Our Big Backyard

Why Metro's new magazine means playtime in The Intertwine

There’s one important story you won’t find in the just-released debut issue of Our Big Backyard: the tale of how – and why – Metro transformed its quarterly magazine for nature lovers.  Read on to learn more about the role we hope this new magazine will play in our increasingly digital world.

The River Possible

Unlocking the Willamette’s true potential

With good reason, the Portland Harbor cleanup has been the subject of much attention lately, including here at Willamette Riverkeeper. But there are other opportunities that can also help unlock the tremendous potential of our river. Here are four conversations I’d like to see launched in 2014.

Mill vs. Mulch

Is it time for the greenspaces movement to embrace urban lumber?

If we value our urban trees while they’re living, why do we then so casually discard the deadwood as firewood and mulch? The global greenspaces movement will strongly influence how trees are utilized in the future.  It's time to make urban lumber part of that conversation.

Fireworks at Fernhill

Natural treatment wetlands for folks and fowl

With new shorelines, mudflats and thousands of native plants, many unusual species of shorebird are flocking to Fernhill Wetlands these days. A visit to Fernhill this winter might be just what you need, too.

Your winter wishlist

High hopes for the New Year from our nonprofit partners

With December frost sparkling on autumn leaves, our thoughts turn to the future. What will the New Year bring? We asked our nonprofit partners to share their organization's top wish for 2014. Here's what 15 of you had to say.

Saving those special places

Where does conservation money come from?

Many of us know that our parks agencies don't have the money they'd like to enhance The Intertwine. So should they simply want less? Or can our coalition work harder to improve their access to funding programs like the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund?

A forest runs through it

No city in the contiguous U.S. can boast a resource like Portland's 5,200-acre Forest Park. But it will take a village to protect this carbon-sequestering, wildlife-conveying, soul-fueling urban wild space. Thus, last week, the Greater Forest Park Conservation Initiative was launched.

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