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FMNP Merges with Forest Park Conservancy

It has been 48 years since the Friends of Marquam Nature Park (FMNP) formed as a non-profit organization, with the goal of purchasing and protecting about 55 acres in the Marquam Ravine that were slated for development. Thanks to the tireless work by a small group of volunteers who advocated, organized and fundraised, additional land was acquired, other acres donated and Marquam Nature Park was dedicated in 1983. In 1989, FMNP donated the accumulated land to Portland’s Bureau of Parks & Recreation. With additional land donations and acquisitions, Marquam now totals over 200 acres, making it the 3rd largest park in Portland. Though most of the founders of FMNP have passed away, a few of our current board members have been dedicated to the organization and advocating for the park for decades.

We remain committed to protecting this special place for wildlife, habitat connectivity and for human enjoyment. With many ideas for continuing our good work and for new and exciting programs, we have come to recognize that with a small all-volunteer board and no paid staff, we have limited capacity.

Last year we reached out to one of our partners, The Forest Park Conservancy (FPC), to discuss ways in which FMNP could develop and build capacity in programs like FPC’s, which led to the idea of a merger. We are excited to share with you that the merger of FMNP into FPC will become effective May 1, 2023. As part of the merger, FMNP will be dissolved. All current funds held by FMNP will kept in a separate account at FPC that will be dedicated to work in Marquam Nature Park. In addition, any donations you wish to make to FPC can be earmarked for use in Marquam Nature Park. Finally, two positions on the FPC Board will be filled by existing FMNP board members, and an advisory committee will be formed to make sure the interests of Marquam Nature Park are maintained.

We see this new relationship as a win-win situation. FPC’s mission of protecting Forest Park's ecological health while encouraging responsible recreation and access, completely aligns with ours. The Portland Parks & Recreation land that we both steward is part of the same Tualatin Mountains forested ecosystem and West Willamette wildlife corridor. Restoration and trail work methods and goals are the same. With their staff of 20 and a track record of accomplishments in all areas of our interests, we recognize the guidance and support they will be able to provide. Our park will benefit from FPC’s established programs expanding into Marquam, including engaging indigenous communities, adding educational programming and holding more frequent work parties. FPC staff would assist with fundraising, social media and outreach.

With the addition of Marquam Nature Park to their portfolio, FPC will move closer to achieving the goals of their Greater Forest Park Conservation Initiative (GFPCI), which aims to restore and protect a much broader ecosystem than the 5,200 acres of Forest Park.

Thank you for your past support of the Friends of Marquam Nature Park. We are very excited about this next chapter for the park, and hope you will be too! If you have any questions about the merger, feel free to write to us at fmnp@comcast.net or read more here.