By Lisa Manning and Betsy Valle
Imagine biking along the Willamette River from the Esplanade all the way to Kelley Point Park. If that sounds like an incredible experience, we have some good news to report. For over twenty years, npGreenway has been advocating and organizing for such a trail. On Sunday, July 28, the group celebrated the recently completed segment on the University of Portland Riverside Campus by giving a free tour.
In attendance were npGreenway board and volunteers including, Francie Royce, Jeffrey Lang, Jay Bockelman, Patricia Jewett, Emilie Mannisto and U of P intern, Sara Simmerman.
Jeffrey and Francie graciously expressed gratitude for the University of Portland’s partnership in completing this section of trail. Over 7,000 native wildflowers, shrubs and trees have been added to the landscaping along the trail and river shoreline. These species include Oregon White Oak, Willamette Valley Ponderosa Pine, Pacific Willow, Oregon Grape and Nootka rose. Three active Purple Marten colonies are flourishing in the new native meadowscape near the river.
See more details in the upcoming North Peninsula Review September edition.
