cooper Mountain lies at the western cakes, dried and used during the winter edge of Beaverton. Purchased in 1996 months when little food was available. through Metro’s open spaces, parks and streams bond measure, the site supports Because of the importance of Camas as 247 acres of conifer forest, oak wood- a food source, Native Americans would land and upland prairie nestled between burn many acres of prairie each fall to agricultural lands and housing develop- stimulate production of this species. ments. At first glance, a walk through the Camas and many other native prairie site offers up a common display of grassy species are dependent on disturbances fields and young stands of oak trees. such as fire and grazing to sustain popu- Closer examination reveals a world of lations on a site. Without these natural rare and unique wildflowers at your feet. disturbances, many of these native plants There are a number of species at Cooper decline and eventually disappear from the Mountain found in only a few locations Naked broomrape landscape. in the northern Willamette Valley. Cooper Mountain’s prairie was domi- Pale larkspur (Delphinium leucopha- nated by tall scotch broom when Metro eum) is a perennial species found in dry purchased the site in 1996. Since then, upland prairie and occurs on a handful Metro scientists have employed a com- of sites in southern Washington and bination of management practices to northwestern Oregon. It is a beautiful restore and maintain botanical diversity creamy white flower with a purple spot including extensive cutting of scotch in the center. The plant is unique in that broom, prescribed burns in 1997 and it can tolerate tremendously dry, exposed 2001, and selected hand-cutting of other sites with very thin soils. It adapts to this target noxious weeds, such as tall oat- environment by going dormant early in grass (Arrhenatherum eliatus). In 2004, the growing season and growing very Metro closed two old logging roads run- slowly over the first several years, often ning through the prairie and removed not blooming until its fifth season. deep soil areas (which favored noxious weeds) associated with an old off-road Naked broomrape (Orobanche bike course. This work was topped off uniflora) and clustered broomrape Camas by the introduction of more than 250 (Orobanche fasciculata) are two min- pounds of native grass and wildflower iature plants that also grow in Cooper seed and five tons of native straw. Much Mountain’s upland prairies. Both of these of the seed introduced last year was plants are fully parasitic which means derived from seed collected at Cooper they get all of their nutrients from their Mountain over the past decade. host plant and do not photosynthesize. 18 This patch of Metro Council works to provide wildflowers brought public access to nature to you by . . .

n 2004, the Metro Council master plan to make the area accessible approved new funding for to the public with a trailhead, parking public access improvements lot, restroom and trails. Groundbreaking for this project is anticipated in 2006. I to up to four regional natural areas protected by the open spaces, parks and streams bond mea- Cooper Mountain sure. Plans are under way to make Natural Area improvemnts at three sites – Graham With an emphasis on use by hikers, the Oaks in Wilsonville, Mt. Talbert near Cooper Mountain Natural Area will Milwaukie and Cooper Mountain feature a 3 1/2-mile trail network includ- near Beaverton. ing an equestrian loop and a universally • Passage of the open spaces, accessible summit trail with commanding parks and streams bond With the help of the public and local views of the Tualatin River Valley and park providers, each of these areas has measure (1995) Chehalem mountains. Two access points a master plan completed or in the works with parking, restrooms and picnic tables • Acquisition of the Cooper that will guide the recreation opportuni- will be developed and an environmental Mountain Natural Area (1996) ties and continued restoration activities education classroom is planned that can at each site. The plans strike a careful double as community meeting space. • Hundreds of staff and balance between providing opportunities The master plan is still being drafted and volunteer hours dedicated for the public to use and enjoy their new opportunities for public involvement to removing a scotch broom natural areas and enhancing the water will continue throughout 2005. Ground- forest and keeping invasive quality and habitat values that made breaking for this project is not antici- plants at bay (1996 to present) them important for protection in the first pated until 2007 or 2008. place. • Prescribed burns on the Graham Oaks property which help control Mt. Talbert Natural Area invasive plants and cause Natural Area wildflower seeds to germinate The largest undeveloped butte in North- (1997 and 2001) ern Clackamas County, Mt. Talbert rises Known to many as the Wilsonville Tract, this 230-acre acquisition is at the heart • Native seed collection by as a forested green sentinel overlooking the web of development that surrounds it of one of the most celebrated success AmeriCorps and community and the busy I-205 and Sunnyside Road stories of Metro’s open spaces, parks and volunteers interchange just to the west. Metro, in streams bond measure. The property in- cludes a mix of forested canyons, season- • Contracted seed amplification partnership with North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District has purchased al wetlands and open farmland. In 2004, by Willamette Valley seed elected officials from Wilsonville and growers and Portland Bureau a total of 183 acres including the top and the west and north facing slopes, Metro adopted a master plan for public of Environmental Services which are visible to tens of thousands of use and natural resource protection and • Restoration of prairie terrain people who travel daily on I-205 or visit gave the site a new name – Graham Oaks Natural Area. The natural area holds a by closing logging roads and Clackamas Town Center. Both Metro and the park district have approved a unique place in the community – serving removing dirt bike mounds as an outdoor classroom for nearby stu- (2004) dents, a green buffer for a new planned • Reintroduction of clarkia development for approximately 5,000 new residents and an important link in amoena native seed, along a proposed regional trail envisioned to with 250 pounds of seed from extend from the Tualatin River National other natives, paid for with a Wildlife Refuge through the Tonquin Greenspaces conservation and geologic area to the Willamette River. restoration grant (2004) Major restoration work at the site means groundbreaking for improvements is not likely before 2010. . . . you!

19 Restoration greatest hits

hen Metro’s science Putting the “flood” back and stewardship in floodplain team leader Jim Morgan looks out At Metro’s 326-acre Multnomah Chan- W nel Natural Area and 2,000-acre Smith over a meadow full and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, new of scotch broom or an abandoned water control structures are allowing dairy farm, he sees the oak savanna natural resource managers to simulate or Geyer willow marsh that thrived historical river flooding patterns. The there hundreds of years ago. Each of early returns have exceeded expectations. the natural areas protected by the Seasonal flooding drowns out invasive plant species and makes way for native open spaces, parks and streams bond marsh plants. Fish, bird and amphibian measure presents a unique challenge use has increased significantly. Both sites to Metro’s science and stewardship are likely to provide off-channel rearing team, but generally the approach habitat for young salmon on their way to is the same – take the land back to the Pacific Ocean. its roots. Gotter Prairie “You don’t reverse 150 years of degrada- tion overnight,” says Morgan, “but it is A restored wet prairie and oak/pine amazing how much memory is held by savanna at a Metro natural area along the Tualatin River is now the largest the landscape. If you take out some of MetroMetro ranger Adam Stellmacher leads a piece of this rare habitat type in the the obstacles and start nudging it in the volunteer tree planting at Cooper Mountain Tualatin River Valley. Dominated entirely right direction, the land can return to its Natural Area. true nature.” by native plant species, Gotter Prairie Jane Dunkin photo represents Tualatin River floodplain plant Metro scientists begin by researching communities that are now rarely found. the historical conditions of each site. he says. “We come in and wrestle with Already the site is attracting a diverse Sometimes old survey data and historical the weeds, take out a dam or plant a lot array of birds rarely found together on a photos are available; often conversations of trees, and then we stand back and let single site. with landowners and neighbors help fill the land work its magic. Suddenly one in the gaps. There also are hints on the spring, the meadow you tore all that Johnson Creek dam removal landscape – remnant native plants and scotch broom out of is covered in rare evidence of changes in the hydrology. wildflowers that haven’t grown there The removal of a dam at a Metro natural for 100 years. Birds start coming back. area on Johnson Creek in 2001 improved Then they begin a careful analysis of the Young salmon start hanging out in the fish passage conditions to allow cut- site’s current conditions and the oppor- side channel you built for them. Rare throat trout and coho salmon to once tunities and limitations for restoration. frogs and turtles are breeding in muddy again spawn upstream in this urban/rural Can original hydrology be restored? Does ponds of the tidal wetland you recreated. creek. This includes access to the reach of the site integrate into a larger ecological It’s awesome.” the creek on Metro’s property that con- landscape? What will be the future use tains, according to Oregon Department of the site and the surrounding area and Here is a handful of highlights: of Fish and Wildlife, the best fish refuge how does that use impact restoration? potential on Johnson Creek, with shade Will invasive plants continue to be rein- Reforestation cover, deep pools, large woody debris troduced by flooding or trail usage? How and back waters. The dam was the only much will it cost and what are the avail- Nearly one million trees and shrubs have known structural obstacle on Johnson able funding sources? Out of the answers been planted on Metro natural areas, Creek preventing or inhibiting fish pas- to these questions, a strategy emerges and establishing reforestation processes on sage to the headwaters. the team goes to work – often with the more than 1,200 acres. Clear cuts and help of partners, grant money and hun- abandoned fields are being returned to Knocking out knotweed dreds of volunteers. native forest lands, resulting in more diverse wildlife habitat and reduction in One of the biggest challenges to restora- Despite a number of notable accomplish- greenhouse gases. tion efforts all over the globe is invasive ments among the early results of their species – plants and animals that have work, Morgan won’t take much of the settled into new habitats without bring- credit. “We’re just aiding and abetting,” ing along the predators or conditions that keep them in check in their homelands. 20 Metro’s natural areas are no exception. and individuals are invited to contribute On the 1,100 acres and nine miles of to this fund to expand restoration efforts. stream and river frontage Metro pur- To become a partner or learn more about If you build it, chased along the Clackamas River and its the fund, call the foundation at (503) they will come. tributaries, one of the biggest threats to 417-8700. riparian habitat has been Japanese knot- weed. Through a coordinated effort that Volunteers have left an impressive included funding from Oregon Water- mark on Metro’s natural areas. In an shed Enhancement Board, three years of average year, more than 20,000 hours AmeriCorps crews from the Northwest are donated by volunteers helping Service Academy, a partnership with The Metro’s science and stewardship team Nature Conservancy, and the cooperation with their restoration efforts. Volunteers of dozens of private landowners in the plant native trees and shrubs, remove watershed, Metro has helped develop a fences and invasive species, lead new eradication approach for knotweed. community and school groups, collect An ongoing effort led by the Clackamas and propagate native seeds, and help Basin Watershed Council will build on document the results of all this hard the early success and keep everyone work by monitoring the plants and Metro’s natural areas protect working together. wildlife at restoration sites. These and more than just trees and salmon. many other volunteer opportunities are a Native amphibians have also ben- A little help from our friends great way to connect to nature and your efited from increases in habitat. community by helping to build a legacy Metro’s acquisitions and restoration of clean water and protected natural efforts during the last ten years have The open spaces bond measure did not areas for people and wildlife. For more added more than a thousand acres include funds for restoration of the information, visit www.metro-region. of wetlands and forest used by na- acquisitions – only a small amount to org/parks or call Mary West at (503) tive amphibians like the red-legged “stabilize” the properties and protect 797-1814. frog, listed as a “sensitive species” them from degradation. The significant by the state of Oregon. Red-legged accomplishments described above would frogs have declined regionally due not have been possible without a lot of in part to losses in suitable habitat help from partners, funders, donors and as well as pressure from non-native volunteers. bullfrogs. Red-legged frogs require pond water more than a foot deep Metro has received nearly $2 million in between February and July for their grant funds, donations and contributions breeding season and for tadpoles to toward its restoration efforts. In 2002, develop. Metro and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation established the Wild Heritage In 2001 Metro and its partners Fund to help restore important and rare installed water control structures native habitat. Businesses, foundations at Metro’s 326-acre Multnomah Channel Natural Area, restoring seasonal flooding during the winter and spring according to historic flood cycles. Prior to this restora- tion, red-legged frog breeding was restricted to two very small ponds, each 3-4 acres in size. Within just three years, red-legged frogs were breeding throughout 150 acres of new wetlands created by the new re- gime. As an added benefit, the new flood cycle is actually bad for bull- frogs, which breed in early summer. Killin Wetlands in Banks and Gotter Prairie along the Tualatin River are also boasting expanded red-legged frog populations since wetlands were restored there.

C. Bruce Forster photos 21 social connectivity through a community New development maximizes design that includes many spaces for people to get together. Front yard square footage has been reduced to situate and protects the value homes closer to sidewalks and allow for larger common areas. Villebois features a network of trails that run through several of natural areas of the property’s parks and open spaces and connect the community’s three neigh- By Rudy Kadlub, chief executive officer of Costa Pacific Communities borhoods with the Village Center. These trails also extend beyond the borders of the community and connect to a regional trail being planned for the area by Metro and its partners. The Tonquin Trail will connect Villebois to schools, employment centers, natural areas, parks and provide opportunities for recreation, exercise and wildlife watching.

As much as natural areas provide benefits for a community’s residents, there is also a responsibility on the part of developers to preserve the environmental value of a property. The Villebois community was designed around existing natural features – which include trees, wetlands, natural preserves and the topographical layout of the land – to limit the effect development would have on the property.

Other measures have been taken to Metro’s Graham Oaks Natural Area (the forest and fields pictured in the foreground) borders ensure that the land retains the natu- Villebois, a new 500-acre community being planned in Wilsonville. ral conditions that existed prior to the C. Bruce Forster photo development as fully as possible. This has included a comprehensive rainwater management system, which replaces the or residents of the Pacific The name “Villebois” comes from the existing system, and includes sustainable Northwest, access to the French, meaning “village in the woods.” We chose this name in part because of management tools such as mitigation region’s natural resources – the emphasis we wanted to place on ponds, porous pavers, bio-retention cells trees, streams, parks and parks and open space in the design. But and experimental green roofs. These F tools help decrease damage from erosion, trails – is an essential part of it also made sense considering that Vil- regulate the speed at which water reaches everyday life. And, as residential and lebois borders two large natural areas, watersheds, and, ultimately, prevent un- commercial development continues to Graham Oaks and Coffee Lake, both protected by Metro’s open spaces, parks filtered water from overwhelming rivers expand in the Northwest, developers and streams bond measure. On the roads and streams. have a responsibility to help protect that run along the perimeter of Villebois and preserve these resources. and border these preserves, every home For Villebois, it was critical that we faces these natural areas to deliver an consider all the many ways that open spaces create value for the community’s When Costa Pacific Communities first added value to the homeowners. These residents. We think of it as simply doing began planning for Villebois – a 500-acre surrounding natural areas, in conjunc- the right thing, but it has drawn recogni- master-planned community in Wilsonville tion with the parks and open spaces tion for us as well. For our comprehen- – it was essential to our team to preserve inside the community, allow more beauty sive incorporation of greenspaces, Costa as much open space as possible and we to be woven into the landscape and of- Pacific recently received the 2005 Gold accomplished this by allowing the existing fer residents a haven from the demands Nugget “Best On-the-Boards Site Plan” natural features on the property to guide of everyday life. In all, open spaces help Grand Award and will be used as a model our planning. After all, a development make communities more livable and for community development by Leader- that is designed to minimize its impact more valuable. ship in Energy and Environmental Design on the land and actively works to protect (LEED). This recognition was incredibly natural features is simply a better develop- In addition to the psychological space flattering, but, in the end, it is encourag- ment. Natural areas offer value in several and financial rewards that open spaces ing to see that the incorporation of parks ways for residents, from the obvious aes- provide for residents, they also deliver a and natural areas into community devel- thetic value of the resources to long-term distinct recreational and social value. opment is just as important to others as financial yields for home-owners in envi- At Villebois, we’ve worked to nurture it is to us. ronmentally friendly communities. 22 Rare habitat brought back to Spotlight on Tualatin the Tualatin River Valley Riverkeepers Tualatin Riverkeepers is helping long a sleepy bend of ship with the Tualatin Riverkeepers that people connect to the nature in their neighborhoods through hands-on the Tualatin River, at the has helped bring hundreds of volunteers restoration and education activities confluence of Baker and to the site. In all, six plant communities will be restored on the property creating at Metro natural areas throughout McFee creeks, the Gotter a mosaic of native plant habitats based the Tualatin River watershed, includ- A ing Gotter Prairie. family farm is returning to on historical conditions. These include: nature. More than 120 acres are being wet prairie (20 acres), wetland scrub Only three years old, their program transformed from agriculture to rare (15 acres), forested wetland (13 acres), engages more than 500 volunteers oak savanna (22 acres), riparian wood- oak savanna and wet prairie, along annually and has helped restore more land (23 acres), and palustrine emergent than 180 acres of diverse wetland, with forested wetlands and (or plants that are rooted in shallow floodplain and riparian habitat. A riparian areas. water with most of their vegetation new nature awareness and service above water – 18 acres). It is currently learning program enables schools The Gotter family purchased the land in the largest native prairie system in the and community organizations to 1930 when Sam Gotter, the youngest of Tualatin River Valley. participate in stewardship projects in five children, was four years old. “They their own neighborhoods. bought it because of me,” Sam recalls. The natural vegetation of the Tualatin “I was ill and my folks were told they River watershed includes more than 400 Volunteers have played a big role – needed to get me to the country.” The species of plants, many now rare. At removing invasive plant species, river floods every year, so the family in- Gotter Prairie, at least 34 herbaceous and planting trees and shrubs, collect- stalled six miles of tiles to drain the land 32 shrub and tree species have been ing seed, monitoring amphibian egg for farming. “It was great farmland,” established, approximating the natural masses, taking geyer willow cuttings, Sam says. “We had every crop imagin- distribution of the plants. Oak savanna tracking plant survival rates, count- able – berries, beans, corn, cucumbers, and Willamette wet prairie species, gen- ing the return of bird species to the all kinds of vegetables.” They also had erally rare or absent, are included. The restoration sites, and removing litter cattle, hogs and other farm animals. The riparian area of McFee Creek, still a and fencing. Education opportuni- land was turned with horse-drawn plows. salmon-bearing stream, is being reveg- ties have brought adults building job etated. An increasing cover of large trees skills from Centro Cultural, students A historic grist mill started by Seth will provide shade, leaf litter, woody from nearby Groner Elementary Seeley in 1875 on Baker Creek was on debris and insects that benefit trout and School and families from Adelante the property. A dam on the creek created endangered salmon. Mujeres (Forward Moving Women) a spillway. The mill was operated by a to the site. water wheel, and farmers from the area Restoring the natural hydrology of the Maria Felix Vazquez, a member brought their wheat and paid a toll for site and converting it back to a wetland of Adelante Mujeres, got involved it to be ground. The millstone is believed system will increase the diversity of birds, at Gotter so her two-year-old son to have been shipped around Cape Horn. amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Fernando would learn respect for A log flume passed through the property, Species that are expected to return in- the natural environment. “I want my too, floating logs from higher in the clude mink, chorus and red-legged frogs, little boy to see how wonderful it is mountains down to the Tualatin River. Western toad and native turtles. The to be able to plant a tree and see it greatest change is likely to come from the grow.” Sam reminisces, “I liked growing up abundance and diversity of birds. With there, our old home place – fishing, restoration, the wetlands system will To find out how you can get in- catching crawdads, swimming in the become suitable breeding habitat or mi- volved, visit www.tualatinriverkeep- river, playing in the creeks and the lake.” gration stopover for birds like the yellow- ers.org or call (503) 590-5813. breasted chat, yellow-headed blackbirds, After his parents died, Sam bought the farm common snipe and several hawk species. and kept it. “I enjoyed being there. It was a nice place to live.” But by 1994, when In 2002, the Gotter family donated a Sam was 68 years old, the farm became too conservation easement for an adjacent much to manage. He kept 10 acres on a part 6-acre property. “I told Metro, I’ll help of the property where he and his wife had out all I can,” says Sam. “It’s a good already built a house and sold the rest to thing for them, and a good thing for Jim Stahlke, who kept the farmland for two me.” What he doesn’t say – maybe be- years before selling it to Metro. cause it comes so naturally to him to do right by this place that has given him so The Gotter property is now returning to much – is that it’s good for the land, too. its roots, with a little help from Metro’s natural resources team and a key partner- Tualatin Riverkeepers photo 23 Idyl Wild Farm goes truly wild

he 200 acres that became Nan WeberWeber enjoys a Idyl Wild Farms took Nan glass of elderberry and Paul Weber five years blossom drink on the propertyproperty to find. They knew what T wherewhere she and her they wanted for their husband Paul raised dairy farm; it had to be near water, their family.family. MetroMetro is with woods, and secluded, off a main working to restorerestore highway. From the time they were the former dairy farm, protectedprotected by newlyweds in 1953, they scoured the the open spaces ads in every Sunday’s paper. Every bond measure.measure. place they’d see would turn out to be Ron Klein photo a disappointment. One realtor gave up on them.

As soon as they were shown the prop- erty along the Willamette River near the Canby Ferry, Nan says, “We knew this was what we were looking for. We knew it was the right thing.”

From its greenway river frontage, the 194-acre L-shaped property on Moun- tain Road rises and falls into gullies and hills blanketed with farm fields, woods and meadows. Newland creek meanders through. The property’s thirty acres of forest are lush with trees including west- ern red cedar, Douglas fir and red alder, with an understory of elderberries, ferns, salmonberries and wildflowers.

The Webers dug in. Thirty-five cows a rowboat that we bought the kids for had our own little pocket out here, but and a milk tank were moved from the Christmas. In the summer, we’d get hot we could foresee that our farm would not farm they’d been leasing in Dayton. Paul and sticky with the farm work, and in be forever. We thought our place would and Nan built a new barn, and planted the evenings would go down and just make a great youth camp or retreat. We alfalfa, grass and corn for the cows, and drop in the river.” The heifers made little didn’t want houses – that, everybody some sweet corn for U-pick. Eventually trails through the woods. The children agreed on.” they built seven buildings and expanded followed the trails, built tree houses and the herd of Holsteins and Brown Swiss a fort by the creek. One year they ice Paul had heart surgery and in 1993 he milking cows to 400. skated on the creek. Nan muses, “My died. Nan and the children discussed favorite part of the farm was up on the what to do and finally, in 2000, they Children came along, four boys and a hill, so secluded, looking out on the decided to put the property up for sale. girl. They all belonged to 4H and Future farmstead.” Every spring, Nan picked They ran a small ad in the Sunday Ore- Farmers of America, helped out on the elderberry blossoms to make into a flow- gonian and Metro contacted her the next farm, and each nurtured a collection of ery-tasting drink. day. “I didn’t tell them,” Nan says, “but dairy animals. One cow they raised and once I understood that they intended to sold became a national grand champion When the Webers bought the farm in protect our property, we didn’t seriously and eventually was resold for $62,000. 1958, the surrounding area was all consider any other contender.” Until last year that was the highest price farmland. The opening of Interstate 205 ever paid for a Brown Swiss cow. made it easier for people to commute Nan and Metro agreed to a life estate, so to downtown Portland and neighboring she can live in her green-shingled family “It’s a very special piece of property,” farmers sold their land into 20-acre lots. home, surrounded by her hydrangeas and Nan says. “We enjoyed the land. We “Paul and I talked about this. Things roses, as long as she wishes. Each of the really enjoyed the river. We always went got developed, chopped up, people built children was given part of the proceeds swimming and put up a rope swing out mansions,” Nan bemoans. “As farmers, of the sale, “so each one of them has over the water. Some years there was a we thought, that’s not the answer. We been able to do something with this trust nice sand beach. We had a canoe and money, and not wait until I die or I’m too old. I’m so happy. That says it all.” 24 The property had much appeal for A park to love, a Metro. Its riparian and upland forests are home to a multitude of bird species including cedar waxwings and pileated community to thank woodpeckers. With some restoration, by Gail Snyder, executive director of Friends of Forest Park Newland Creek can once again have runs of cutthroat trout. The creek actually decreases in temperature as it approaches ix years ago my husband and money. Once again, Metro stepped up its confluence with the Willlamette River I considered leaving Colo- to the plate. The Metro Council voted to due to input from colder springs. As part apply some of the remaining open spaces rado. We looked at communi- of the river known as Willamette Nar- bond funds towards this acquisition. rows, this place connects with other pub- S ties and work opportunities That parcel of land is now part of the lic lands to form a habitat corridor from from the Rocky Mountains open spaces portfolio and as such is pro- Oregon City to Wilsonville. A cacophony west. We quickly eliminated all but tected in perpetuity from development. of waterfowl can be heard from the large Portland. One of the few non-ne- natural anchor of the Mollala River delta But still the work is not done. Forest gotiable criteria was having a large in Mollala State Park across the river. Park is at risk of becoming a biological natural area within close proximity “island” if land surrounding it is devel- Once Metro took ownership of the farm, to work and home. And by “large,” I oped. Instead, imagine a Forest Park that they reforested a 15-acre field that had meant many thousands of acres and extends well past its existing northern been logged, and sent biologists to sur- miles of trails. After all, I was used to boundary. Imagine a greenway from the vey the site’s natural resources. Two big Oregon Coast to Forest Park. Just imag- having Pikes Peak in my backyard. concrete silos were given to a dairy farm ine . . . near Salem. Hand-hewn timbers and Without exaggeration, Forest Park was siding boards from the oldest barn went Ahhh, Forest Park. It is at the heart of essential to our decision to move to to Bosky Dell Nursery and the Olympic what people love about living in this Portland. Once we got settled, I quickly Peninsula. Dozens of volunteers came region. But Forest Park didn’t happen began to explore and fall in love with this out for a big SOLV event and cleaned out by accident. It reflects a legacy of caring wonderful park. After being in Portland truckloads of farm “junk.” Currently the about nature and community that started for about a year, I read an article in the fields are leased for crops. One year the well over 100 years ago and continues paper about a 73-acre “in-holding” being farm was a staging area for 900 goats today. We are the stewards of today. The acquired and added to the park. That’s used to clear brush on other properties. Metro open spaces acquisition program cool I thought. I didn’t realize at the time Nan adds, “I hope that Metro will build has given us the opportunity and the what that acquisition really meant. It was trails in my lifetime so I can walk all means to carry that legacy forward, and one of the many acquisitions made by through the woods.” lights the way for the work we have left Metro and its partners through the open to do. Now that Idyl Wild Farm is moving spaces acquisition program. toward becoming a more truly wild Gail has an educational background in physical geog- place, Nan says, “I am so happy. I look Now I know Metro and its partners, raphy. Her masters thesis work on Pikes Peak in Colo- to the future, and how many people will Friends of Forest Park and the city of rado led to her founding Friends of the Peak. Along get to enjoy it. It makes me feel good.” Portland, have added more than 865 acres to Forest Park as a result of the the way, her career path took a turn toward nonprofit 1995 open spaces, parks and streams management instead of erosion control. Gail has bond measure. Now I know that some worked with Friends of Forest Park for three years, of those acquisitions were in-holdings or and in the role of executive director for two years. Elderberry privately owned islands of land within Blossom Drink the park that caused it to be fragmented. Some of those acquisitions were “pinch 10 handfuls of elderberry blossoms points,” where the park was extremely Lend a hand 5 large lemons, thinly sliced narrow. Some were key access points. 10 teaspoons citric acid Others provide a “buffer,” protecting 6-8 pounds sugar the healthier interior habitat from the Friends of Forest Park, No Ivy 6 quarts water impacts of urbanization around its edges. League and volunteers meet And now I also know there is still a lot every Saturday morning for more to be done! To make the syrup, combine the trail maintenance and habitat blossoms, lemons and citric acid restoration work. For more and leave for 24-36 hours in a non- Last December Friends of Forest Park metallic container, then strain. Add had an opportunity to acquire some infomation, call sugar and water. Heat to just before land in the Linnton neighborhood that (503) 223-5449. boiling and seal in jars. To make the borders on Forest Park and will provide drink, combine one part syrup with a much-needed new access point to two parts water, and add ice. the park. We worked hard to raise the

25 We’ve learned from these studies that Saving the best natural places in the Willamette Valley, including the Portland metropolitan region, the habi- By Russell Hoeflich, Oregon director of The Nature Conservancy tats most extensively lost to development – and the most urgent to conserve for the future – include wetlands, low eleva- tion rivers and streams, riparian (stream n 1995 the citizens of the bank) corridors, low-elevation conifer Portland metropolitan region forests, oak woodlands, and native prai- made the decision to invest ries. Metro has done an excellent job of $135 million in a portfolio using this type of information to focus I investments on the most ecologically sig- of parks and natural areas nificant places. throughout our three counties. Since then, Metro has used those funds On the question of effective strategies, strategically to stitch together a net- today’s political and economic climate work of protected rivers, streams and challenges us to come up with fresh solu- natural places that provide a lifeline tions. Oregon voters recently signaled that while they strongly value healthy to our salmon, birds and a host of wildlife habitats, they want to protect other wildlife. these resources with voluntary incentives, not heavy-handed or inflexible regula- A prime example is the Sandy River tions. They want property owners to be Gorge, right on our region’s doorstep. fairly compensated for preserving habitat The Sandy is a clean, cold river – prime values on their land. habitat for numerous runs of salmon and steelhead, and one of only two To me, that’s not a problem, it’s an op- streams where the goal of recovering Killin Wetlands portunity. In the future, conservation lower Columbia River fall chinook runs Jane Dunkin photo will increasingly be achieved through can be achieved. Along the banks of the voluntary incentives, fair compensation, Sandy, a corridor of undeveloped forests and new tools such as land protection and woodlands supports healthy wildlife promise of a fully protected network of agreements – as well as additional land populations. healthy streams, wetlands and woodlands purchases from willing sellers. The good is still ahead of us. With the Portland news is, there’s exciting conservation Metro helped preserve this gem for the metropolitan area’s growing population, work to be done and citizens willing to public by making strategic land acquisi- there’s an urgent need to act swiftly and do it. tions from willing sellers, managing these strategically to ensure that the most criti- lands ecologically, supporting invasive cal remaining habitats get protected. Future generations of Oregonians will weed control efforts throughout the visit vibrant natural areas like the Sandy watershed, and providing education and Moving forward, how do we choose the River Gorge, Killin Wetlands and Cooper recreational access to all. best places to invest in habitats for fish Mountain – real places with healthy eco- and wildlife? What conservation strate- logical systems supporting a rich tapestry Around the region, nearly 74 miles of gies are most effective? And where will of our native plants and animals. They’ll river and stream frontage have been the resources come from? Those are the be grateful for the foresight shown by the added into Metro’s portfolio of public critical questions the region’s citizens and people in this region at the beginning of land investments, with intensive efforts leaders need to address when considering the 21st century. put into stream bank restoration and how to best protect our natural resources invasive species removal to ensure that and our way of life. As vice president and Oregon director for The Nature the ecological value of these assets grows Conservancy since 1986, Russ is responsible for the over time. On the first question, we are fortunate development, administration and implementation to have built a strong consensus around of a strategic plan to protect and maintain Oregon’s Another example is Killin Wetlands, the highest priority needs. Science-based biological diversity. The Nature Conservancy is a a unique natural area in Washington studies such as the Oregon Biodiversity leading international, nonprofit organization that County. This 240-acre site was identi- Project led by Defenders of Wildlife and preserves plants, animals and natural communities fied by the Oregon Natural Heritage ecoregional assessments by The Nature representing the diversity of life on Earth by Information Center as one of the last re- Conservancy have helped to pinpoint protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. maining examples of a type of valley bot- where and how to best safeguard our tom wetland that was once much more region’s rich biological diversity. The widespread. Metro stepped forward to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife purchase this critical wetland when the recently drafted a comprehensive wildlife owners offered to sell. conservation strategy to guide voluntary and incentive-based conservation action These are successes and tangible results on a regional basis. worth celebrating. However, it’s im- portant to recognize that fulfilling the 26 Nature nearby, creating livable cities

by Mike Houck, executive director of Urban Greenspaces Institute

enry David Thoreau’s tive species still share the urban landscape aphorism, “In wildness with us. Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded in our region, 163 of them is the preservation of nesting, migrating through, or living here H the world” has long year-round. inspired the protection of the rural landscape, too often it The social and educational values of seems to me, at the expense of pre- “nature nearby” are best articulated by Robert Michael Pyle, who posed in The serving the urban wilds. Today I think Thunder Tree, “What is the extinction we need a new mantra, “in livable of the condor to a child who has never cities is preservation of the wild.” To known a wren?” To appreciate the ex- Marsh wren be livable, a vibrant green infrastruc- otic, we need access to common backyard nature. Parks and urban wilds should be Jim Cruce photo ture – an interconnected network within what Pyle refers to as our “imme- of streams, parks, trails and natural diate radius of reach,” which for the very Properties near parks and natural areas areas – must permeate our cities. old and the very young is a short walk or also are more valuable. It’s no accident When ribbons of green penetrate bicycle ride from home. that the sales pitch for the new condo- miniums at Portland’s South Waterfront every neighborhood, our cities will There are also hardheaded economic invokes the greenway trail, parks and be celebrated as desirable, environ- reasons for protecting and restoring the proximity to Ross Island where herons mentally responsible places to live. region’s greenspaces. Restoring flood- and bald eagles nest and chinook salmon plains and wetlands not only reduces rest and feed. The ability to attract Cities should be and can be biologically flooding and protects water quality, but and retain skilled employees led Norm diverse. Here in the Northern Willamette does so more cheaply than pipes and en- Thompson to locate their corporate Valley, we have a head start in creating gineered solutions. It’s possible to create headquarters on the Rock Creek Green- an ecologically rich region. Peregrine fal- parks and greenspaces in park deficient way in Hillsboro. cons, bald eagles, chinook salmon, steel- neighborhoods and to control stormwater head trout, cutthroat trout, red-legged by expanding the urban forest canopy, Parks, trails and natural areas must no frogs, Western pond turtles, Western roof gardens, and creating green residen- longer be thought of as an extra frill, painted turtles and numerous other sensi- tial streets. leftovers of urbanization. The 1995 open spaces bond measure has protected more than 8,000 acres of natural areas, a criti- cal step in establishing parks and natu- ral areas as an essential element of the region’s infrastructure. Future acquisition efforts will keep us on track in creating the green armature around which our cit- ies should be designed. This integration of the built and natural environments will contribute to the region’s economic success, ecological health, civic vitality and quality of life. It will also render moot the false choice between protecting the urban or rural wilds.

Mike Houck is executive director of the Urban Greenspaces Institute. He has been urban naturalist at the Audubon Society of Portland since he founded Audubon’s urban conservation program in 1980. He serves on Metro’s Greenspaces Policy Advisory Com- mittee and has served on several other regional and local advisory committees related to parks, trails and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge offers a rich slice of nature right inside Portland city limits. natural areas. Mike Houck photo 27 Fall calendar ENJOY NATURE IN NEIGHBORHOODS

Treasured Friends celebrate open spaces Nature discoveries

These special events offer more ways Clear Creek natural area tour to get to know your natural areas during the 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 “Open Spaces, Treasured Places” celebration. Join Metro naturalist James Davis for a natural history tour of one of the most beautiful properties protected Johnson Creek open house impacts on natural areas and the need by Metro’s open spaces acquisition 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8 to preserve and manage open spaces. program. This forested tributary of the Join the Johnson Creek Watershed Bring your lunch, gloves, loppers, hand Clackamas River has excellent water Council for an evening of local music, saws, shovels and a good joke to share. quality and significant wild fish runs. excellent food, an exhibit of photog- Wear long pants to protect yourself Signs of deer, coyote, beaver and river raphy and art focusing on Johnson from poison oak. To register, call Jason otter are common and there is a good Creek, a guest speaker and a silent auc- at (503) 802-8151. The Nature Con- variety of other wildlife, plants, and tion. Learn about the great work vol- servancy plenty of fungus in the fall. James will unteers have accomplished for Johnson do his best to identify what mush- Creek this year. Explore the new John- Tualatin River paddle rooms we find, but this will certainly son Creek Watershed Resource Center 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 be at the beginner’s level. Bring your and take home a gift from the silent Join the Tualatin Riverkeepers on a binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. auction. Bring your appetite and dress paddle from Cook Park in Tigard. This There will be leisurely walking for 2 to sit outside in the spacious courtyard. beginner level trip is a great way to to 3 miles over uneven terrain on old For more information, call Jordan at begin to learn how to use a canoe and dirt roads. Suitable for adults and chil- (503) 652-7477 or visit www.jcwc.org. enjoy the Tualatin River. Bring water dren 10 and older. Payment of $5 per Johnson Creek Watershed Council and lunch. $5 for members; $10 for adult is required in advance; children non-members. Canoes can be rented are free. Call (503) 797-1928 to reg- A Bug’s Life in the for $20 and are free for members. To ister. Directions will be mailed to you. Columbia Slough register, call Margot at (503) 590-5813. Metro 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 Tualatin Riverkeepers Ever wondered what creatures lurk be- Portland Paddle neath the surface of Portland’s water- Clackamas “Down the River” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Sept. 24 ways? Join the Xerces Society and the Clean Up Participate in the second annual Port- Columbia Slough Watershed Council 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 land Paddle, a free canoe and kayak for an adventure in underwater explo- This third annual event is a chance event for all ages, aimed at getting ration. Experience the world of inver- for boaters to give back to their river people on the Willamette River. Learn tebrates in a hands-on environment, and their community. Volunteers will about and enjoy this amazing natural and learn about sampling methods and clean up trash along a 6-mile stretch resource. For more information and to identification. Bring your canoe if you of the lower Clackamas River, either register, call (503) 223-6418 or visit have one; extra canoes will be available from Barton to Carver, or Carver to the www.portlandpaddle.org. Willamette to borrow. Meet at Whitaker Ponds mouth. All necessary supplies will be Riverkeeper at 7040 NE 47th Ave., Portland. Free. provided. After a fun-filled day of river Advance registration required; call Jeff running and hauling out trash, volun- Willamette Valley pines at (503) 232-6639. Columbia Slough teers will wrap up the day with a bar- and oaks Watershed Council and Xerces Society beque potluck and live bluegrass music 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 at Carver Park. Meet at Carver Park; When we think of forests on the west Camassia Nature Preserve shuttles to the put-in and take-out loca- side of the Cascades, we generally work party tions will be arranged. All non-motor- think of conifer forests, especially 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 ized boaters are welcome. Boaters with Douglas fir forests. But two other Help restore a rare site of oak/madrone their own watercraft register by calling trees, the Oregon oak and the Wil- forest by removing Douglas fir trees Kristin Dahl at (503) 772-1122. Volun- lamette Valley ponderosa pine, were that are encroaching on the habitat, teers without their own boats can work once widespread and provided impor- replanting native species in old weed along the riverbanks or join a guided removal sites and pulling ivy. Learn paddle raft; register by calling Jo Anne about the history of Camassia, for- at (503) 558-0550. eNRG Kayaking est succession, urban encroachment, and Clackamas River Basin Council

28 tant habitat for a multitude of wildlife in Mt. Talbert natural area tour lot on North Marine Drive. Registration the valley. One of Metro’s natural areas 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 and payment of $5 per adult is required along the Tualatin River is home to a Mt. Talbert is a 144-acre site on top of in advance; children are free. Call (503) huge Willamette Valley ponderosa pine. the largest undeveloped lava butte in 797-1928 to register. Metro Join Metro naturalist Deb Scrivens for a northern Clackamas County. Join Metro visit to this tree and a tour focusing on naturalist James Davis for an autumn Ancient forest mushroom class pine and oak forests of the western part walk on this natural area acquired with 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 of the state. Directions will be mailed funds from the open spaces, parks and Join mycologist Gary Slone for a two- to you after you register. Payment of $5 streams bond measure. October is an hour class that ends with a walk on an per adult is required in advance; children active time for bird migration and for- easy trail in the old growth forest at are free. Call (503) 797-1928 to register. ested hills like this one are prime spots Oxbow Regional Park. Gary will discuss Metro to view migrating songbirds, as well as mushroom classification and edibility, the year-round residents. October is also and then participants will gather, identify Canemah Bluff tour mushroom season and there will be a and compare specimens. Beginning and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 variety of fungi to challenge our begin- experienced “shroomers” are welcome. This natural area perched atop a cliff fea- ning mushroom identification skills. Dress warmly. Meet at Alder Shelter tures a wonderful view of the Willamette Bring binoculars or borrow some of ours. (picnic area “A”). Registration and a fee River, a great variety of native plants, There are no developed trails or facili- of $10 per person are required in ad- rich local history and amazing examples ties; walking will be on rough, muddy vance. There is a $4 per vehicle entry fee of the Pacific yew tree. Join Metro natu- terrain. Free. Advance registration is re- payable at the park. Call (503) 797-1928 ralist Deb Scrivens for a leisurely explo- quired; call North Clackamas Parks and to register. Metro ration. You will receive directions after Recreation District at (503) 794-8080 by you register. Payment of $5 per adult is Oct. 9. You will receive directions to the Smith and Bybee Wetlands required in advance; children are free. site after you register. Metro and North paddle trips Call (503) 797-1928 to register. Metro Clackamas Parks and Recreation District Traveling by canoe or kayak is the best way to explore Smith and Bybee Wet- Salmon Festival Animal tracking workshop lands Natural Area in North Portland. 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 Bring your own kayak or canoe and Sunday, Oct. 8 and 9 Oxbow Regional Park is rich in tracks at personal flotation device. The trip leader The annual Salmon Festival celebrates this time of year, when beaver, otter, fox, will contact participants if it is necessary the return of the fall chinook salmon mink, mouse and deer often leave clear to cancel the trip due to low water levels. to the Sandy River and inspires us footprints in the sand. With practice, you Meet at the parking lot on North Marine to value clean water and healthy can learn to read the ground like a book. Drive. Advance registration required. watersheds. The festival offers interactive We will also learn to make plaster casts Friends of Smith and Bybee Lakes cultural exhibits, river walks, engaging of animal tracks. Local tracker Terry activities for children, arts and crafts Kem will introduce you to the basics noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 demonstrations, music and storytelling, of track identification and interpreta- To register, call Troy Clark at (503) 249- horse-drawn wagon rides, a fish-friendly tion and the awareness and stealth skills 0482. marketplace, a salmon barbecue and needed to watch wildlife at close range. noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 a food court. Don’t be afraid of those Suitable for adults and families. Bring a To register, call Dale Svart at (503) 285- clouds – the festival is “weatherized” snack and meet at the floodplain park- 3084. with entertainment, exhibits, children’s ing area. Registration and a $10 fee are activities and food areas under cover. required in advance. There is a $4 per Festival admission is $8 per vehicle at the vehicle entry fee, payable at the gate. To Springwater on the Willamette gate. For more information, call (503) register, call (503) 797-1928. Metro and Oaks Bottom 797-1850 or visit www.metro-region. 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 org/salmonfestival. Metro Mushrooms at Smith and Bybee Join Metro naturalist James Davis for a leisurely stroll along the Springwater Wetlands on the Willamette Trail. This section of Intel-SOLV Washington County 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 the Springwater Corridor provides great Join naturalist James Davis for an explo- Clean and Green access to Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 ration of the fungus at Metro’s Smith and a longtime favorite bird watching spot Fifty project sites in Washington County Bybee Wetlands Natural Area. On this and the first city park in the country to can use your help. Choose from wetlands beginner’s mushroom walk we’ll be talk- be designated a wildlife refuge. Explore enhancement, native planting, invasive ing about the basics of mushrooms and this urban wetland and let James plant removal, litter pick-up, tree plant- other fungus and how to go about iden- introduce you to the variety of wintering ing, trail improvement and more. Ad- tifying this complicated group of strange birds. Suitable for teens and adults. Bring vance registration is required; call (503) and fascinating life forms. We will not be binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. 844-9571. SOLV by arrangement able to identify everything we see, but we Meet in the parking lot of Sellwood will do our best and will enjoy the amaz- Riverfront Park on Southeast Oaks Park ing variety of shapes, colors, textures and Way. Registration and payment of $5 smells that make these life forms so in- per person are required in advance; call triguing. Meet in the natural area parking (503) 797-1928. Metro

29 Thanksgiving walk Owls of Oregon in Clackamas 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 19 New bird checklist County Take time to enjoy and celebrate the 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 simple gifts of nature at Oxbow Regional available Owls have always fascinated people Park with Elisabeth Neely, the park natu- because of their unique appearance ralist, Terry Kem from Deerdance School Metro naturalist and nocturnal lifestyle. These nighttime and others. On an easy walk along the hunters have amazing adaptations for James Davis has river, we’ll focus on opening our senses finding and catching their prey. Despite and noticing how wildlife responds to pulled together a their popularity, owls are hard to see the changing season. Then gather around checklist of more in the wild and remain a mysterious the campfire circle as the naturalists than 225 birds and confusing group of birds. Learn share the “Thanksgiving Address” passed regularly found how owls make their living and how down by the Iroquois Nation. This is a to tell Oregon’s owls apart with Metro in the Portland- simple and moving way to express ap- naturalist James Davis. This class is for preciation for our connections to nature. Vancouver adults and interested teens and is held at Hot drinks will be provided. Meet at the metropolitan area. Check it out the Environmental Learning Center on boat ramp. Free with park entry fee of on the Metro web site at www. the campus of Clackamas Community $4 per vehicle. Advance registration re- metro-region.org/parks or call College. Registration and payment of $8 quired; call (503) 797-1928. Metro per person are required in advance. To (503) 797-1850 for a copy. register, call Allison at (503) 657-6958, ext. 2644. Metro Autumn bird watching Autumn birds field trip Beginning bird watching class Shorebirds and waders field trip 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 22 In October wintering waterfowl and 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 raptors, as well as resident birds, will be If you are curious about the birds and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at Smith and Bybee Wetlands and fall around you but just don’t know where The water control structure at Smith migrants will still be moving through to start, this is the program for you. and Bybee Wetlands has reconnected the area. The falling cottonwood After this introduction to the basics of the wetlands with the Columbia Slough leaves sometimes cover the trail giving bird watching by Metro naturalist James and the Willamette/Columbia system. it that beautiful “yellow brick road” Davis, you will be well prepared for the As a result, tidal mudflats have been look. Flocks of noisy geese descending field trips and other classes or to head developing in Bybee Lake in the fall, and through the golden light make the out on your own. Meet in room 370 at this habitat is a shorebird and wader season clear. Meet naturalist James Metro Regional Center. Registration and magnet. The number and variety of Davis in the natural area parking lot on payment of $10 per person are required shorebirds haven’t been this good in North Marine Drive. Bring binoculars in advance; call (503) 797-1928. Metro decades, so Metro naturalist James Davis or borrow a pair of ours. Spotting is offering these two special field trips scopes will be provided. Free. Advance Shorebirds and waders to the mudflats near the old St. Johns registration is required; call (503) 797- identification class Landfill. Because the landfill is closed 1928. Metro 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22 to the public, the only way to access Metro naturalist James Davis is offering this area is on one of these guided field a new class to help people learn to trips with limited space. You will receive Waterfowl class identify the challenging shorebird group directions after you register. Registration 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2 (sandpipers, plovers, etc.). The class also and payment of $5 per person are In autumn, half a million ducks, geese will include the “large waders” (herons, required in advance; call (503) 797-1928. and swans fly over the region’s wetlands egrets, etc.). The changes in water Metro and tens of thousands stay to spend the levels caused by the new water control winter. Waterfowl, among the region’s structure at Smith and Bybee Wetlands Birds of autumn class most abundant and diverse groups of wintering birds, are easy to identify. have created a great place to study these 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 Join Metro naturalist and expert birder birds during their fall migration. This Join Metro naturalist James Davis for an James Davis to find out who’s who in class is good preparation for Metro’s first overview of the most common birds seen this large group of beautiful birds. Meet shorebird field trips. Meet in room 370 in the metropolitan area from September in room 370 at Metro Regional Center. at Metro Regional Center. Registration into the winter. We will concentrate on Registration and payment of $10 per and payment of $10 per person are songbirds and briefly discuss birds of person are required in advance; call required in advance; call (503) 797-1928. prey and waterfowl. Meet in room 370 at (503) 797-1928. Metro Metro Metro Regional Center. Registration and payment of $10 per person are required in advance; call (503) 797-1928. Metro

30 Birds of prey class 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 8,000 acres saved and counting. Raptors – hawks, eagles, falcons and owls – have always fascinated people. Thank you from the Metro Council. Metro naturalist James Davis will show you how to tell these major groups of raptors apart and the key points for identifying the most common species. This class covers all the birds of prey except owls. Recommended field guide is Field Guide to Western Birds, 3rd. Ed. by Roger Tory Peterson. Meet in room 370 at Metro Regional Center. Registration and payment of $10 per person are required in advance; call (503) 797-1928. Metro

Winter birds field trip 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 In November we see that winter has arrived with lots of waterfowl and raptors settling in at Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area. As the leaves fall from the trees, it is much easier to see the perched birds of prey, as well as the songbirds. The lakes are sometimes covered with ducks and geese and occasionally we see a swan or two. Dress From left, Rex Burkholder, Carl Hosticka, David Bragdon, Robert Liberty, Susan McLain, for the cold and meet Metro naturalist Rod Park and Brian Newman James Davis in the natural area parking Jeffrey Simon photo lot on North Marine Drive. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. Spotting scopes will be provided. Free. Advance registration is required; call Metro Your Metro representatives People places • open spaces (503) 797-1928. Metro Metro Council President David Bragdon Clean air and clean water do not stop at city limits or county lines. Neither does Metro Councilors the need for jobs, a thriving economy and Rod Park, District 1 good transportation choices for people Brian Newman, District 2 This isn’t even and businesses in our region. Voters have Carl Hosticka, District 3 asked Metro to help with the challenges Susan McLain, District 4 the half of it! that cross those lines and affect the 25 Rex Burkholder, deputy council president cities and three counties in the Portland District 5 There are more than one hundred metropolitan area. Robert Liberty, District 6 additional wildlife watching, Auditor A regional approach simply makes sense Alexis Dow, CPA nature exploration and volunteer when it comes to protecting open space, opportunities listed on Metro’s caring for parks, planning for the best online calendar. Visit use of land, managing garbage disposal Illustrations by and increasing recycling. Metro oversees Antonia Manda world-class facilities such as the Oregon If you have a disability and need ac com mo da tions, www.metro-region.org/ Zoo, which contributes to conservation call (503) 797-1850, or call Metro’s TDD line at (503) 797-1804. If you require a sign interpreter, call greenscene and education, and the Oregon Conven- at least 48 hours in advance. Activities marked with tion Center, which benefi ts the region’s this symbol are wheelchair accessible: economy. Bus and MAX information: or click on “calendar” at the top of (503) 238-RIDE (238-7433). any page on the Metro web site for Metro’s web site To be added to the mailing list or to make any an up-to-the-minute, comprehensive www.metro-region.org chang es, call (503) 797-1850 option 3.

listing of nature activities from all 05296 tsm over the region.

31 Thank you to our sponsors and event partners

Portland General Electric The Oregonian KPOJ TriMet The Aladdin Theater Audubon Society of Portland Backyard Bird Shop The Bike Gallery Clackamas River Basin Council Columbia Slough Watershed Council Cooper Mountain Vineyards Deek and Bryan’s Next Adventure Elmer’s Restaurants eNRG Kayaking Bruce Forster Friends of Forest Park Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland Johnson Creek Watershed Council Jude McMenamins The Nature Conservancy Oregon Zoo Photographic Image Gallery Portland Parks and Recreation Portland State Outdoor Program Sauvie Island Harvest Fair Tualatin Riverkeepers West Linn Parks and Recreation Willamette Riverkeeper

Xerces Society Front and back cover photos by Michael McDermott

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Portland, OR Permit No. 1246

600 NE Grand Ave. Portland, OR 97232-2736

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