Marquam Nature Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marquam Nature Park |
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Hiking trail
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| Location | Portland, Oregon, United States |
Marquam Nature Park is a beautiful green space in Portland, Oregon, United States. It covers about 178 acres, which is like 135 football fields! This park is located in Southwest Portland, within the Tualatin Mountains. It's a great place to explore nature and go for a hike. The park became part of Portland Parks & Recreation in 1979.
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Discovering Marquam Nature Park
Marquam Nature Park is a natural treasure in Portland. It offers many miles of trails for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. The park is part of a larger network of trails.
Exploring the Park's Trails
One of the main paths in Marquam Nature Park is the Marquam Trail. This trail connects to the famous 40-Mile Loop. The 40-Mile Loop is a huge system of trails that goes all around Portland. It's perfect for long walks or bike rides.
Amazing Plants and Trees
The park is home to many native plants and trees. You can see tall Douglas fir trees, which are very common in Oregon. There are also Bigleaf maple trees, known for their large leaves. Other trees include red cedar and Western hemlock. These plants make the park a wonderful place to learn about local nature.
Park Entrance and Information
When you enter Marquam Nature Park, you'll find a special shelter. This shelter has displays that teach you about the park. It also has maps to help you find your way around the trails. It's a good place to start your adventure.
History of Marquam Nature Park
The park has an interesting history, showing how local people worked together to protect nature.
How the Park Was Saved
Before Marquam Nature Park became a park, there were plans to build houses in the area. But the neighbors living near Marquam Ravine wanted to protect this natural space. They worked hard to stop the housing development. Their efforts were successful!
Friends of Marquam Nature Park
Because of the neighbors' success, a volunteer group was formed in 1968. This group is called the Friends of Marquam Nature Park. They help take care of the park and keep it beautiful. They also work to make sure the park stays a natural area for everyone to enjoy.
Art in the Park: The Mosaic Project
In 2013, the Friends of Marquam Nature Park worked on a special art project. They teamed up with the Regional Arts & Culture Council. Together, they funded a beautiful mosaic for one of the shelter's walls. The project cost $17,600. The mosaic was put together in August and officially dedicated in September of that year. It adds a touch of art to the park's natural beauty.
