Story by Sophia Kecskes

Every Portlander knows about the gem that is Forest Park. Located in Northwest Portland, Forest Park is a refuge for thousands of people each week who want to escape from the chaos of everyday life and relax in nature. With over 70 miles of trails, the park provides Portlanders with ample opportunity to run, walk, bike, and more right inside Portland city limits.

At Portland Parks & Recreation, we know the value of volunteers. Every year, thousands of Portlanders give their time to help maintain our parks system - they're vital stewards of our parks, trails, and natural spaces.

In 2010, writes Molly Hottle in the Oregonian, staff and volunteers from the Forest Park Conservancy logged more than 10,000 hours of work in Forest Park. A total of 30 companies and community organizations contributed to this effort, including noteworthy efforts from Adidas and the University of Portland.

This year, volunteers helped clear trees that blocked Forest Park's many trails, built  a 120-foot retaining wall, repaired a bridge and boardwalk, and otherwise helped maintain many miles of trails throughout the park.

Forest Park Conservancy staff estimate that this year volunteers will log even more hours as they work to protect and preserve the park.

Thank you to FPC and the many volunteers who care for our parks.

Photo: We borrowed this photo from the Forest Park Conservancy website: forestparkconservancy.org. Thank you!