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Nature in Neighborhoods

Planning and stewardship  ›  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
harlanc@metro.dst.or.us

Nature in Neighborhoods programs

Nature in Neighborhoods restoration and enhancement grants

Make a difference in your neighborhood! Metro funds projects that connect citizens to their watershed through hands-on restoration activities and environmental education.

Nature in Neighborhoods capital grants

Metro is now accepting grant applications for capital projects that re-green and re-nature neighborhoods.

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 projects

Review the list of proposed local 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.

Nature-friendly development

Learn more about nature-friendly development practices that benefit the environment and your business.

Green from the Ground Up

Discover seminars for land-savvy building professionals.

Natural gardening

Learn to grow your garden without toxic pesticides. Plus, find out how to provide a healthy habitat for wildlife while discouraging pests.

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, thousands of volunteers and dozens of partner organizations are working to improve the region's valuable natural areas for fish, wildlife and people.

Related Internet links

• REIN.org

  (http://www.rein.org/)