“A” Park: Restoration

The Nature Patch program was started five years ago by Portland Parks and Recreation to provide natural experiences for people, habitat, and wildlife in urban areas. Nature patches are ecological landscapes designed in existing parks to help promote native pollinators, education for community, and opportunities for exploration.

The A park project was started and designed in Fall 2021. This 6.33-acre area was unmanaged and heavily established with invasive plants. We set out to restore this park area using ecological design techniques and principles. Due to the shaded canopy microclimate of this site, we focused on planting shade tolerant plants native to Oregon and Washington - the plant list is listed below. This sloped site sits above a stream, so it was a goal of ours to plant perennial plants to reduce erosion and also provide diverse habitat for wildlife that visit the stream.

This nature patch was a blank slate for us and it underwent many stages. First, we excavated trenches and installed irrigation on the north side of the park. Then we brought in compost, bark mulch, nurse logs, and basalt rocks. We leveled and built a trail on the south side of the park, then laid out a stone pathway moving up and down the slope. Lastly, we worked with volunteers to plant over 5000+ native plants, bulbs and seeds. With the help and collaboration of irrigation, city nature, and horticulturists, we were able to complete this project in just over three months.

Our goal was to create an accessible, ecological space that allows the community to meet one another, learn about native plants and ecology, and connect with the outdoors. Overtime, this area will require minimal maintenance and be self-sustainable. We hope that local pollinators return to the area, soil and stream health improve, and future generations can enjoy this natural space.