URBAN HABITAT PROGRAM
The Urban Habitat Program partners with local residents, youth, and community organizations to design, install, and maintain native plant and rain gardens for homeowners in North, Northeast, and East Portland.
Urban Habitat pairs environmental restoration with workforce development and education. Homeowners receive the resources and support needed to steward their native gardens long-term, while high school students and young adult interns gain hands-on experience and job skills in sustainable landscaping and green infrastructure.
What the Urban Habitat Program Does
Naturescape & Rain Garden Installations
We install native plants and rain gardens that improve stormwater management, reduce toxin runoff, wildlife habitat, absorb carbon, and strengthen urban biodiversity.
Youth Education & Workforce Development
High school students Reynold’s Multnomah Youth Cooperative and young adult interns from Connecting Canopies participate in installation days and classroom learning, building skills in environmental stewardship, landscape installation, and nature-based climate solutions.
Maintenance & Long-Term Support
To ensure lasting impact, we provide 3-4 follow-up monitoring visits per site, irrigation system setups, and ongoing resources to help homeowners care for their naturescapes.