Old Growth Grove (Ancient Forest Preserve)

Background :
This 38 acre parcel of land, which holds a number of trees estimated to be over 400 years old, has never been logged and was saved from clear-cutting through a fund-raising drive in the early 1990's. The parcel lies just a few miles north of the northern border of Forest Park in a narrow area of the Park's wildlife corridor, and it also forms part of the Burlington Bottom wetlands watershed. In addition to providing important habitat and watershed protections, the existence of this old growth grove just a few miles from downtown Portland provides a wealth of educational opportunities.

In 2000, Metro purchased 332 acres of surrounding land that had been clear-cut and replanted in 1995. This purchase brought two advantages: Over the long term, it provides for a permanent forest buffer to protect the small gem of Old Growth. In addition, it will permit more direct, lower cost pedestrian access to the Preserve (which contains no public road frontage) than would have been possible using the pedestrian easement route acquired with the original purchase.

The Old Growth Grove retains a high degree of biodiversity despite its small size and relative isolation. Bald eagles have nested in the preserve for the past 4 years. Research also shows significantly higher songbird populations than are present in surrounding "second growth" forest. We find great satisfaction in knowing that eventually the adjacent emerging forest will mature and the biodiversity that has been preserved in the Grove will slowly repopulate the surrounding area.

Current status:
Eagle activity, including the fledging of young eagles, was monitored in the summer of 2001. The resulting data led to a management plan which proposed limited trail access for FFP members and donors, to ensure that the wildlife habitat continues to be preserved. A short trail through the preserve was completed in 2003. Non-members can visit the preserve through a regular calendar of guided hikes.  

Longer term plans include transfer of the property to Metro, for development of broader public access. Implementation of this phase has been delayed by several factors:

• limited staff resources in Metro Parks and Greenspaces to oversee development,

• complications of Multnomah County permitting for public use and parking development,

• and the necessity of minimizing impact on the bald eagle nesting site.

Thanks to our donors
The grassroots effort that saved this property was the result of hard work and donations from several thousand individuals and businesses. As we can appreciate more with each passing year, their legacy continues to grow. Many donors designated a name to appear on a commemorative plaque that was placed near the grove.

Contact us if you would like more information on the old growth property or would like to join us on the next guided tour to the area.