Portland's Mt. Tabor Park is in the eco-spotlight this year, having been selected as a 2024 Spotlight site by Leave No Trace, the environmental group that's all about keeping our parks pristine. The park stands out as Oregon's only selection and joins a league of just 24 spots nationwide to snag this eco-honor, according to the City of Portland's announcement.
Portland's Vibrant Communities Commissioner, Dan Ryan, laid out the purpose: "The goal of the Spotlight project is to raise awareness and implement research-based solutions to protect Mt. Tabor Park." He added, "It's an important natural resource that must be cared for and preserved for years to come, and we appreciate the help of the Leave No Trace Spotlight program." The plan includes a team from Subaru/Leave No Trace visiting the park from May 9-11 to collaborate with locals on a variety of green initiatives, ranging from restoration to stewardship efforts, as stated by the City of Portland announcement.
Leave No Trace principles are simple but vital: be prepared, clean up after yourself (and your pets), leave things as you find them, don't bother the wildlife, keep to the trails, and play nice with others outdoors. With the upcoming event, city officials and several community groups are gearing up to make a real difference.
Adena Long, the director of Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), shared her excitement about the community collaboration, "We look forward to working with dedicated groups such as the Friends of Mt. Tabor, the Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association, and several other community partners." Dana Watts, Executive Director of Leave No Trace, pointed out the community spirit too, "The Spotlight program is an amazing way to highlight the power of community and the difference people can make when they unite to protect the outdoors," she told the city's news service. Mt. Tabor Park's "spotlight" comes as part of a long-running collaboration between PP&R's Rangers and Leave No Trace, emphasizing respect for the land and its original stewards.
