Friends of Oaks Bottom

Friends of Oaks Bottom is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, the largest remaining riparian natural area in the Willamette River’s lower floodplain. Because of the efforts of many groups and citizens, in 1988 Portland established Oaks Bottom as the city’s first official urban wildlife refuge and migratory bird park. The first Friends group was formed the following year.

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a natural gem located in southeast Portland. Bordered by the Willamette River to the west, it is adjacent to the Ross Island complex, which was part of the Olmsted 1903 Portland Park Plan. Encompassing 163 diverse acres of meadow, wetland, and riparian forest, Oaks Bottom serves as habitat to over 200 species of migratory and resident birds; mammals, including deer, raccoon, beaver, mink, and otter; six species of amphibians; and hundreds of species of plants. The Springwater Corridor Trail, located between the river and it, connects to trails within the refuge. While Oaks Bottom is not an Olmsted landscape, the friends group promotes the Olmsted principles of stewardship and access.