Water, Wind, and a new Round of Winners
The 2nd Annual Force of Nature Awards will celebrate the people and organizations who have been exceptional champions of nature in the region. There's still time to nominate your favorite "force of nature" to be honored at The Intertwine Alliance fall summit!

More Storming and Swarming

British filmmaker David Bond storms our region with a series of events and showings of his epic documentary Project Wild Thing about the growing disconnect of children from nature. Activities will include a Nature Play Swarm" charrette to launch a movement in our region, a symposium, and various film showings. Look for registration information and more details at Metro this coming Friday.

Leading the Way to Well-being

On October 15, leaders from the conservation, parks, health, active transportation, and social justice communities will join forces to chart the path to a healthier region. Join the discussion at our second  Health and Nature Forum. The forum will take place from 8:00 am-12:00 pm. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details.

 

Intertwine News

July's winners have been announced for The Intertwine Photo Contest. Congratulations to Michael Barton, Mia Marie Baldwin, Dawn Shelton, Sherri Chastain, and Dave Taube who so poetically captured the Natural Landscapes theme. From now through October, online voters like you are picking their favorite crowd-sourced photos (send us your best snaps here).

What's that? Fame not your bag? How's this for motivation: every month, the top five winners take home a free pair of KEENs! Help us spread the word about our monthly themes and contact Kevin with any questions.
 

• August: Urban Art Connection
• September: Local Park Love
• October: Faces in Nature
  

 

Inside the Outside Voice

Last month in Outside Voice," Jerry Magee, of the South Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship discussed one community group's unique commitment to the environment. Metro Councilwoman Shirley Craddock describes how Nadaka Nature Park was born out of community vision and collaboration. Ruth Oclander of Friends of Overlook Bluff, takes us for a journey along this hidden oak corridor. And finally the story of Project YESS, Michael Oliver's inspiring work to engage youth with nature while teaching job training skills and professional development. Also in July we e-published our first monthly feature story, Kids These Days."

Metro Boosts Community Projects
Salmon restoration projects, new trailheads and innovative conservaiton initiatives are one step closer to reality, with a $5.2 million boost from Metro's Nature in Neighborhoods Grant Program. An impressively diverse array of organizations, many of whom are Intertwine partners received support.

Partner Updates

Field Day in the Country
The 2014 Rural Living Field Day is set for Saturday, August 23, from 8:30am to 2:00pm at Howell Territory Park on Sauvie Island. To register, visit the West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District website and click on "Events". The cost is only $15 per person or $20 for families. Morning beverages and snacks will be served as well as a fully catered lunch.

Help us map the Oregon white oak!
There's still time to join Oakquest, a citizen science effort to map The Intertwine's imperiled Oregon white oak habitat. A coalition of dozens of organizations have been working on this mapping project for a few years. Now the effort needs your volunteer support!

Metro Trail Counts is back!
September 9-14, Metro and Intertwine Alliance partners will engage hundreds of volunteers to once again measure trail usage in our region. These numbers show how our residents and visitors are using the Intertwine and demonstrate how our investment in trails is paying off. Connect with Metro if you or your organization wants to volunteer to support this effort.

Metro Nature in Neighborhood Capital Grants are available once again!
If you have ideas on how to make nature thrive in your neighborhood park, school, or city, a Metro Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grant could help make your vision a reality. Funded by the voter-approved 2006 natural areas bond measure to support efforts to preserve or enhance natural features and habitats, these grants benefit communities now and for generations to come. Check out the website to see if your project fits the criteria.

Port of Portland once again launches its Seaport Celebration
Come join in the fun at the most family-friendly, fun-filled day of adventure on the river this summer on Saturday, August 16th! Seaport Celebration will take you inside the fences of an active marine terminal to explore the working waterfront with free activities and excitement for all ages.

Urban Nature Partners PDX Benefit Day
Click here for more information on how you can help this worthy cause on Monday, August 25 from noon-10:00pm at the Oregon Public House.