Friends Groups are made up of volunteers, neighbors, coworkers, and park lovers who come to a natural area or park on a regular basis (sometimes monthly, sometimes quarterly) to do hands-on restoration with the support of PP&R staff. While activities vary with the seasons, Friends Groups are regularly involved in removing invasive weeds, planting native plants, building fences, maintaining trails, picking up litter, observing plants and wildlife, and more.
PP&R supplies the gloves, tools, training, plants, and snacks. The Friends Group provides the people, smiles, laughs, energy, and advocacy for the long-term health and beauty of Portland's parks and natural areas.
Friends Group Directory
Get to know some of our existing Friends Groups listed in the directory below. You can see where they work, what their goals are, who is involved, and what the schedules are for restoration events and meetings.
Arbor Lodge Neighborhood Association – Pesticide Free Arbor Lodge Park
Friends of Columbia Children’s Arboretum
Friends of Elk Rock Island – Spring Park
Friends of International Rose Test Garden Washington Park
Friends of Ladd’s Addition Garden
Friends of Marquam Nature Park
Friends of Marshall & Maricara Parks
Friends of Peninsula Park Rose Garden
Friends of Portland Community Gardens
Friends of Portland Memory Garden
Friends of Powell Butte Nature Park
Friends of River View Natural Area
Park Partners
In addition to the Friends Groups mentioned above and our Community Partnership Program, PP&R partners with hundreds of other community-based, education, and nonprofit organizations every year across our many programs. Below is a list of some of our partners who support the stewardship and maintenance of park properties and facilities:
Alex Rovello Memorial Foundation
American Rhododendron Society, Portland Chapter
Columbia Slough Watershed Council
Friends of Woodstock Community Center
Johnson Creek Watershed Council
Multnomah Arts Center Association
Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation
Pioneer Courthouse Square Inc.