Mature trees to be airdropped into Troutdale’s Beaver Creek Canyon

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s fully-grown trees being airdropped into Troutdale.

Greenery is being brought into East Multnomah County during a jaw-dropping Metro Regional Government operation that will not only support nature and wildlife, but will be quite the spectacle for us humans.

On Monday, July 29, low-flying helicopters will be hovering near the intersection of Southeast Troutdale Road and Cochran Road to place 74 whole trees with roots attached around the Beaver Creek stream.

Those efforts are part of the restoration of more than 4,000 feet of the Beaver Creek riparian corridor to its more natural condition. The trees will create essential habitat for salmon, steelhead and Pacific lamprey by providing them with cooling shade and hiding spots to rest and survive.

The work is being done by Metro and was approved by the city of Troutdale per a land use application.

Because of how tricky the project will be, the park will be closed to the public throughout the day, and some areas of the creek will be closed from July to the end of August. You will likely hear low-flying helicopters and notice fencing and signage around the work zone.

The Beaver Creek Greenway is comprised of numerous parcels of land along Beaver Creek, which flows into the Sandy River east of Troutdale. A majority of the canyon is heavily wooded, providing plenty of wildlife habitat. Some access is available, with trailheads at Beavercreek Lane from Weedin Park; the intersection of Southeast Chapman Avenue and Beavercreek Lane; and the intersection of Southeast 11th Circle and Beavercreek Lane.

The city is partnering with The Trail Keepers of Oregon to make improvements to the trail system within the canyon later this summer/early fall.