About 594,000 native plants took root in Metro parks and natural areas this winter – a record-setting planting season that eclipses last year’s 500,000 plants.
Native plants serve a crucial role in Metro’s efforts to restore wetlands, oak woodlands and other habitats. The plants provide shelter for fish and wildlife as well as an important food source.
Newell Creek Canyon in Oregon City saw the largest influx, with about 63,300 plants. Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area in North Portland received 58,000 plants.
The contractors who completed the work included seven minority-owned, women-owned and emerging small businesses that Metro worked with for the first time.