Mt. Tabor Revegetation Project

Recent work on the Mt. Tabor Revegetation Project is a great example of partnership among Intertwine Alliance partner organizations and with the community to improve watershed health together. 

The Mt. Tabor Revegetation Project is part of Portland’s Tabor to the River Program to stop sewer backups, manage stormwater naturally, and restore watershed health in close partnership with the community. Establishing native plants in the place of invasive plants in Mt. Tabor Park enhances watershed health by improving stormwater management and habitat, just as green streets do in urban areas. Read on for more information on the Mt. Tabor Invasive Plant Control & Revegetation Project, and also here.

Project Partners: City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, Parks and Recreation, Water Bureau, East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, Friends of Mt. Tabor Park, Audubon Society of Portland 

Recent work

The following work was completed: 

In August, Himalayan blackberry was cut on over 20 acres of natural area.

In August, split rail fence was installed on the west side of the summit to prevent new trails from being formed through areas where Himalayan blackberry were cut.

In September and October, herbicide was carefully applied to Himalayan blackberry and English ivy on over 37 acres of natural area.

In September and October, native grass and forb seeds were applied to prevent erosion in areas where invasive plant removal left bare soil.

In October, City staff worked with Friends of Mt. Tabor Weed Warrior volunteers to plant herbaceous flowering plants in areas where invasive plants were removed starting in fall 2010.

A self-guided walking tour of the Mt. Tabor Revegetation Project is now available at the main kiosk next to the amphitheater parking lot, and on the project website

Between March and October 2011, Friends of Mt. Tabor Park Weed Warriors put in an impressive 943 volunteer hours, which they put to great use removing invasive plants on over 23,000 square feet of natural area and saving 25 trees from being overtaken by English Ivy and Traveler’s Joy.

Next steps

December 2011, January and February 2012: Audubon Society of Portland volunteers will conduct winter bird surveys.

February 2012: Primary native tree and shrub planting in Phase 1 areas (see map).