Want to get rid of weeds, improve water quality, create wildlife habitat or otherwise restore nature across the Portland metropolitan area? Apply for a Metro Nature in Neighborhoods restoration grant.
Fill out a simple application by April 22 for small habitat restoration grants up to $25,000 and large restoration grants up to $100,000. Thanks to a 2013 parks and natural areas levy approved by the region’s voters, Metro anticipates awarding about $700,000 in restoration grants this year.
Projects can be as diverse as the region’s habitat types – and the people restoring them. In the past, Metro’s restoration grants have helped restore Beaver Creek, Johnson Creek and many other waterways across the region. They have engaged the community in a major transformation at Meldrum Bar Park in Gladstone, helped a Lake Oswego church manage stormwater and expanded a partnership between Adelante Mujeres and the Tualatin Riverkeepers.
Grants are available to individuals, community groups, businesses, neighborhoods, nonprofits, schools and school groups, government agencies, faith groups and service groups with nonprofit or other tax-exempt status. Metro is especially interested in restoration projects that engage underserved and low-income communities and people of color.
Projects must involve at least three partners and be completed within two to three years. Grant funds must be matched by other funding or in-kind contributions, such as materials and volunteer work.
Grants for conservation education programs and capital projects are also available. Next year, Metro will offer a one-time opportunity to apply for trails grants.
To learn more and ask questions, attend a restoration grant workshop from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 at Metro Regional Center, 600 NE Grand Ave. in Portland.