Volunteer at a Nature Patch
Join one of Portland's top-tier horticulture professionals for a gardening event at a nature patch near you.
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Find nature patches around Portland
- Alberta Park Nature Patch 2017
- A Park Nature Patch 2021
- Cathedral Park Nature Patch 2023
- Columbia Park Nature Patch 2020
- Eagle Point Overlook Nature Patch 2023
- Earl Boyles Park Nature Patch 2023
- Fernhill Park Nature Patch 2020
- Gabriel Park Nature Patch 2018
- Harrison Park Nature Patch 2024
- Hancock Park Nature Patch 2025
- Hazeltine Park Nature Patch 2019
- Irving Park Nature Patch 2021
- John Luby Park Nature Patch 2022
- Kenton Park Nature Patch 2024
- Lillis Albina Park Nature Patch 2018
- Lents Park Nature Patch 2019
- Midland Park Nature Patch 2020
- Oregon Park Nature Patch 2024
- Overlook Park Nature Patch 2021
- Powell Park Nature Patch 2023
- Wallace Park Nature Patch 2025
- Wilshire Park Nature Patch 2019
- Woodlawn Park Nature Patch 2021
About Nature Patches
Nature patches bring nature to neighborhood parks. Nature patches are spaces within existing parks that are enhanced with beautiful natural elements for people and wildlife. A variety of natural materials like native Pacific Northwest plants, logs, boulders, paths, and learning elements are added to underused areas to encourage people to play and explore. Nesting boxes, flowering plants, and other additions improve the habitat for birds, pollinating insects, and wildlife. Community members are welcome to help with planting and stewardship activities.
What is the Ecological Sustainable Landscapes Initiative?
Nature patches are part of the larger Ecologically Sustainable Landscapes Initiative. The nature patch program focuses on improving the natural and ecological functions of park spaces while expanding local access to nature for all Portlanders. The goals of the program include:
- Provide spaces for people to explore and interact with nature
- Create ecologically robust landscapes that support native pollinators within developed parks
- Provide environmental education and stewardship opportunities
- Increase soil and plant health, and expand the diversity of landscapes within parks
- Foster community partnerships and PP&R collaboration
- Decrease maintenance inputs over time
The City of Portland and Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) have developed a national reputation for sustainable planning, design, and operations. As examples, PP&R was the first certified “Salmon Safe” park system in North America. PP&R strives to practice the most effective ways to incorporate ecological processes into park plans, designs, and maintenance procedures to maximize the ecological function of the landscapes it has the responsibility to manage. Click below to read the Initiative document.
How are nature patch locations selected?
The locations chosen to become nature patches are underused areas of developed parks that are not programmed, are challenging to maintain, or are better suited to natural uses. Portland Parks & Recreation will be improving additional parks with nature patches across the city, with a focus on neighborhoods with less access to greenspaces. The size of nature patches varies with each park, depending on the current uses and open space available. In general, the larger the area, the better it can function to support wildlife. In practice, nature patches range from about an acre to smaller pockets of nature tucked into the existing park landscapes.