NE 82nd Avenue Property: FAQs

Did Bird Alliance of Oregon buy a property on NE 82nd Avenue? If so, where is it?

Yes! Bird Alliance of Oregon purchased 12.5 acres of open space on NE 82nd Avenue (2800 NE 82nd Ave). The property is right across the street from McDaniel High School and next to the Dharma Rain Zen Center.

What will the property be used for? 

We plan to make this a true destination for the community, with facilities that include:

• A new Wildlife Care Center (our wildlife hospital) which will relocate from its current location in NW Portland
• A nature sanctuary, complete with nature trails, park space for public use, and restored habitat
• An outdoor classroom to run educational programming for people of all ages, and an eastside hub to facilitate bringing kids to camp at other locations and other educational programs
• A 2-acre solar array built in partnership with APANO and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation that will provide low income neighbors reduced electricity bills for 20 years
• Thousands of newly planted native trees and shrubs that will create wildlife habitat and viewing opportunities across the property

What’s the timeline for building this out and starting to work on this site?

This is a multi-year project to build out the site to meet our expansive vision. In some areas we’ll be able to start right away because the funding has been secured, like a portion of our habitat restoration work and the 2 acre solar array. We’ll get started on those in 2025. And some of it will require more time for fundraising before we can get started, like to build our new Wildlife Care Center and the community trails and park.

Why did you choose this site?

We combed through more than 100 sites to find one that would meet needs. We were thrilled to find one that was able to both house our Wildlife Care Center and provide additional opportunities, like restoring the land and creating public access to nature. This site:

• Is large enough to meet the needs of our Wildlife Care Center, including space for indoor and outdoor caging and privacy for our patients
• Is accessible by public transportation including one of the busiest Trimet bus lines which is slated for significant service improvements.
• Is centrally located near both I-205 and I-84 to receive visitors from Vancouver, East Multnomah County, Clackamas County and Central and West Portland. 
• Has water and sewer access
• Is in the heart of a community that we’ve worked within for many years. This will allow us to deepen these relationships and become a part of the community.
• Has space for ample parking for cars and school buses 

Will you keep your current sanctuary on NW Cornell Road?

Yes, we will continue to operate from our beloved headquarters in NW Portland, which has been our home and statewide headquarters since 1930. The Wildlife Care Center will relocate, but other operations at our sanctuary will continue as normal.

I want to volunteer. How can I get involved? 

Sign up for this email list to be notified as soon as volunteer opportunities are available! This is a multi-year project, and there will be many chances to get involved.

How can I make a donation to support the development of the new site?

You can support the Branching Out campaign with a multi-year pledge or  one-time gift. For more information, contact Marsha Chrest at mchrest@birdallianceoregon.org or 971-222-6117. 

What was the site used for previously?

The site, like many other undeveloped urban plots, is a brownfield (site whose development potential is hindered by pollution) that was a rock quarry and became a landfill after it was filled with rubble from the construction of I-205. Bird Alliance of Oregon has advocated for decades on policies to remediate brownfield sites like this one and put them back to productive use. Now, the organization will be part of the solution by turning this open space into a destination that truly benefits the community, the local environment, and the region’s wildlife. 

Will you work with the community? 

For decades we’ve worked with East Portland partners and community members on issues like climate resilience, increasing the urban tree canopy, peacefully coexisting with wildlife, and increasing access to nature. Now, we  have the opportunity to work as neighbors alongside this vibrant and caring community. 

We are excited to already be working with community partners like APANO, McDaniel High School, Dharma Rain Zen Center, the 82nd Ave Coalition, and others, and can’t wait to deepen our connections to the East Portland residents, businesses, and nonprofits.