Mt. Tabor Park Selected as a 2024 Leave No Trace Spotlight

News Article

East Portland destination chosen for national conservation initiative in May 2024

(Portland, OR) -

Portland's Mt. Tabor Parkwas named a 2024 Spotlight siteby Leave No Trace, a prominent environmental advocacy group. Mt. Tabor Park is the only Oregon park and one of just 24 nationally to receive this honor.

A past Leave No Trace/Portland Park Ranger effort - a pop-up tent staffed by a smiling employee in a park on a sunny day.

"The goal of the Spotlight project is to raise awareness and implement research-based solutions to protect Mt. Tabor Park," says Portland's Vibrant Communities Commissioner Dan Ryan. "It's an important natural resource that must be cared for and preserved for years to come, and we appreciate the help of the Leave No Trace Spotlight program."

A Subaru/Leave No Trace traveling team will be at the park from May 9 through May 11. They'll work with Portland Parks & Recreation(PP&R), community members, local organizations, land agencies, and Park Rangerson natural area restoration, Leave No Trace stewardship, and more. Check out the full Mt. Tabor Spotlight event scheduleand mark your calendars.

Leave No Trace principles include:

• Know before you go
• Take your trash and pick up pet poop
• Leave what you find
• Keep wildlife wild
• Stick to trails
• Be considerate of others and share our trails

"We look forward to working with dedicated groups such as the Friends of Mt. Tabor, the Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association, and several other community partners," says PP&R Director Adena Long. "Our Park Rangers have enjoyed a long partnership with Leave No Trace, and we're all excited about this current effort."

A view of downtown Portland under a blue sky with thin clouds, taken from high on Mt Tabor Park.

"The Spotlight program is an amazing way to highlight the power of community and the difference people can make when they unite to protect the outdoors," states Dana Watts, Executive Director of Leave No Trace. "The Spotlight program at Mt. Tabor Park encourages Portlanders to protect and celebrate nature."

About Leave No Trace

Using the power of science and research, education for all, and stewardship to support and protect nature, Leave No Trace is on a mission to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet. The Spotlight program is the newest education offering from Leave No Trace. Learn more at www.LNT.org.

About Portland Parks & Recreation's work with Leave No Trace

PP&R's Park Rangershave implemented Leave No Trace principles since 2016. Rangers provide a positive public safety presence in Portland parks and park facilities.

"We and our community have much to learn from the original stewards of this land," says PP&R Security and Emergency Manager Vicente Harrison. PP&R is working to honor and sustain the contributions Indigenous people have made to the region, including Mt. Tabor Park, with this 'Spotlight' event and through ongoing Leave No Trace education and program implementation."

Park Rangers visit Portland parks and natural areas daily to engage with visitors and respond to non-emergency calls. You can reach the Rangers by emailor by phone at 503-823-1637.

###