Portland Neighbors Plant Seeds of Community

More than two dozen volunteers gathered at the Alameda Stairs to plant more than 500 native plants.

They were members of the Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood Association and groups including Tabor to the River Program and the EasT Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District.

The hope is to improve both the natural habitat and the experience of walking the stairs.

The stars are the first public space under consideration through the Backyard Habitat Certification Program, which is run by the Audubon Society of Portland and the Columbia Land Trust.