Some of the Best Nature Preserves in the U.S. Are in Oregon

Because of the wondrous natural beauty of Oregon, many of us native Oregonians believe that the entire state of Oregon is like one big nature preserve, but we do have areas in which we have dedicated to the preservation of nature and its wildlife. They are perfect places for the lone person desiring peace and solitude just to commune with nature; to the entire family who wishes to see Mother Nature in all her splendor.

1. Wild Life Safari
Winston, Oregon
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.wildlifesafari.net

Devoted to education, preservation and research since it first opened in 1972, the Wild Life Safari is the perfect place for the entire family. With over 500 animals running about freely in their natural environment; visitors can drive through this 4.5 journey and observe these animals from all over the world. There is also the Safari Village in which there is a petting zoo for children as well as adults, stunning gardens, a gift shop, and Village Café when hunger strikes. If you wish to devote more than one day for enjoying this natural preserve, tere is camping available at Camp Tiki; where they say, "what better way to wake up, than to the sound of roaring lions."

2. Metolius Recreation Area
9 miles northwest of Sisters, Oregon
www.metoliusriver.org

There is just not too much that can be said about this recreation area. There are many miles of hiking and biking trails, and watching the wildlife. In fact, many visitors enjoy camping, and just lounging about enjoying this enchanting place. One can even fly-fish when it is in season. Part of the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail is in the Camp Sherman area of this recreation area, and many use this area as their base camp and then spend days following the different types of birds.. Also in the Metolius Recreation Area one can enjoy the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery and learn about trout, kokanee, and salmon.

Visitors can camp in the many different camping areas, or stay in one of the cabins at Camp Sherman where there is also an RV Park, or the lodge at Cold Springs or Lake Creek.

In the Portland, Oregon area there are many nature preserves, but two that I can think of that should not be missed:

3. Hoyt Arboretum
Downtown Portland, Oregon
Visitor Business Hours
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
www.hoytarboretum.org

This arboretum is 175 acres that spreads across the heart of Portland. It is located on a hill, on which visitors can overlook this beautiful city, and view Portland in all its splendor. The Hoyt Arboretum is a living museum, in which there are more than 8,000 trees and plants; many of which cannot be found anywhere else in North America. This collection of trees and plants are grown from seeds that have been collected in the wild. There is also a library of approximately 800 books and periodicals in the Visitors Center, that is open during regular business hours.

4. Forest Park Conservancy
Portland, Oregon
www.forestparkconservancy.org

Forest Park Conservancy is basically a big park right in the middle of a metropolis area. The conservancy is dedicated to trail maintenance and improvement, habitat restoration and environmental education. There are literally miles and miles of trails in which to walk, hike or run. It is indeed Mother Nature in all of her splendor.

5. Willow Creek Preserve
South of West 18^th Avenue in Eugene, Oregon

The Willow Creek Preserve has over 500 acres of some of the most beautiful plant and animal life to be seen. The Preserve is dedicated to protecting Willamette Valley's native grasslands, trees and streams; and is also said to be one of the best remaining examples of wet prairie habitats in the valley; The Preserve is home to many rare butterflies, ground-nesting birds and animals. Because of this no dogs are allowed in the park, even on a leash. Bicycles are not allowed, and there is no camping available, but services are available nearby.

As stated, Oregon has some of the best nature preserves in the country, and certainly there are none that are better. All of them are dedicated to teaching, protecting the environment and wildlife, and helping people to truly enjoy all that this planet has to offer in the way of nature.