Metro's Walk There! program has helped thousands of people explore new treks in their neighborhoods. On Aug. 30, the program’s guided walk series won an award from the Association for Commuter Transportation at its annual conference in Chicago. The association supports organizations that promote sustainable travel options, such as walking, biking, carpooling and taking transit.

It's a dirty job, but Metro's on it. Watch recycling information specialist Betty Shelley help a local mom and her family discover reusable resources – and hidden savings – in their garbage can. The segment, part of KATU's Savings Makeover series, shows how one household can cut its trash output in half, helping the family's pocketbook and the environment.

Earlier this year, Metro purchased nearly 100 acres of land, mostly from the Boy Scouts of America. The new Scouter Mountain Natural Area, which will feature hiking trails, a picnic shelter, parking and restrooms, was purchased by Metro’s voter-approved Natural Areas Program. The City of Happy Valley is paying for the upgrades with its share of Metro’s natural areas bond measure, and the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District will manage the future natural area when it opens in 2013.

On Friday, Aug. 19, the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission approved the urban and rural reserves map for Washington County, which was approved by the Metro Council and the Washington County Board of Commissioners in the spring.

Urban redevelopment consultant Michele Reeves is bringing her expertise to Hillsboro as the largest city in Washington County looks to transform its downtown into a dynamic urban core.  

On Aug. 4, the Metro Council designated stakeholders for the Southwest Corridor Plan Steering Committee. The committee will be made up of elected and appointed officials from partner jurisdictions and agencies, and will shepherd the development of an implementation strategy for coordinated land use and transportation investments in the travel corridor connecting Portland, Tigard, King City, Tualatin and Sherwood.

Beaverton develops blueprint for downtown redevelopment with community help, and will work with Metro and community leaders to implement its vision.

Metro's online opinion panel reached a significant milestone Wednesday, with more than 5,000 people now signed up for Opt In.

Across the Portland metropolitan area this month, efforts to protect nature in neighborhoods are taking root

Salmon habitat is being restored along Johnson Creek. A park will be dedicated in Cedar Mill. The new Cornelius Wellness Center, which will transform a concrete alley into a green parkway, is breaking ground. A dinner concert will raise money to expand and restore West Linn's White Oak Savanna. The Equity Bike Ride will highlight a partnership to green the Interstate 205 path for cyclists and pedestrians. And West Linn will celebrate new nature trails, playgrounds and more.

The common denominator: support from Metro’s voter-approved Natural Areas Program.

Our homes and businesses benefit from increased material recycling. Co-mingling service at the curb has increased the volume of material (paper, plastic containers, metal) for reuse. But some plastics are still not approved for curbside collection. Don't let that stop you though – many plastics can still be recycled at other places, and doing so makes a difference!