Forest Park: A Natural Escape

Forest Park: A Natural Escape. . , What makes Forest Park so special? , Forest Park is one of the largest natural forested urban parks in America, featuring over 80 miles of trails throughout 5,000-plus acres. While stands of large trees may be the first thing you notice, the intricate web of plants and animals found within the Park is really a study in diversity. This unique park includes mixed forests of deciduous and coniferous trees, with a few very old cedars, Douglas-firs, and hemlocks. More than 100 bird and 60 mammal species make their homes in these diverse habitats., How did the Park escape development? , Creating a "forest park" in Portland's west hills was envisioned as early as 1903 by the Olmsted Brothers, who may be best known design of New York City’s Central Park. Decades later a group of civic, commercial, and recreational organizations revived the concept, leading to formal creation of Forest Park in 1948. Since then, the Park has become a popular destination for those who value their connection with this wooded, tranquil environment and enjoy its trails., A visit to these woods would afford more pleasure and satisfaction than a visit to any other sort of park. No use to which this tract of land could be put would begin to be as sensible or as profitable to the city as that of making it a public park. , 1903 Olmsted Report to The Portland Park Board, Do your footprints matter? , As human presence in Forest Park has increased, so too have the challenges of protecting this rich ecosystem. Even gentle recreational activities have impacts, from the wear and tear on the trails and stream bank erosion, to soil compaction and the spread of invasive plants from seeds carried in on shoes, dogs, and bicycles. Free-roaming dogs disturb wildlife and disrupt fragile fisheries and nesting areas. Please honor trail signs and keep dogs on leash. By fostering respect for the Park in all visitors, we ensure it will be here for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.