60%
Approximately 53 percent of the region's park land and 60 percent of land within 50 feet of streams and wetlands are deforested.
Nature in Neighborhoods
Planning and conservation › Regional planning 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?
Nature in Neighborhoods programs
Nature in Neighborhoods restoration and enhancement grants
Metro supports partnerships in local communities that connect people with nature and improve watershed health
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 Neighborhoods 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
Grow a garden that's beautiful, abundant, and safe for children, pets, forests and streams. Metro and Oregon State University Extension Service provide free expert advice, workshops at learning gardens, videos, 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.
Related Internet links
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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. Find out more about capital grant projects