Read Our Big Backyard Spring 2025

A view of a murky creek from the sidebar. Sparse trees and cloudy weather indicate it is late fall or winter. One the other side of the creek is a parking lot full of cars and a small, weathered dock.

Currently, water from Kellogg Creek collects behind a dam where it can stagnate and breed algae; the restoration project includes a multi-use path that will pass below Highway 99E, closing a gap between the Springwater and Trolley trails; the Kellogg Creek Restoration Project requires collaboration between multiple agencies.

a small olive-green frog with a red underside rests on top of damp bracken and twigs

Red-legged frogs need to travel from forests to wetlands and back again in order to breed. The new safe passage under the busy highway 30 will benefit these frogs and other small wildlife.

Two women observe lichen on branches on the ground at Lone Fir Cemetery during a bio blitz.

Sara Walker and Janice ChoyWeber examine lichen during a bioblitz at Lone Fir Cemetery.

The view is at eye level with small shrubs looking up towards larger trees partially blocking the sun. The sun is reflected in spherical dew drops hanging from thin red stems emerging from the greenery.

Winner of the Our Big Backyard spring 2025 photo contest Jon Bachelder of Gresham said, "Slowly walking along Gabbert Butte Trail in Gresham, I noticed beads of dew reflecting the sunlight at just the right angle. When we are unhurried, small things are more easily seen and can enhance our view of this marvelous world.”

March 28, 2025 10:29 a.m.



        Our Big Backyard spring 2025 cover

Spring is in the air and the newest edition of Our Big Backyard has news about work Metro is doing to benefit fish and wildlife and ways you can get connected to nature.

This issue has details on collaborative work to help Kellogg Creek in Milwaukie get its flow back.

Read about a new frog-friendly tunnel that allows small animals safe passage underneath a busy highway.

Also in this issue: As the weather warms up, Metro Parks and Nature activities ramp up. Learn about all the events, classes and volunteer opportunities that can connect you to nature. Plus, you can help scientists by joining a bioblitz. Learn about these fun events and how you can join.

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