1. Forest Park Ambassador Program Launched
In 2019, we launched our Forest Park Ambassador Program. Sponsored by KEEN and REI, volunteers were trained by FPC staff and Portland Parks Rangers on the natural and social history of Forest Park, Leave No Trace principles, and on important issues for the health of our public lands like off-leash dogs. Volunteer ambassadors handed out maps, dog-leashes, and provided useful information to help ensure park users felt as safe and welcome as possible and learn more about the work FPC does.
2. Miles for Forest Park Launched
Miles for Forest Park was our summer fundraiser to help build community and encourage stewardship of Forest Park. Runners, hikers, walkers and photographers participated and helped raise over $16,000 to support our work. Some of the participants completed “The Nasty Challenge” with the NW Dirt Churners. Completing The Nasty Challenge means traversing five notoriously difficult routes in Forest Park. Thank you to our sponsors, LL Hawkins, Dwell Well with Jess, and Columbia Bank!
3. Three new staff members: Ingry, Chie, and Katrina
In 2019 we welcomed our new Trails Manager Ingry Thurow, our Operations Coordinator Chie Togo, and our Fieldwork and Internship Coordinator Katrina Montoya. They have already been making an impact in our organization and we are so happy to have them on board!
4. Ancient Forest Preserve Platform Completed
With the help of R&H Construction, we finally finished the viewing platform in our Ancient Forest Preserve! Future visitors of this property, owned by the Forest Park Conservancy, will be able to stand and be present with the giant old-growth trees.
5. FPC’s First Mental Health First Aid Training
Our Trails Manager Ingry led our first mental health first aid training for a mixture of FPC staff, Portland Parks staff and a volunteer. As an organization that interacts with so many people, this important training is one we plan to continue into 2020. Thank you to AWS Elemental for donating their space for this enriching event.
6. FPC’s First Bilingual Stewardship Events in Forest Park
In 2019 we held our first bilingual volunteer events in partnership with local nonprofit, Vive NW. Vive NW’s mission is to “culturally diversify participation in the outdoors and the outdoor sector by empowering all communities to live a more active lifestyle, while creating economic opportunity and a sense of ownership and stewardship towards nature”. Forest Park is an amazing natural resource for people of all backgrounds and cultures and we are thrilled to connect more people to stewardship opportunities in Forest Park.
7. FPC Launched New Website
FPC has entered the 21st century with the help of our Board Member Mark Shimahara and his colleague Bri. After working on the beautiful site, Bri was inspired to volunteer with us in the field. We hope that after you take a look you’ll be motivated too! Check it out, make a donation to support us during this transition, and let us know what you think.
8. The Barbara Walker Crossing Opened Connecting the Wildwood Trail Across Burnside Street
Portland Parks Foundation and the City of Portland opened the Barbara Walker Crossing, finally connecting Washington Park and Forest Park through the Wildwood Trail. We are so thrilled to see this project come to fruition and are so grateful for Portland Parks Foundation’s work to fundraise and invest in the safety of Forest Park’s users. Join us in saying thank you!
9. FPC Receives Coveted Support from the Central Park Conservancy Institute for Urban Parks
FPC was one of five park organizations from throughout the country to participate in the new and innovative program called the “Partnerships Lab.” The Partnerships Lab is designed by the Central Park Conservancy’s (CPC) Institute for Urban Parks, a thought leader in urban park management and public-private park partnerships, to leverage resources and expertise of CPC to help other parks build their capacity to plan, develop and maintain great public spaces. Read more about this opportunity and subscribe to our e-newsletter for more updates on this project as it unfolds in 2020!
10. Forest Park Conservancy Celebrated our 30th Birthday as a Nonprofit
In 2019, FPC turned 30 years old as a nonprofit organization. Established in 1989, we have evolved, matured, and unlearned so much of what we know about how to effectively care for and connect people to Forest Park. One of the benefits of being an independent nonprofit is that we have the ability to try new things to solve some complex problems facing our community and the environment. Sometimes those ideas need revisiting, while others stick and make a huge impact. Through it all, thank you for sharing your ideas, resources and time with us over the last 30 years.
Donate today to ensure we can continue our mission to protect, restore, and connect people to Forest Park for the next 30 years and beyond.