Forest Park Conservancy is a Portland community based non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and foster the ecological health of Forest Park, maintain and enhance the park’s extensive trails network, and inspire community appreciation and future stewardship of the splendor of this iconic urban forest as a gift for future generations. FPC partners with Portland Parks & Recreation to restore habitat, maintain trails, and lead educational hikes in Forest Park.
The Forest Park Conservancy and its partners have created a 20-year strategy called the Greater Forest Park Conservation Initiative (GFPCI), devoted to restoring not only Forest Park but the surrounding ecosystem that totals more than 15,000 acres. As part of these efforts, Forest Park Conservancy is putting time and resources into conserving land around Forest Park, including the management of its Ancient Forest Preserve, a 40-acre parcel with one of the only remaining old growth forest sections in the North Tualatin Mountains; and through the stewardship of 13 conservation easements on public and private properties covering approximately 1,100 acres.
To support the GFPCI goals, FPC and its partners are prioritizing programs and projects that will have the largest positive impact on enhancing the health of the landscape. Outreach and stewardship/volunteer programs are a central component in making this plan a reality. ; The volunteer-led Forest Park Ambassador Program is focused on improving user behavior and building awareness around responsible recreation on public lands. The goal is to further a deeper connection to nature, and increase community engagement and stewardship of Forest Park. The Green Jobs Program provides four interns with relevant hands-on professional experience and support for a 12-month period in their pursuit of a career in the environmental and natural resources field.
There are many leadership opportunities available for the public to get engaged and involved. Volunteers will always be at the heart of FPC. With each year, the conservancy recruits and trains more than 2,000 volunteers who log more than 7,000 hours in the park. Learn more at forestparkconservancy.org.
