Read the spring issue of Our Big Backyard magazine and pick up a Destination Guide

photo of Self Enhancement, Inc. students at North Abbey Creek Natural Area

Self Enhancement, Inc. students and Metro naturalist Alice Froehlich (second from left) taste rose hips at North Abbey Creek Natural Area.

Spring cover story: New programs connect underserved communities with nature

Self Enhancement, Inc. students and Metro naturalist Alice Froehlich (second from left) taste rose hips at North Abbey Creek Natural Area. A new partnership between Metro and SEI started in 2014 to help connect underserved youths with nature.

photo of Self Enhancement, Inc. students exploring nature

After the SEI program with Metro, students -- by a wide margin -- said they felt more comfortable in nature.

Spring cover story: New programs connect underserved communities with nature

At the start of the SEI program, many students were unfamiliar or fearful of nature. But after the program with Metro, students -- by a wide margin -- said they felt more comfortable in nature.

Youth Ecology Corps students work through the rain at Blue Lake Regional Park, where they helped develop a site plan for the wildlife viewing area.

Spring cover story: New programs connect underserved communities with nature

Youth Ecology Corps participants work through the rain at Blue Lake Regional Park, where they developed a site plan for the wildlife-viewing area.

photo of rough-skinned newt at Cooper Mountain Nature Park

Spring photo contest winner: Cooper Mountain Nature Park

Aloha resident Anne Lenzi won the spring 2015 Share (Y)our Nature photo contest with her photo of a rough-skinned newt at Cooper Mountain Nature Park.

By Yuxing Zheng

April 14, 2015 8 a.m.

Bylined articles are written by Metro staff and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Metro or the Metro Council. Learn more

As the sunny days get longer, head outside to enjoy the wildflowers, songbirds and solace of nature.

To help you find the perfect park or natural area near you, pick up the spring issue of Our Big Backyard magazine that's out now. The latest issue of Metro's quarterly parks and nature magazine includes a special Destination Guide brochure with descriptions of each site, its amenities, and a large map of the destinations and regional trails. The spring issue also includes the latest nature news, a detailed Field Guide to Cooper Mountain Nature Park, a Q&A, photo contest and fun events for the whole family.

Pick up a copy of the magazine and the Destination Guide at a local public library branch, the Oregon Zoo, a Metro park, or at various community centers and senior centers.

In the spring issue, you can also discover:

How to sign up for the free turtle walk with a Metro naturalist at Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area on May 2. Tours are available in English and Spanish.
What it takes to plant a half million native trees and shrubs in natural areas.
The inspiring story behind Lloyd Daniels' daily walks on the Glendoveer Golf and Tennis Center's fitness trail.
How new programs are connecting underserved groups with nature.
And more!

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