Skip to page content
  • Go to the main menu
  • Go to the search form
Metro

Main menu

▼
Open menu
▲
Close menu
  • Parks + Venues
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Parks
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Oxbow Regional Park
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Camping at Oxbow
      • Blue Lake Regional Park
      • Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
      • Graham Oaks Nature Park
      • Cooper Mountain Nature Park
      • Mount Talbert Nature Park
      • Scouters Mountain Nature Park
      • Chehalem Ridge Nature Park
      • Canemah Bluff Nature Park
      • Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park
      • Orenco Woods Nature Park
      • Killin Wetlands Nature Park
      • Howell Territorial Park
      • Mason Hill Park
      • Broughton Beach
      • Glendoveer Golf Course and Nature Trail
      • Farmington Paddle Launch
      • Boat ramps
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Chinook Landing Marine Park
        • M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp
        • Sauvie Island Boat Ramp
      • Disc golf course
      • Parks and nature activities
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Guided nature activities
        • Nature learning resources
      • Picnics and special use
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Picnics at Blue Lake
        • Picnics at Oxbow
        • Picnics at Graham Oaks
        • Picnics at Mount Talbert
        • Picnics at Scouters Mountain
        • Picnics at Chehalem Ridge
        • Caterers and amusement providers
        • Special use permits
      • Water safety
      • Pets policy
      • Hunting policy
    • Venues
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Oregon Convention Center
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Oregon Convention Center hotel
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Jobs and job training
          • Economic impact
          • Global reach
          • Hotel progress
      • Oregon Zoo
      • Portland Expo Center
      • Portland'5 Centers for the Arts
    • Historic cemeteries
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Services and fees
      • Visit the cemeteries
      • History of Metro's cemeteries
      • Brainard Cemetery
      • Columbia Pioneer Cemetery
      • Douglass Cemetery
      • Escobar Cemetery
      • Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery
      • Gresham Pioneer Cemetery
      • Jones Cemetery
      • Lone Fir Cemetery
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Chestnut Grove Memorial Garden
      • Mountain View Corbett Cemetery
      • Mountain View Stark Cemetery
      • Multnomah Park Cemetery
      • Pleasant Home Cemetery
      • Powell Grove Cemetery
      • White Birch Cemetery
    • man and boy walking on trail at Oxbow Regional Park
      Buy a parks pass
  • Tools + Services
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Tools for Living
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Garbage and recycling
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Find a recycler
        • Find your hauler
        • Metro Central transfer station
        • Metro South transfer station
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Metro South trash cam
        • Code of conduct
        • Prep your load and pay less
        • Recycling at home
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Home recycling collection
          • Glass
          • Metal
          • Plastic
          • Paper
          • Christmas tree recycling
        • Reducing waste at home
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Waste-wise holidays
          • Stop junk mail
          • Back to school tips
        • Neighborhood collection events
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • 2025 neighborhood collection event schedule
        • Report dumped garbage
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • RID Patrol work transition program
        • Ask an expert
      • Healthy home
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Household hazardous waste disposal
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Adhesives and glues
          • Aerosols
          • Air fresheners and deodorizers
          • Ammunition
          • Antifreeze
          • Arts and crafts supplies
          • Asbestos
          • Batteries, auto
          • Batteries, household
          • Bleach
          • Brake fluid
          • Carpet and rug cleaners
          • Chemistry sets
          • Cleaners, all-purpose
          • Degreasers
          • Detergents, dishwashing or laundry
          • Disinfectants
          • Drain cleaners
          • Fertilizers, chemical
          • Fingernail polish and remover
          • Flea control
          • Gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuel
          • Hair products
          • Hand cleaners, mechanic or painter
          • Lighter fluid, charcoal
          • Lubricating oils
          • Medicines, unwanted or expired drugs
          • Mercury- and PCB-containing items
          • Moss killer
          • Mothballs and moth crystals
          • Motor oil and oil filters
          • Oven cleaners
          • Paint and clear wood finish
          • Paint strippers or paint scrapings
          • Paint thinners
          • Paint, water-based
          • Pesticides
          • Photographic chemicals
          • Polishes and cleaners, metal
          • Polishes and waxes, wood furniture and floors
          • Polishes, cleaners or waxes, automotive
          • Polishes, shoe
          • Pool or spa chemicals
          • Septic tank cleaners
          • Smoke detectors, ionizing type
          • Soot remover or creosote destroyer
          • Stain and spot removers
          • Transmission fluid
          • Windshield wiper solution
          • Wood preservatives
        • Green cleaning
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Air fresheners and deodorizers
          • All-purpose cleaners
          • Aluminum cleaners
          • Antiseptic soap spray
          • Bathroom soft scrub
          • Bronze, brass and copper cleaner
          • Chrome cleaner
          • Coffee maker cleaner
          • Countertop and appliance top cleaner
          • Dish soap
          • Disinfectants
          • Drain cleaner
          • Floor cleaners
          • Glass and window cleaners
          • Hand cleaner
          • Laundry bleach
          • Laundry cleaners
          • Leather cleaner
          • Oven cleaners
          • Scouring powder and paste
          • Silver cleaners
          • Spot and stain removers
          • Toilet bowl cleaners
          • Tub and tile cleaner
          • Urine stain removers
          • Wall cleaner
          • Wallpaper cleaner
          • Wet spotter
          • Windshield wiper fluid
          • Wood cleaners
          • Wood furniture polish
        • Home pest control
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Ants
          • Asthma, pests and pesticides
          • Cockroaches
          • Fleas and ticks
          • Fruit flies
          • Mice and rats
          • Moths
          • Spiders
        • Buying safer cleaners
        • Safe personal care products
        • Storm and fire cleanup
        • Online learning
        • MetroPaint
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Retail locations
          • Colors and product information
          • MetroPaint Outlet
          • MetroPaint virtual painter
            +
            Open this submenu
            −
            Close this submenu
            • Living room
            • Bedroom
            • Dining room
            • Entrance
            • Upload a photo
      • Yard and garden
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Learning gardens
        • Garden basics
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Soil amendments
          • Mulch matters
          • Soil prep for your edible garden
          • Watering tips
        • Garden problems
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Azalea lace bug
          • Aphids
          • Cabbage butterflies and leaf miners
          • Mosquitoes
          • Moles, voles and gophers
          • Slugs and snails
          • Yellowjackets
          • Wildlife issues
          • Lawn moss
          • Black spot, rust and rot
          • Powdery mildew
          • Weeds
          • Proper disposal of pesticides
        • Lawn
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Mow
          • Grow
          • Water
          • Weed
          • Lawn alternatives
        • Plants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Native plants
          • Plant a shrub
          • Plant a tree
          • Fall and winter gardening
          • Growing roses
          • Getting started with edibles
        • Backyard habitat
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Beneficial bugs
          • Pollinators
          • Protecting songbirds
          • Feeding and caring for wildlife
        • Composting
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Composting methods
          • Tips for composting success
          • Compost trouble-shooting
          • Build a compost bin
          • Worm composting
          • Worm bin trouble-shooting
        • Grow Smart, Grow Safe
        • Garden pledge
      • Getting around
    • Tools for working
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Asbestos information for transfer station customers
      • Guide to construction salvage and recycling
      • Guide to managing paint waste
      • Guide to recycling and waste reduction at work
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Guide to choosing single-use service ware
      • Business hazardous waste disposal program
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Business hazardous waste disposal signup
      • Reducing food waste
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Preventing food waste
        • Donating food
        • Composting food scraps
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Composting options outside the Portland metropolitan area
        • Food scraps separation policy
        • Local success stories
      • Regional contractor's business license
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Contractor's business license application and renewal
        • Contractor's business license lookup
      • Tools for haulers and facility operators
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Accounts for haulers
        • Construction waste
        • Special waste disposal
        • Regional solid waste facilities
        • Forms for solid waste facilities
        • Rules, procedures and guidance
        • Solid Waste Information System
        • Solid waste authorizations
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Solid waste facility complaint form
          • License for Grimm’s Fuel Company
            +
            Open this submenu
            −
            Close this submenu
            • Updates
        • Solid waste enforcement
        • Public notices for garbage and recycling facilities
      • Travel options for employers
    • Tools for Partners
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Grants and resources
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • 2040 planning and development grants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Past grant cycles
        • Brownfields assessment grants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Background
        • Civic engagement grants
        • Climate pollution reduction planning grants
        • Community enhancement grants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Metro Central Enhancement Grants
        • Community Placemaking grants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • How to apply
          • 2025 grantees
          • 2024 grantees
          • 2023 grantees
          • 2022 grantees
          • 2021 grantees
          • 2020 grantees
          • 2019 grantees
          • 2018 grantees
          • 2017 grantees
        • Cooling corridors study
        • Housing and homelessness resources
        • Investment and Innovation grants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Past grant cycles
        • Landlord incentives
        • Large-scale community visions
        • Local share
        • Nature grants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Capital grants
          • Community choice grants
          • Community stewardship and restoration grants
          • Nature education grants
        • Parks and Nature community partnerships
        • Partnerships and social innovation program
        • Regional Refresh Fund
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Frequently asked questions
        • Regional Travel Options program
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Safe Routes to School program
            +
            Open this submenu
            −
            Close this submenu
            • Safe Routes to School safety campaign toolkit
        • Transit-Oriented Development Program
        • Sponsorship opportunities
      • Guides and tools
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Community Investment Toolkit
        • Designing livable streets and trails
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Conversations about performance-based design
        • Economic Value Atlas
        • Greater Portland Economic Recovery Plan
        • Guide to equitable housing
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Build Small Coalition
        • Jurisdictional transfer assessment
        • Local transportation system plans
        • Mobility Corridors Atlas
        • Planning parks with communities of color
        • Regional Traffic and Transportation Class
        • Safe Routes to School Framework
        • Site readiness toolkit
        • Social Vulnerability Explorer
      • Education resources
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Resource conservation and recycling education
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Elementary school classroom presentations
          • Middle and high school classroom presentations
          • Distance learning
            +
            Open this submenu
            −
            Close this submenu
            • Elementary online learning
            • Middle and high school online learning
            • Community and family online education
          • Publication library
          • Community workshops and events
          • Meet the educators
      • Data Resource Center
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • RLIS Live
        • MetroMap
        • Aerial photography
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Regional Aerial Photo Consortium
        • Unmanned Aircraft System program
        • Annexation and boundary changes
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Annexation search tool
    • Small thumbnail of a Metro map
      Regional Land Information System
  • What's Happening
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Metro News
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • All Metro news
      • Housing news
      • Land and transportation news
      • Parks and nature news
      • Home and garbage news
      • Venues news
      • Resources for journalists
    • Public projects
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Willamette Cove cleanup and nature park
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
        • Site history
        • Park planning
        • The cleanup
      • Future of Supportive Housing Services
      • Tualatin Valley Highway transit project
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
        • Community engagement
        • Equitable development
        • Steering committee
      • 2024 growth management decision
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
        • Expansion proposal
        • Roundtable
        • Youth cohort
      • Regional housing coordination strategy
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
      • Expo Future project
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Phase two
        • Development information
        • Project background
        • Site history
      • Blue Lake Regional Park improvements
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
        • Project updates
        • Timeline
      • Affordable housing bond program
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Progress
        • Site acquisition
        • Background
        • Racial equity
        • Oversight
        • Common questions
      • Supportive housing services
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Progress
        • Racial equity
        • Regional coordination
        • Funding
        • Oversight
        • Stories
        • Common questions
      • Supportive housing services tax
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Tax preparer resources
        • Tax data and analysis
        • Codes and rules
      • 2028-30 Regional flexible funding allocation
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
        • Funding priorities
        • New project bond
        • Step 2
      • 82nd Avenue transit project
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
        • Development strategy
        • Steering committee
      • Community connector transit study
      • Regional Transportation Demand Management strategy
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Regional goals
        • Timeline
      • Honoring untold stories at Lone Fir Cemetery
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Community engagement
        • Timeline
        • Patient recognition
      • Parks and nature investments
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • About
        • History
        • Funding
        • Vision
        • Equity
        • Oversight
        • Leadership
      • Regional system facilities plan
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
        • Engagement
        • Values and outcomes
        • Gap analysis
        • Scenario development
        • Draft plan
      • Bulky Waste collection service improvements
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Bulky waste policy
        • Collection study
      • Metro's commitment to Black lives
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Policing
    • Calendar
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • calendar pictogram
        View meetings and events
    • Subscribe
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • newspaper pictogram
        Get news by email
  • About Metro
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Regional leadership
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • What is Metro?
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Cities and counties in the region
      • Metro Council
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Council President Lynn Peterson
        • Councilor Ashton Simpson
        • Councilor Christine Lewis
        • Councilor Gerritt Rosenthal
        • Councilor Juan Carlos González
        • Councilor Mary Nolan
        • Councilor Duncan Hwang
        • How to give testimony
        • Find your councilor
      • Metro Auditor
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • About the Metro Auditor
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Mission and authority
          • Process
          • Auditing standards
          • Audit Committee
        • Audits
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Audit recommendations
        • Accountability Hotline
      • Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Commissioners
        • Materials archive
      • Metro advisory committees
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Committee on Disability Inclusion
        • Committee on Racial Equity
        • Future Vision Commission
        • Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • How to give testimony
          • Meeting materials archive
        • Metro Policy Advisory Committee
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • How to give testimony
          • Meeting materials archive
        • Metro Technical Advisory Committee
        • Public Engagement Review Committee
        • Regional Waste Advisory Committee
        • Smith and Bybee Wetlands Advisory Committee
        • Transit-Oriented Development Steering Committee
        • Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • TPAC materials archive
          • TransPort
      • Diversity, equity and inclusion
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Know your rights
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Complaint procedures
          • Discrimination complaint form
        • Accessibility at Metro
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • ADA public notice
          • Request an accommodation
          • Accessibility projects
          • Website accessibility
          • ADA grievance procedure
            +
            Open this submenu
            −
            Close this submenu
            • File an ADA complaint
        • Language hub
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Arabic
          • Cambodian
          • Chinese
          • Hindi
          • Hmong
          • Japanese
          • Korean
          • Laotian
          • Nepali
          • Persian
          • Romanian
          • Russian
          • Somali
          • Spanish
          • Tagalog
          • Telugu
          • Thai
          • Ukrainian
          • Vietnamese
        • Public engagement
        • Equity strategy
        • Equity Dashboard
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Workforce demographics
          • Job classifications
          • Employment status
          • Payscale
          • Recruitment
          • Retention
        • Construction Career Pathways
      • Public records
      • Contact Metro
    • How Metro works
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Organizational structure
      • Finances and funding
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Financial reports
        • Metro budget
        • Property tax information
        • Income tax information
        • Investment Advisory Board
      • Metro Code
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Metro administrative rules
      • Green Metro
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Green Metro featured projects
      • Contract opportunities
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Current requests for bids and proposals
        • Doing business with Metro
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Large construction contracts
        • Equity in contracting
      • Jobs
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • How to apply
        • Benefits
        • Pay
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Classification descriptions
        • Labor unions
        • Diversity and equity
        • Training and development
        • Veterans' preference
        • First Opportunity program
        • Internships
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Applying for internships
          • Types of internships
          • Garbage and recycling internships
        • Variable hour jobs
    • Library
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Land use shelf
      • Transportation shelf
      • Nature shelf
      • Garbage and recycling shelf
      • Regional research shelf
      • Archives and special collections
    • photo of boats at Blue Lake
      Metro by the numbers

Search form

Metro News

  • Housing and supportive services
  • Land and transportation
  • Parks and nature
  • Home and garbage
  • Venues

Parks and nature

Subscribe
 
  • Home

Parks and nature

Read Our Big Backyard Spring 2025

A view of a murky creek from the sidebar. Sparse trees and cloudy weather indicate it is late fall or winter. One the other side of the creek is a parking lot full of cars and a small, weathered dock. More

Enter Our Big Backyard summer 2025 photo contest

 closeup of dewdrops on moss as the sun shines through forest behind them More

More mud, less flood

 A still lake dotted with flotsam under a cloudy sky. To the left, a parking lot and apartment building can be seen just a few feet up the lake's bank. More
March 30, 2025

Enter Our Big Backyard summer 2025 photo contest
closeup of dewdrops on moss as the sun shines through forest behind them
March 28, 2025

Read Our Big Backyard Spring 2025

A view of a murky creek from the sidebar. Sparse trees and cloudy weather indicate it is late fall or winter. One the other side of the creek is a parking lot full of cars and a small, weathered dock.
March 21, 2025

More mud, less flood
A still lake dotted with flotsam under a cloudy sky. To the left, a parking lot and apartment building can be seen just a few feet up the lake's bank.
March 21, 2025

Meet your neighbors: pond-breeding amphibians
a small, bright-green frog with black stripes sits on a rock coated in brilliantly green moss
March 21, 2025

Helping frogs cross Route 30, one hop at a time
a small olive-green frog with a red underside rests on top of damp bracken and twigs
March 17, 2025

Community insights: Willamette Cove nature park master planning second round
A community center room is filled with about 50 people sitting around folding tables.
March 14, 2025

Oh snap! Learning how to bioblitz
Two women observe lichen on branches on the ground at Lone Fir Cemetery during a bio blitz.
Feb. 25, 2025

Metro makes historic 553-acre purchase in Clackamas County
a creek runs through woods made up of smaller, mostly deciduous, trees like young maples and oak; the day is sunny and one side of the creek is shaded by the trees
Jan. 8, 2025

Enter Our Big Backyard spring 2025 photo contest

A close-up of a garter snake with a dewdrop on its mouth sites amongst blades of grass.
Jan. 7, 2025

Read Our Big Backyard Winter 2025

A cemetery marker with the text 'Block 14' visible, placed on the grass in a cemetery. The marker is surrounded by green grass and is adorned with flowers and a citrus fruit.
Jan. 2, 2025

Memorial at Chinese section of Lone Fir Cemetery enters new phase
Two figures seen from behind stand before a low, round stone altar surrounded by a circular screen of metal tiles.
Dec. 18, 2024

Free parking days at Metro sites in 2025
A man holds hands with a little girl as they walk along a rocky riverside with evergreen trees in the background
View all Parks and nature stories

Show earlier

Show later

Our Big Backyard magazine

Turn to Our Big Backyard for all your nature news and other regional highlights, including feature stories, field guides, Q&As, upcoming events, a photography contest and much more.

Subscribers receive the magazine for free four times a year: early January, late March, late June and late September. Decide which version is right for you: the tabloid-size print edition or the interactive digital version.

Subscribe to the print edition

Subscribe to nature updates by email

  • Our Big Backyard Winter 2025
    Our Big Backyard Winter 2025
    Jan 2025 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Fall 2024
    Our Big Backyard Fall 2024
    Sep 2024 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Summer 2024
    Our Big Backyard Summer 2024
    Jun 2024 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Spring 2024
    Our Big Backyard Spring 2024
    Mar 2024 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Winter 2024
    Our Big Backyard Winter 2024
    Jan 2024 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Fall 2023
    Our Big Backyard Fall 2023
    Oct 2023 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Summer 2023
    Our Big Backyard Summer 2023
    Jun 2023 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Spring 2023
    Our Big Backyard Spring 2023
    Mar 2023 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Winter 2023
    Our Big Backyard Winter 2023
    Dec 2022 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Fall 2022
    Our Big Backyard Fall 2022
    Sep 2022 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Summer 2022
    Our Big Backyard Summer 2022
    Jun 2022 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Spring 2022
    Our Big Backyard Spring 2022
    Mar 2022 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Winter 2022
    Our Big Backyard Winter 2022
    Dec 2021 PDF
    The PDF version of the winter 2022 edition of Our Big Backyard.
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Fall 2021
    Our Big Backyard Fall 2021
    Oct 2021 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Summer 2021
    Our Big Backyard Summer 2021
    Jul 2021 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Spring 2021
    Our Big Backyard Spring 2021
    Apr 2021 PDF
    Open
  • Our Big Backyard Winter 2021
    Our Big Backyard Winter 2021
    Jan 2021 PDF
    Open
  • Return to the first item
Green garter snack faces the camera.
Our Big Backyard photo contest Winter 2025 winner: Michael Beymer Portland

Morning was warming up the meadow at Wilke’s Creek. I’d completed a cold hike to see the headwaters and trillium blooming. While catching some rays, a Garter snake appeared next to me with a dew drop on their cheek. Probably they were cold too. So we enjoyed the sunrise together.

A barred owl sits on a lichen-covered stump of an old tree.
A barred owl at Powell Butte Nature Park. Photo by Patti Bright.
Our Big Backyard photo contest fall 2024 winner: Patty Bright, Portland

While walking in Powell Butte Nature Park in Gresham, looking for the reported owl, I heard the familiar 'whoo cooks for you' call from the Barred Owl. It flew from its nest to a stump of an old tree where we stood and stared at each other. 

Small sparrow bird sits on lichen covered holly branch
Savannah Sparrow at Powell Butte Nature Park
Our Big Backyard photo contest winner for summer 2024: Mike Houck, Portland

Savannah Sparrow at Powell Butte Nature Park

Great Blue Heron stands on one leg at Dawson Creek Park
Our Big Backyard photo contest winner for spring 2024: Sandy Berger, Hillsboro

I came upon this Great Blue Heron at the Dawson Creek Park by Hillsboro Brookwood Library. This trail is a favorite of ours and our Great Dane.

Male Wood Duck slowly glides along at Crystal Springs Garden
Our Big Backyard photo contest winner for winter 2024: Ron Brown

While visiting Crystal Springs Garden I noticed this male Wood Duck play hide and seek between these overhanging bushes. After waiting patiently for some 15-20 minutes he finally felt comfortable enough to show himself along side of the fall foliage. Such beautiful fall colors.

Mother barn swallow bird brings food to her young.
Our Big Backyard photo contest winner Jane Hopwood
Our Big Backyard photo contest winner for fall 2023: Jane Hopwood

I spotted this juvenile Barn Swallow at Beaverton Creek Wetlands as it tried to persuade any adult that came close to feed it. Eventually, its parent arrived and the feeding began.

Sunlight filtered through misty forest at Marquam Nature Park
With the sun streaming through a misty forest while taking our foster dog Ivy out on our morning hike in Marquam Nature Park, I had to stop to take a photo.
Our Big Backyard photo contest winner for summer 2023: Jenny Navis, Portland

With the sun streaming through a misty forest while taking our foster dog Ivy out on our morning hike in Marquam Nature Park, I had to stop to take a photo.

Bronze and black segmented salamander coiled in moss.
In winter and early spring, I enjoy seeing the diversity of amphibians that we have around the Portland area. One wet day recently I was lucky to see this Oregon Slender Salamander in a cedar grove in the East Buttes part of the metro area.
Our Big Backyard photo contest spring 2023 winner: Darian Santner, Portland

In winter and early spring, I enjoy seeing the diversity of amphibians that we have around the Portland area. One wet day recently I was lucky to see this Oregon Slender Salamander in a cedar grove in the East Buttes part of the metro area. 

Short eared owl flies straight towards camera.
Just outside Frenchman's Bar near Vancouver WA, this short-eared owl was on a fence post. It watched as I got my camera, then flew off with its eyes still right on me. What an experience!
Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2023 winner: Chelsea Schuyler, Vancouver

Just outside Frenchman's Bar near Vancouver WA, this short-eared owl was on a fence post. It watched as I got my camera, then flew off with its eyes still right on me. What an experience!

Hawk sitting on roof top is attacked by scrub jay.
This was taken on a nature trail in the Bethany area near our home in Beaverton. I was walking on the path when this red-tail flew past me and landed on a nearby roof. As I was taking this picture of the hawk, I had no idea it was about to be dive-bombed
Our Big Backyard photo contest fall 2022 winner: Laurie Frajola, Beaverton

This was taken on a nature trail in the Bethany area near our home in Beaverton. I was walking on the path when this red-tail flew past me and landed on a nearby roof. As I was taking this picture of the hawk, I had no idea it was about to be dive-bombed by a scrub jay!

A white great egret stands on a floating log holding its wings high above its head, which is pointed toward the pool below.
A great egret was doing the dance on a spring morning at Commonwealth Lake Park.
Our Big Backyard photo contest summer 2022 winner: John Lemmer, Portland

"A great egret was doing the dance on a spring morning at Commonwealth Lake Park."

Ruby red crested Anna hummingbird looks directly at camera
Our Big Backyard photo contest spring 2022 winner: Susan Richmond, Hillsboro

"My husband and I were sitting on our front patio when a persistent anna humming bird flew around us to get to one of our feeders. Then he would fly over to a nearby Japanese pine and wait for us to leave. He perched there for the longest time...long enough for me to capture this photo. His beautiful georgette shone in the sunlight. As soon as we left he went back to "his" feeder."

A garter snake with a white stripe on its back and orange lines on its side slithers back down a rose stem, its head following the back end of its body as it goes.
Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2022 winner: Hallie Madenski, Portland
Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2022 winner: Hallie Madenski, Portland

"Along the Wapato Greenway Loop on Sauvie Island:I looked to my right, not far from the entrance of the trail and saw this beauty sunbathing on top of a rose cane several feet off the ground, completely unfazed by my presence. I've seen many snakes around Portland but this felt like a rare and special moment."

Common garter snake with red and black markings.
Our Big Backyard photo contest fall 2021 winner: Roger Williams, Tigard

"While walking at Jackson Bottoms Wetland I came across this beautiful Common Garter Snake. Several snakes were out in the sun warming up. Most of them moved away pretty fast, but this one started to move slowly away but held still long enough to get its photo."

Male hooded duck with black, white and orange markings, glides across a pond.
Our Big Backyard photo contest summer 2021 winner: Chris Elkinton, Portland

"The lake at Reed College is a wonderful place to watch birds. I got lucky on this particular morning when I spotted this male hooded merganser. It was a joy to lie still, flat on the ground, watching this magnificent bird swim and dive."

A field of purple and lilac colored lupins stretched towards sunrise.
Our Big Backyard photo contest spring 2021 winner: Rick Hafele, Wilsonville

"At Graham Oaks Nature Park, as I walked by this patch of lupine, I tried to imagine what they’d look like with a dramatic sunrise. I finally saw my chance and arrived in time to set up just as the clouds lifted enough for the first rays of morning sunlight to do their thing."

A large fall leaf holding large droplets of rain water lying on a pebble walk-way.
Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2021 winner: Monet Hampson, Portland

"This is a photo of one of the first fall leaves I noticed, covered with droplets from a much needed rain shower. After the stifling smoke of the summer fires, this leaf encapsulated where we had been and the dewy hope of the future."

  • ‹
  • ›
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
 

Footer Menu

▼
Open menu
▲
Close menu
  • Services of Metro
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Oregon Zoo
    • Oregon Convention Center
    • Portland Expo Center
    • Portland'5 Centers for the Arts
    • Data Resource Center
    • Garbage and recycling facilities
    • Metro cemeteries
  • Opportunities
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Jobs
    • Contracts
    • Grants
    • Franchising and licensing
  • Access
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Know your rights
    • Accessibility at Metro
    • Language assistance
    • Feedback and questions
    • Metro Accountability Hotline
    • Privacy policy
    • Request public records
    • Directions
  • Leadership
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Metro Council
    • Metro Auditor
    • MERC
    • Committees
    • Who's my councilor?

Metro logo

Whether your roots in the region run generations deep or you moved to Oregon last week, you have your own reasons for loving this place – and Metro wants to keep it that way. Help shape the future of the greater Portland region and discover tools, services and places that make life better today.

Contact Metro

  • 503-797-1700
  • 503-797-1804 TDD
  • Send a message

Connect with Metro

Subscribe to Metro News

More subscription options

Find Metro on

Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Instagram