64%
Amount of Portland metropolitan area residents who live within 1/4 mile of a public park, trail or natural area. 97% of Boston's children live within 1/4 mile of a park.
Metro
503-797-1700503-797-1804 TDD
503-797-1797 fax
Nature in Neighborhoods
About Metro › Metro Council › Regional vision and policy › Regional vision and policy › Regional vision and policy › Nature in Neighborhoods
Nature in Neighborhoods is a broad based regional initiative to restore and protect the region’s natural assets.
The Portland metropolitan region is set in an exceptional natural landscape. It is surrounded by hills and mountains and laced with rivers and streams. It is a region of national distinction for clean water, clean air, outdoor recreation, and an abundance of green; a place where nature is always nearby. This tremendous natural inheritance sustains residents’ health, fosters the region’s economy, provides healthy activities for all and is central to the region’s identity.
Working together to protect water quality and natural areas
The Metro Council launched Nature in Neighborhoods in 2005, concluding years of contentious deliberations about a state-mandated regulatory framework called “Goal 5” and ushering in an era of public/private innovation, investment and collaboration.
Metro plays a lead role in Nature in Neighborhoods but recognizes that the protection and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat and the integration of natural areas into the urban environment eclipse the reach of any one organization; they require the coordinated and strategic action of many.
Today, hundreds of organizations region-wide are working together to fulfill the vision of Nature in Neighborhoods. Projects range from neighbors volunteering on small restoration projects on the region's creeks and rivers to multi-year professional habitat enhancement efforts and everything in-between, all captured in REIN.org, the region's first comprehensive clearinghouse for information on conservation initiatives, to the $227.4 million Nature in Neighborhoods Natural Areas Bond Measure approved by voters in November 2006, the largest urban conservation acquisition initiative in the United States in decades.
The Metro Council continues to provide active leadership to Nature in Neighborhoods with a commitment to a legacy of regional parks, natural areas, wildlife habitat, clean air and clean water for this and future generations.
Need Assistance?
Corie Harlan
503-797-1764
corie.harlan@oregonmetro.gov
Nature in Neighborhoods programs
Nature in Neighborhoods restoration and enhancement grants
Metro funds projects designed to connect citizens to their watershed through hands-on restoration activities and environmental education.
Nature in Neighborhoods capital grants
Metro is seeking applications for projects that re-green and re-nature neighborhoods.
Nature-friendly development
Learn more about nature-friendly development practices that benefit the environment and your business.
Integrating Habitats: Creating healthy homes for people, fish and wildlife
What began as a Nature in Neighborhood's design competition has morphed into a movement! Integrating Habitats' design principles, images and ideas show how our cities, buildings and backyards can improve water quality and provide valuable wildlife habitat
Green from the Ground Up
Discover seminars for land-savvy building professionals.
Protecting habitat and water quality
As part of its Nature in Neighborhoods initiative, Metro created a fish and wildlife habitat protection plan that integrates the conservation and economic goals of the region's communities.
Acquiring natural areas
Find out more about the 27 target areas where Metro is acquiring natural areas and trails to safeguard water quality, protect fish and wildlife habitat, and ensure access to nature for future generations.
Proposed local park projects
Park providers around the region have identified more than 100 projects that would be prioritized for funding with their share of the bond measure funds. Review the list of proposed local projects.
The Intertwine
The Metro Council is teaming up with governments, businesses, nonprofits and other nature lovers to create the world’s best network of parks, trails and natural areas.
Natural gardening
You can grow a garden that's not only beautiful and abundant, but also safe for children, pets, forests and streams. Find out how with tips from Metro's experts, workshops, learning gardens, guides and more.
Sustainable living
Make the region greener at home, in your garden, at the store and on the road. Sustainable living renews rather than depletes the planet's resources and Metro can show you how.
Restoration
Metro's science and stewardship team is working to improve the region's valuable natural areas for fish, wildlife and people. Find out how you can help restore rare habitat for native plants and animals.
Related Internet links
- REIN.org
(http://www.rein.org/)
Nature in Neighborhoods
Capital grant project
This project will transform a historic property in North Portland's Humboldt neighborhood into the Conservation Corner, an outdoor classroom and living laboratory. The project will enhance residents' appreciation of how natural features can be incorporated into the landscape and provide people with new ideas to try at home.
Restoration
What does it take to recreate rare habitat on a large scale? Watch a 2-minute video about Metro's effort to restore oak woodland habitat at the Graham Oaks natural area near Wilsonville...to the tune of more than 150,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted.