Bright Lights: The future of Ross Island and other new frontiers of nature in the city

Arguably no single person has had a greater effect on the Portland metropolitan region's landscape as Mike Houck. Under the self-appointed title of “urban naturalist,” he has tackled conservation issues large and larger, from developing the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge in the 1980s, to pushing the Metro government into managing the region’s open spaces, to developing two major trail systems—the 40-Mile Loop and, now, the Intertwine.

Such far-reaching initiatives, of course, have more than one author, but Houck stands apart for the sheer number of such plans he's influenced, testified on, or helped to design. In May, he received one of the nation's top conservation awards, the Francis K. Hutchinson Medal, an honor he shares with the likes of Rachel Carson and Lady Bird Johnson.

In conversation with Randy Gragg, Portland Monthly’s editor in chief, Houck will discuss his latest efforts to develop natural habitat in the city, from Ross Island to green roofs, along with the successes and controversies of his three decades of conservation work.

The Bright Lights series is presented by Portland Monthly magazine with City Club of Portland.