The Oregon Supreme Court handed Columbia River Crossing proponents a victory Thursday, saying Metro's second try at approving the transportation project's land use was legal. But opponents of the Columbia River Crossing were also declaring victory Thursday, saying the Supreme Court affirmed their main point for appeal.

Double bill of string virtuosos features Leo Kottke and Jake Shimabukuro

There are definitely strings attached to the June 29 concert at the Oregon Zoo… to the instruments, at least. Friday’s show, part of the zoo’s summer concert series presented by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon with support from U.S. Bank, will feature the melodic double bill of guitar master Leo Kottke and ukulele sensation Jake Shimabukuro.

There's no long weekend to celebrate America's independence this year, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't get outside! Make the most of our nature with some of these activities. Most of these events are low-cost or free, and registration can be completed online. Follow the links below for more information.

Whether you’re growing a green lawn, tending to colorful flowers or nurturing a veggie garden, your yard is soon going to need water that isn’t falling from the sky. Don’t wait until your plants start showing the signs of thirst to figure out your watering plan. Follow these steps to prevent your garden from suffering from drought stress.

The 15-member panel, which will meet for the first time today, is expected to make a recommendation in August. Metro chief operating officer Martha Bennett appointed the group at the request of the Metro Council, which is studying challenges and opportunities at Metro’s 16,000 acres of parks and natural areas.

Blue Lake Regional Park will have plenty of activities for the whole family this July 4, with festivities set to begin at 8 a.m. The park won't have fireworks in 2012.

News and blogosphere notes relevant to Metro for the week of June 18-25, 2012.

Seanette Corkill photo.

Metro's Get Street Smart series offers main street business and property owners the tools and strategies for implementing low-cost high-impact projects that will polish their retail presence and help boost sales – in six free one-hour sessions.

Are thousands of tiny aphids sucking the life out of your rose buds? Metro natural gardening expert Carl Grimm appeared on KATU's AM Northwest this morning to show you how to take ‘em out without toxics, keeping your kids, pets and waterways safe and healthy.

Since Oregon’s Paint Stewardship program began in 2009, Oregonians now have close to 100 sites around the state to recycle unwanted paint products

Back in the old days after a painting project, people poured leftover paint or paint thinner down the street drain. Hard to imagine. Now we know better about the damage this causes to waterways and wildlife. And, with 99 places in Oregon to recycle paint, it’s convenient to hand off unwanted products responsibly. But the huge variety of paint and coating products can confuse even avid recyclers. Here’s a quick primer on what can be recycled, where and when.