What: A series of outdoor activities emphasizing the natural beauty of Mt. Tabor Park and the importance of large urban forests in our everyday lives. Activities will include guided walks, nature presentations, and hands-on projects.

​Activities take place outdoors in the park, so please dress for the weather. 

 

Where: All activities will take place at Mt. Tabor Park and we meet at the bench in front of the Visitor's Center.

 

When: Most activities take place Sundays from 2–4 p.m. (see schedule below).

 

Registration: Please register here! Got questions? Email UrbanNatureSeries@gmail.com

Want to lead an event?: Submit your event or talk idea here and we'll be in touch!

 

Schedule

 

April 2024

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1st Sunday of the month, 4/7, 2-4 pm

Cones! - Lisa Wilcke

Conifers grow seeds in cones of a dizzying variety. Join tree fanatic Lisa Wilcke in exploring the cones of Mt. Tabor Park. We will begin in the cinder cone, the largest cone in the park, learn a bit about the function of tree cones, then walk some adjacent paths to admire cone forms and functions. Learn to recognize some of our most common conifers by their cones and get comfortable with the fact that while there are plenty of cones in the park, there are hardly any pine cones. Leave with a map of some most important conifers in the park.

 

2nd Sunday of the month, 4/14, 2-4 pm

Native Plants Walk - Arturo Ceballos

Get to know some of the plants you see along the trails at Mt. Tabor Park.

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3rd Sunday of the month, 4/21, 2-4 pm

Natural History of Trees Walk - Rick Sany

We will walk to several areas in the park and talk about the biological characteristics of specific trees and some of their cultural history. Trees have been used for a variety of purposes including food, medicine, construction, and beautification. They have also been the source of major conservation issues and restoration programs.

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4th Sunday of the month, 4/28, 2-3 pm

Northwest Geology - Paul Edison-Lahm

Have you ever wondered why there are RIVER ROCKS at the top of Mt. Tabor, a volcano? Portland is one of only three cities in the United States that has a volcano within its city limits. Do you worry that it might come back to life? Find out the answers to these and other questions you and others may have when we talk about the geological features of Mt. Tabor Park.

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4th Sunday of the month, 4/28, 2-4 pm

Nature Photography - Susan Baumgardner

Venture into Mt. Tabor Park and learn about composition, color, and imaging. Camera or cell phone required.