Trip Overview In 2015 the Port of Portland was authorized to begin construction of the Troutdale Reynolds Industrial Park (TRIP) in Troutdale, Oregon on land that was formerly home to the Reynolds Aluminum Plant. The project has transformed a 700-acre former brownfield site into a mix of industrial land providing jobs for the community and productive natural areas providing habitat for local wildlife. Construction of the industrial facilities resulted in the filling of dozens of acres of degraded wetland habitat, triggering the mitigation wetland process. The over 90 acres of created and enhanced herbaceous, scrub-shrub and forested wetland habitats at West Sundial Wetlands were one of the results of permitted construction activities. We will be taking a walking and driving tour of the wetlands, exploring its different habitat types and learning about the unique wildlife that inhabits the area. Along the way we will have opportunities to discuss the wetland mitigation process, what steps go into the creation of a successful project, what criteria need to be met in order to meet mitigation requirements, and how building long-term partnerships have been key to the success of the site.
Construction of the site, from excavation to plant establishment, was completed in 2018 and monitoring began in 2019. 2022 marks year four, out of five, of establishment and compliance. The site has largely met its compliance requirements despite many constraints including the nearby airport, powerline utilities and flood management requirements.
West Sundial Wetlands sits at the western end of the Columbia River Gorge, which can serve as a migration route for bird species from the eastern side of the Cascades. This, along with the rarity of wetland and grassland habitats nearby, provides opportunities for sightings of bird species that are rarely seen in the Portland Metropolitan Area. Several native mammals, reptiles, and amphibians have been observed using the site, including northern red-legged frog (Rana aurora) adults and egg masses. This species serves as an indicator for quality wetland habitat and is an Oregon Sensitive Species. West Sundial Wetlands established well, despite many constraints including the nearby airport, powerline utilities and flood management requirements.
Equipment and Attire The site is generally flat, but is very exposed and participants should be prepared for walking in tall vegetation and over uneven ground. Long pants, sturdy boots or shoes, rubber boots if participants have them, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, extra water etc. Binoculars and field guides are also encouraged!
