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Natural Resources

Protecting Natural Resources

NCPRD is home to essential natural areas, including wetlands, riparian zones, salmon-bearing creeks, and Oregon White Oak habitats. Explore how we protect and enhance these ecosystems while creating vibrant spaces for wildlife and the community to thrive.

From North Clackamas Park in Milwaukie to the Boardman Wetland Nature Park in Jennings Lodge, natural areas within the district offer vital wildlife habitats and opportunities for residents of all ages to connect with nature. These spaces are crucial for preserving biodiversity, improving water quality, and enhancing our neighborhoods.

Restoration and Conservation Initiatives

Through planting native plants and removing invasive species, NCPRD works to preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of our parks and green spaces. These efforts create vital habitats for fish, birds, pollinators, and other wildlife while supporting native vegetation and biodiversity.

Our initiatives also improve water quality and soil health, enhancing streams, wetlands, and riparian zones. By protecting these areas, we ensure long-term ecological balance, benefiting both wildlife and the surrounding community for years to come. NCPRD is a member of the 4-County Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) as well as the Clackamas River Invasive Species Partnership, coordinating invasive species control with partners across the metro area. We frequently partner with local watershed councils on stewardship and education events.

Volunteer and Restoration Opportunities

Get involved in hands-on efforts to preserve our natural resources and protect sensitive habitats. Participate in planting and clean-up events, or help remove invasive species and maintain trails.

Throughout the year NCPRD also co-hosts community science events with local non-profits to monitor ecological success at our restoration sites. There are opportunities to get involved with amphibian egg mass monitoring, dragonfly monitoring, and BioBlitz events.

Check out our upcoming restoration events and learn how you can make an impact. Natural area volunteer events typically happen on the last Saturday of each month, with activities depending on the season.

See Volunteer Events

Best Practices for Protecting Wildlife and Natural Areas

Simple actions can make a big difference in preserving our parks and protecting the wildlife that call them home. Here are four key ways you can help maintain and enhance our natural areas:

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Stay on Designated Trails
Protect fragile ecosystems by staying on marked paths and avoiding off-trail areas that can damage plants and habitats. Trails are designed to follow natural contours, provide accessibility, and drain water without causing erosion. Venturing off-trail can cause erosion, scare wildlife, and harm fragile native plants and soil.
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Keep Dogs on a Leash
Leashing up your dog can make a big difference in shared community spaces by protecting local wildlife and allowing people who are fearful of dogs to feel safe. Keeping dogs on a leash in parks is the law (Ordinance No. 07-2004), with the off-leash dog area at North Clackamas Park being the only exception.
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Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack out what you pack in. Use designated trash and recycling bins to keep parks and trails clean and safe for wildlife. Please pick up after your pet. NCPRD provides biodegradable dog bags at most parks.
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Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance and avoid feeding them. Human interaction can disrupt their natural behaviors and habitats.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Discover the beauty of NCPRD’s parks with a fun scavenger hunt for all ages. This interactive activity is perfect for learning more about local flora and fauna while enjoying the outdoors.

Download the Activity

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about NCPRD’s natural resources and restoration efforts.

Feeding wildlife is bad for their health and is prohibited on NCPRD properties. When animals become accustomed to being fed by humans they stop engaging in their normal hunting and feeding behaviors that ensure a healthy diet and long-term survival. Wild animals have specialized diets and can become malnourished or die if fed the wrong foods. Feeding waterfowl can also lead to sick birds, delayed or ceased migration, aggressive behavior, and deformities in young birds.

Dogs are allowed on-leash at most NCPRD parks, with the exception being Boardman Wetlands Nature Park. Dogs can unintentionally damage sensitive habitats and threaten the plants and wildlife that we are trying to protect. Birds and other animals think of dogs as predators, even dogs on leashes. The presence of a dog can create disturbance and disrupt their normal behaviors. To learn more about how this policy is consistent with current research, visit Metro’s report on the impacts of dogs on wildlife.

As human populations expand in our region, people and wildlife may find themselves in close proximity to each other. Black-tailed deer and coyotes are sometimes seen in or near urban natural areas and do not pose a danger to people unless they are being fed or . Even nutria can become aggressive when acclimated to humans. To learn more about what you can do to protect wildlife and avoid conflicts, visit the

Hazardous trees are defined as trees that are more likely to cause property damage or personal injury in the event of a failure. NCPRD uses the International Society of Arborists Tree Risk Assessment standard to determine hazardous tree conditions. Trees are assessed for hazards, including but not limited to dead or dying trees, dead parts of live trees, or unstable live trees that appear to have potential to harm people or property. Please contact the Natural Resources department if you are concerned about a tree in a park.

Please leave the parks and natural areas exactly how you found them. Collecting plant materials, animals or other items is prohibited on NCPRD properties in order to protect and maintain the quality of wildlife habitat.

NCPRD and Clackamas County Parks worked together to form the Clackamas Parks Wildfire Management Plan that assessed the wildfire risks and management strategies at parks throughout the county. NCPRD has additionally created individualized plans for both Furnberg Park and North Clackamas Park. Following our management plans, NCPRD prioritizes reducing high-risk invasive species in natural areas, mowing dry vegetation along property boundaries, and monitoring conditions to keep fire risk low.

Flooding can occur naturally during winter and spring months, especially after rain and snow events. Mt. Scott Creek flows through the northern portion of North Clackamas Park, near the dog park. Approximately 70% of the north side of the park is located within the 100-year floodplain. NCPRD cannot affect water levels during weather events and must wait for storm water to recede. Our county partners and storm water provider, Water Environment Services, is working on a floodplain enhancement project at 3-Creeks Protected Area just upstream of North Clackamas Park. Floodplain enhancement will allow more storm water to be stored in the natural area at 3 Creeks, mitigating flood impacts downstream of the site.

3-Creeks Protected Area is a unique and important patch of fish and wildlife habitat in an urban area of north Clackamas County. The property is owned by Clackamas Water Environment Services which operates the existing flood reduction facility structures. The natural portion of the site is maintained by the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District through a partnership with WES. Community volunteers have been stewards of the site over the years with countless hours of invasive plant removal, native plantings and cleanup events. Learn more.