Nature in Neighborhoods
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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