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Environmental Services designed a project to restore about 18 acres in the Johnson Creek floodplain. The project reconnected Johnson Creek to its historic floodplain, reduced flooding on private property, restored habitat for fish and wildlife, and improved water quality in the creek.
Construction began in Spring 2025. This project to help restore Johnson Creek is now complete.
Project Area
The project was located in natural areas along Johnson Creek, south of the Springwater Corridor Trail. Project boundaries spanned from SE 82nd to SE 92nd Avenues, in Portland's historic Lents neighborhood.
The simplified map below displays the project's multiple work zones. The map includes details on planned wetland and floodplain improvements, street removals, public traveling routes, and construction access locations being used by the city contractor.
Text description of West Lents Floodplain Restoration Project Map
General Schedule
Construction began in early-April 2025 and was completed by the end of October 2025.
Environmental Services will continue with restoration work and maintenance into the Spring of 2026.
Please be aware that construction work may occur in phases, meaning the work zone may experience periods of inactivity. Other services like landscaping will be completed during the appropriate seasons.
What's Happening Now
The city contractor has completed creek and land restoration. Construction work included placing additional clean fill in natural areas along Johnson creek, installation of permanent fencing throughout restoration site, and minor private property repairs.
Although construction is finished, Environmental Services will continue to track growing frog and bird populations, checking the health of new plants and trees, and monitoring water levels. Hydroseeding and tree revegetation happened in February 2026.
Currently, the project team is updating the Federal Insurance Rate Maps. Improved flood software and data about shape and height of the land show that more water will be contained within the public green space than before, which reduces flooding in local homes and businesses.
April 18 - You're Invited to the Oregon Spring Clean-up with SOLVE
Let's Care for Our Community Together this Earth Month!
Environmental Services and community partners, including Green Lents, Malden Court Community Orchard, and SOLVE, are joining for a presentation, tour, and volunteer cleanup at the West Lents Floodplain Restoration Project along Johnson Creek.
Participants will learn about the restoration work, explore the West Lents Restoration Project area, and help care for the site alongside other community members by installing raised beds, planting strawberries, preparing for spring planting of the Malden Court Community Orchard, and collecting trash.
To join us and participate, please see event details below:
- When: Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00am – 12:00pm
- 9:00am — Snacks and orientation (RSVP here)
- 9:30am — Orchard tending and site tour of the Johnson Creek Restoration Project
- 10:00am — Trash collection
- Where: Malden Court Community Orchard, 7677 SE 87th Ave Portland, 97266
- Access: On-street parking SE Flavel St & SE Malden Ct, or bus (#19) - if you can!
- Translation Services: There will be a Spanish speaker present at this event.
- Participant Age Guidelines: All Ages Welcome
Coffee, snacks, gloves, and tools provided. Bring a water bottle and your family and friends!
What will the proposed project in 2026 look like?
The images below provide a general sense of what the finished restoration project may look like.
We Want to Hear from You
Environmental Services will inform residents and businesses about project activities and respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner. We encourage you to:
- Project Webpage: Continue to visit portland.gov/WestLents for project details.
- Questions? Please call 503-823-5759 or email city staff stating that West Lents Floodplain Restoration Project (E10993) is your area of concern. Outreach staff will return your call or email by the next business day.
- Reporting an Emergency: In the event of flooding, call the Maintenance hotline immediately at 503-823-1700. It is staffed all hours and all days, 24/7.
Project Background
In the 1930’s, the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) partially straightened and rock-lined the banks of Johnson Creek in this area to try to reduce flooding. Unfortunately, these changes to the creek increased downstream flooding by disconnecting the creek from its floodplain. It also made the creek warmer by removing trees along the banks, and reduced habitat for endangered salmon, steelhead and other wildlife. In some places, untreated rainwater runoff from buildings and roads goes directly into the creek.
Environmental Services and its partners have been working for 25 years to address these issues and restore Johnson Creek. The West Lents Floodplain Restoration Project is a high priority for Environmental Services. It will help restore the floodplain, improve water quality, and provide habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife.
Project Goals
Below are planned improvements for the West Lents Floodplain Restoration Project:
- Create space on city property to safely absorb the impacts of flooding.
- Remove rock armoring from the streambanks and restore Johnson Creek to a natural channel.
- Add wood to the channel and floodplain to enhance habitat complexity.
- Establish native plant communities and public viewpoints.
- Remove abandoned roadways and underground infrastructure.
Sign Up for Project Updates
Sign up for regular email or text message updates for the West Lents Floodplain Restoration Project through our free GovDelivery subscription service. These updates are the best way to stay informed about what’s happening and what to expect. You can also sign up for bulletins on other projects and topics.
This project will help protect the health of the Johnson Creek Watershed.