Appreciate Mother Nature at one of these outdoor spaces around Portland on Earth Day.

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The Oregon Zoo plans a major revamp to upgrade habitats and enhance visitor experience while emphasizing conservation and climate action, with the proposed campus layout awaiting a 2024 adoption.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Portland is nominated for Newsweek's 'Best Botanical Garden' in the 2024 awards, against major U.S. contenders.

Portland's conservation group has rebranded from Portland Audubon to Bird Alliance of Oregon, dissociating from John James Audubon's controversial legacy.

Seattle Parks and Recreation opens applications for summer picnic spots, using a lottery system starting the first business day in March, with a first-come, first-served policy post-February.

Plans for a large octopus farm in the Canary Islands face criticism over ethical and environmental concerns, with opponents and author Sy Montgomery stressing the intelligence of octopuses and questioning sustainability claims.

The article discusses the increase in seizures of psychedelic mushrooms and changes in societal and legal attitudes towards their use, with a focus on recent developments in Oregon.

Mill Ends Park in Portland lost its only tree, presumed stolen. Locals and officials plan to replace the dwarf Alberta spruce, reflecting the community's affection for the tiny park.

Metro Council funds a $1.3 million park development in Tigard's park-poor area, expected to open by late 2025, focusing on community engagement, equity, and ecological benefits.

The Oregon Zoo offers a week of discounted admissions at $12 online, featuring new attractions like tiger brothers and a rhino calf.

Commissioner Dan Ryan extends fee waivers for storm-related tree damage in Portland until March 8, easing the financial burden for affected property owners.

Portland's Winter Lights Festival illuminated the city and select installations will remain past the festival dates, as per the February Plaza Newsletter.

Portland Parks & Recreation has closed all grass sports fields due to wet conditions, prioritizing games on synthetic turf as they search for available spaces.

The Oregon Zoo may upgrade its Humboldt penguin habitat if a $380 million bond passes, improving living conditions for the penguins amidst population challenges.

Champoeg State Heritage Area presents an exhibit featuring Oregon's Black pioneers' stories, exploring their challenges and contributions from 1840 to 1870, in collaboration with Oregon Black Pioneers.

Cryptosporidium has been detected in Portland's tap water, posing a risk to immunocompromised individuals. The city is working on installing treatment systems by 2027.

The Biden administration proposes amendments to the BLM's land management practices to bolster greater sage-grouse populations, sparking mixed reactions among conservationists.

Oregon State Parks extends Spring Whale Watch Week to observe gray whales and their calves migrate along the coast with volunteer guidance and hopeful signs of species recovery.

Sea lions congregate at Portland's docks near the Columbia River, a phenomenon locals note as common during this season, attributed to them following food sources like smelt.

Clark County has declared April 1-7 as Food Waste Prevention Week, launching initiatives and a podcast series to educate on reducing the 1.1 million tons of food waste in the Washington area.

Champoeg State Heritage Area presents an exhibit on Black Pioneers in Oregon, shedding light on their key role in the state's history, in collaboration with Oregon Black Pioneers.

Oregon officials implement measures to protect the western snowy plover during their March-September nesting season, restricting certain beach activities in designated areas.

The Washington Park Playground in Portland is undergoing renovations, including a new slide and play equipment, beginning April 15 with a reopening slated for May 3.

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries is holding a public meeting on April 17 in Forest Grove, offering both in-person and online participation, to discuss cemetery preservation.

Gateway Green in Portland is set for upgrades including new trails, an entry plaza, and habitat restoration, funded by Commissioner Dan Ryan's initiative for a more inclusive and accessible park.

The Portland Water Bureau detected Cryptosporidium in the Bull Run Watershed, advising immunocompromised individuals to consult health professionals regarding water safety.

Commissioner Dan Ryan announces $1 million funding from SDC for Berrydale Park improvements, totaling $4 million for renovation including a new playground and skatepark, with construction expected to begin in fall and completion by 2025.

Sandy, Oregon, is set to revamp its skatepark, aiming to create a modern facility enticing skaters from around the region, with extensive design plans suggesting a significant improvement over the outdated current park.

Hillsboro has been recognized as Tree City USA for the sixth year and received a Growth Award for sustainable forestry, with significant investment and tree planting efforts highlighted.

Portland implements a pruning moratorium for elm trees from April 15 to October 15 to prevent the spread of Dutch Elm Disease. The city provides guidelines for proper elm wood disposal.

A bear was spotted wandering through Corvallis, Oregon, prompting local police to coordinate with state agencies and advise the public to keep their distance.

Portland-area voters will decide on a $380 million bond for the Oregon Zoo in May, maintaining current tax rates but funding infrastructure improvements for animal welfare.

The OPRD proposes to align Maupin City's boundary within the Deschutes Scenic Waterway rule to its actual limits, correcting a 1973 oversight, and seeks public input before the June Commission vote.

Mayer State Park is undergoing a riverbank stabilization project with federal and local partners; the east riverbank is closed, but the park remains open for other activities.

Portland's South Park Blocks, an area steeped in history, earns recognition with two new bronze plaques celebrating its National Register of Historic Places status, to be unveiled on May 7, 2024.

Portland Parks & Recreation is modernizing lighting in 11 city parks, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing light pollution with Dark Sky-friendly LEDs.

The Yamhill County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the 2024 Parks Quest, a summer scavenger hunt in five parks from May 25 to September 2, with a prize drawing for participants.

A rare Pacific football fish, usually found in deep ocean waters, was discovered on a beach near Cannon Beach, Oregon, marking a first-time sighting for the state.

Berry, a Linne's two-toed sloth, has joined the Oregon Zoo, where she can be seen lounging in the rainforest habitat. Visitors are encouraged to look up to spot her.

A dead humpback whale washed ashore in Nehalem Bay State Park, Oregon, and officials are investigating the cause of death while advising the public to keep away.

The Oregon Heritage Commission has awarded $75,031 in grants to 15 museums across Oregon, supporting diverse heritage projects ranging from digital archives to building repairs.

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on June 11-12 in Mt. Vernon for work sessions, an executive session, and a business meeting open to the public.

Aurora, Marion County, is set to restore two historic sites using grants from the Historic Preservation Fund, inviting public comments on the project.

Oregon's coast is closed to clam harvesting due to high marine biotoxin levels, causing health risks like Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning. Authorities are frequently testing for safe toxin levels before reopening.

Angel's Rest trail in the Columbia River Gorge is temporarily closed following a cougar sighting, prompting safety measures for hikers and the intervention of local officials and wildlife agencies.

Butte Creek Falls in Oregon, closed since the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire, is set to reopen on June 21. The Oregon Department of Forestry announced the reopening after extensive rehabilitation and safety work.

Herman the Sturgeon, an iconic Oregon resident since the 1930s, will be celebrated at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery with a public event and fundraiser for facility repairs.

Angel's Rest trail reopens after a closure prompted by a cougar stalking a runner, with wildlife officials advising hikers on safety should they encounter a cougar.

Commissioner Dan Ryan allocates $700,000 from development fees for a new splash pad at Portland's Kenilworth Park, with a total budget of $1.7 million. Completion is expected between 2028 and 2029.

Pier Pool in Portland is closed due to major plumbing issues stemming from a ruptured water line, but swim lessons continue at Peninsula Pool. Repair work is underway.

Clark County Public Works announced plans for a new ADA-compliant fishing platform at Haapa Boat Launch Park, Woodland, funded by PacifiCorp, to improve accessibility for disabled anglards.

Portland Water Bureau announces road closures and detours in Washington Park from late April to early November 2024 due to ongoing reservoir replacement.

Crystal Springs Creek in Portland has been named the city's first Salmon Sanctuary, highlighting its significance for local biodiversity and the success of restoration efforts to improve habitats for salmon and other species.

Adena Long, Director of Portland Parks & Recreation, has been elected to the City Parks Alliance Board of Directors, bringing her urban park experience to a national level.

Portland's Pier Park disc golf course has added tree protection to reduce damage from the sport, which is increasing in popularity. This conservation effort reflects the city's commitment to preserving its natural spaces.

Oregon State University researchers recorded the first-ever footage of a basking shark being struck by a ship, highlighting the threats marine life faces from vessel collisions.

Portland will remove its first Heritage Tree, an iconic elm dating back to the 1870s, due to safety concerns after severe weather damage. A replacement will be planted in 2025.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department seeks a new concessionaire for food and lodging at Silver Falls State Park, including Smith Creek Village, South Falls Café, and historic ranches. Applications are open until August 30.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department seeks public input on e-bike regulations through an online survey, offering participants a chance to win an annual state parks parking permit.

A mola mola beached in Oregon puzzled scientists as these deep-water fish usually don't appear so far from their habitats. The event follows another recent sunfish stranding.

A third Mola mola sunfish washed up on the Oregon Coast, marking a series of such incidents since June, with the cause of the stranding still unknown.

Hillsboro hosts a free double feature of classic horror films, "Dracula" and "Creature from the Black Lagoon," on October 25th at the Hillsboro Futsal & Soccer Academy.

Portland Parks & Recreation is giving away 3,000 trees to residents for free planting on private property, part of efforts to increase the city's urban forest canopy.

A new butterfly habitat at a local mansion aims to conserve endangered Monarch butterflies by planting native species like Milkweed. Volunteers are invited to help maintain the garden.

The article discusses Oregon's participation in a Bat Beauty Contest, aimed at raising awareness for bat conservation, highlighted by local bats like William ShakespEAR.

The Oregon Zoo celebrates Polar Bear Week with activities, educational talks, and birthday parties for bears Amelia Gray and Nora to highlight conservation efforts.

An Arctic fox found in Portland, Oregon, is being relocated to a specialized facility in Wisconsin to join a male partner after likely being abandoned by an owner.

The Bird Alliance of Oregon has acquired a 12.5-acre site for a new wildlife hospital and nature sanctuary, aiming to enhance wildlife care and community engagement.

Two orphaned river otter pups were released back into the wild in Central Oregon after rehabilitation, marking a success for local wildlife conservation efforts.

Portland Parks & Recreation is accepting wedding reservations for 2025 starting January 6, with in-person requests prioritized. There will also be a vendor fair for couples during booking hours.

Metzler Park serves as a tranquil retreat for both visitors and camp hosts, offering a serene environment and a community-oriented lifestyle as detailed by a camp host named Leanne.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife warns that holiday decorations can entangle deer, urging residents to clean up and modify yard items to prevent wildlife distress.

The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse in Oregon is set for exterior restoration in 2025, budgeted at $1.6 million, with touches like a new roof and paint. While closed from January to June, the park will remain open.

Volunteers from the Netarts-Oceanside Fire District in Oregon rescued an endangered Loggerhead sea turtle trapped on rocks, named "Shorty," amid challenging conditions.

A 40-pound olive ridley sea turtle was found dead on Sunset Beach in Oregon, possibly due to hypothermia caused by recent storms, according to the Seaside Aquarium.

Portland Parks & Recreation opens 2025 wedding venue reservations, with in-person applicants getting priority over online bookings for popular spots like Cathedral Park.

Champoeg State Heritage Area's B Loop campgrounds are available for bookings with construction pushed to late 2025, part of broader park improvements funded by Oregon's 2021 GO Bond projects.

Cape Lookout State Park's scheduled spring construction closure has moved to summer 2025, offering a springtime visit window. Reservations open December 20, 2024, for stays through May 2025 before upgrades to combat environmental challenges begin.

Portland's office recommends rejecting PGE's proposal for new power lines through Forest Park, highlighting environmental concerns and the plan's noncompliance with local standards.

Oregon Zoo celebrates the birth of a baby elephant who met her "aunt" Shine, as the staff discusses herd dynamics and the new mother Rose-Tu's nurturing of her calf.

The Lee-Janouch House in Medford, Oregon has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, celebrated for its National Park Service Rustic architecture.

Medford has a variety of Spring Break activities including the Medford Metro Reptile Expo, Hero Day at The Children's Museum, water fun at Rogue X, ice skating at The RRRink, and free park visits.

Oregon's state parks saw a record 53.85 million day-use visits in 2024, though camping dipped slightly to 2.83 million nights due to construction closures.

Medford introduces its first TRACK Trail at Prescott Park for family outdoor fun and education, expected by June end, with interactive elements for kids.

Ed Benedict Park in East Portland has opened its renovated playground with new equipment and stormwater drainage, catering to kids of varied ages and improving accessibility.

Portland Parks & Recreation thanks volunteers during National Volunteer Week for their significant contributions, totaling nearly 389,000 hours in the last year, towards the maintenance and stewardship of the city's parks.

Medford has increased wildfire defenses in parks and open spaces, thinning vegetation on 200 acres with funds from various sources, including marijuana tax revenue, and plans public meetings on emergency preparedness.

The Oregon Zoo mourns the loss of Tilly, an elderly river otter who was euthanized due to declining health. Beyond her expected lifespan, Tilly was known for her nurturing nature and her cameo on "30 Rock."

Oregon gets a permit to balance timber production with habitat preservation in Elliott State Research Forest, aiming for conservation and financial independence.

Owyhee Grocery, or The Rock Store, in Malheur County, Oregon, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Portland's Urban Forestry division will reduce or waive tree permit fees from July 1, 2025, funded by the PCEF, to facilitate easier tree care and support a greener city.

Eugene officials have closed Skinner Butte Park's summit parking lot until October to prevent summer wildfires, allowing only foot and bicycle traffic.

Berrydale Park in Portland reopens after renovations, offering new playgrounds, skate areas, and other amenities, with improved accessibility and infrastructure.

A new boulder honoring the legacy of Black-owned newspapers has been added to Dawson Park's Historic Story Boulders in Portland, acknowledging the contributions of The Skanner News and The Portland Observer.

Portland reports a 15% increase in street trees over the past decade, with most in good condition, expands its tree planting list with climate-adapted species, and provides public resources for tree data.

Oregon authorities have closed mussel harvesting from the Columbia River to the Siuslaw River in Florence due to elevated toxin levels, affecting both recreational and commercial gatherers.

Oregon introduces a new zoo-themed license plate featuring Asian elephants, designed by artist Jeremy Nichols, to support conservation efforts through the Oregon Zoo Foundation.

Portland City Council has adopted the updated Portland Urban Forest Plan, focusing on tree canopy expansion, especially in under-greened areas, promoting lower tree care costs, and updating city regulations to enhance urban forestry.

Oregon has halted mussel harvesting on its south coast due to high paralytic shellfish toxin levels and closed razor clam collecting for domoic acid concerns, but crab and bay clam harvesting remains open.

The Oregon Coast was named one of the best travel destinations for 2026 by BBC Travel, praised for its natural beauty, accessibility, and commitment to sustainable tourism.

ODFW is moving late‑season crab protections up to April 1, applying depth and pot limits earlier as whale entanglements rise. The change accelerates measures designed to cut the vertical lines that snag humpbacks.

Portland Parks & Recreation closed applications for advisory committee members to help guide the redevelopment of Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park's Bowl area.

A Netarts-Oceanside Facebook post flagged a satellite-tagged great white nicknamed Kara on a map near the Tillamook coast; experts say sightings need context.

Metro set aside $50,000 for a geotechnical study as advocates press to restore the Oregon Zoo’s long Washington Park train loop. Community signatures and volunteer work are already in place.

After years offline, Portland's Thompson Elk statue and fountain are back on SW Main Street following a multi‑agency restoration. The work adds seismic and water‑saving upgrades.

Leach Garden Friends warns the 17‑acre public garden could close by mid‑March after a reduction in city funding; the nonprofit says it needs $50K a month to stay open.

ODFW is investigating after a woman was bitten by a coyote near Orchard Heights Road on Feb. 11; officials warn residents to secure pets and remove attractants.

PP&R released final designs for the North Portland Aquatic Center at Northgate Park and opened a short survey. The plan shows a 35‑meter pool, mass‑timber structure and site changes.

The Washington DNR warned this week that budget cuts could force closures at nearly 20 recreation sites, including campgrounds and an ORV area in Southwest Washington. Officials say staffing losses and lost crew partnerships have stretched maintenance thin.

A $22 million federal grant and a first‑of‑its‑kind tribal‑state co‑management plan unraveled after the Harry A. Merlo Foundation walked away from a proposed 11,438‑acre wildlife area in Eastern Oregon.

BLM seeks to revise western Oregon plans to expand logging on roughly 2.5 million acres; public comments close March 23, 2026.

BEA’s new figures show outdoor recreation made up 2.7% of Oregon's GDP in 2024, underscoring its role in jobs, tourism and gear manufacturing.

Portland renamed Custer Park 'Scht Wiwnu, an Indigenous name meaning "path of the huckleberry," and marked the change with a naming ceremony and volunteer plantings.

A juvenile gray whale appeared this week in the north fork of the Willapa River near Raymond; Cascadia Research and partners are monitoring the animal and asking the public to keep back.

ODFW proposes a seasonal, limited‑entry parking permit for Walton, Collins and North Unit beaches from June 15 to Labor Day; island businesses warn of lost summer sales.

Nearly half of Washington County will decide whether to renew funding for Tualatin Hills parks and facilities with a $280M bond on May 19. THPRD says taxes would stay near current levels; opponents warn of stacked asks.

Nearly 120 wildland firefighters say rescinding the Roadless Rule would invite more human starts and put crews in harm’s way.

Oregon State Parks expanded day‑use parking and raised peak camping rates starting May 1, 2026. Here’s who’s affected and what to expect at the gate.

Portland has hired London-based Malcolm Reading Consultants to run a national design competition for the Bowl at Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The move advances plans backed by Metro funding.

Multnomah County River Patrol warns of fallen and submerged trees on the Sandy River between Oxbow and Dabney after a December storm. Boaters and swimmers are urged to avoid the main channel.

An early‑morning blaze destroyed the Grand Shelter at Lewisville Regional Park in Battle Ground, forcing an indefinite closure while investigators work the scene.

Portland is updating its Tree Code (Title 11) to protect and expand the city's urban canopy, focusing on equity and climate resilience. The Urban Forestry Commission will brief the public on May 21 and staff expect a multi-year process.

Neighbors say a spinning device and a fake owl were mounted on a NE 122nd cell tower, blocking parent ospreys from reaching chicks and raising legal concerns.

A juvenile black bear was photographed near Jaquith Park in Newberg; officials say it doesn’t pose an immediate threat but urge residents to secure attractants.

DEQ's draft consent order would let Portland Botanical Gardens buy the 59‑acre McCormick & Baxter Superfund site, but the nonprofit must raise millions and follow strict cleanup safeguards.

Portland's Summer Free For All returns with nearly 50 free movies, concerts and a Free Lunch + Play program serving meals to youth across the city this summer.

The Oregon Zoo’s Jonsson Center hatched a record 15 California condor chicks this season, a major boost for recovery efforts. Several hatchlings were foster‑reared and will move to pre‑release pens before heading to wild sites.

Legacy Emanuel circulated a safety flyer after employees reported crows swooping near the staff lot; experts say fledglings likely explain the behavior. Officials urge people not to harass the birds and to call animal control for help.

A young Yurok condor known as B9 flew into Oregon in mid‑May, the first documented free‑flying condor in the state since 1904, marking a milestone for the tribal restoration program.

City officials and volunteers highlighted new beach access, shoreline cleanups and a City Council resolution to join the Swimmable Cities movement. The post frames river access as a civic priority.

Multnomah County says Powell Butte has seen higher-than-normal tick counts this season; officials say risk is low but urge thorough checks and quick removal.

An 8-year-old Saint Bernard mix survived after antivenom and ICU care at DoveLewis following a rattlesnake bite at Catherine Creek in the Columbia River Gorge.

State foresters are testing autonomous recording units and AI to map threatened northern spotted owls and marbled murrelets, aiming for safer surveys and broader data. Federal approvals will determine how quickly the counts inform management.

Beaverton released images of Creekside Connections — a plan to restore Beaverton Creek, expand canopy and knit trails, parks and housing into a greener downtown.

A 49‑year‑old Portland man who called for help while hiking on Deer Mountain near Ketchikan was found dead at the base of a cliff. Rescue crews recovered the body and the case is under review.