With the recent adoption of its first-ever green building policy, Metro has set new sustainability standards for all the agency’s facilities and developed properties, from regional parks, solid waste transfer stations and the Oregon Zoo to venues such as the Portland Expo Center and Oregon Convention Center.

Commuters in Atlanta collectively drive further than a round trip to the sun and back – each day. Professor and author Lawrence Frank points to that example as the reason "why we're having an energy and environmental crisis today" – and why Americans are overweight and experience a number of health problems. It all comes down to how we get around.

Animals and visitors will receive treats during zoo’s Howloween celebration

Trick-or-treaters can fill their bags with goodies and learn about wildlife Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 during Howloween at the Oregon Zoo, presented by Sterling Savings Bank. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free with zoo admission.

What's all this buzz about TriMet's new trip tool, the Portland Regional Trip Planner? Unlike existing tools, the new Trip Planner lets you to plan trips combining transit, bike and walking in a single itinerary.

Today the Metro Council voted 6-0 to add 1985 acres to the region’s urban growth boundary for future housing and jobs. (Councilor Rex Burkholder was excused.) This represents less than a one-percent expansion of the region’s urban footprint to accommodate thousands of additional households and workers over the next 20 years.

Metro's Nature University is a 12-week training course that starts people along the path of becoming naturalists and teachers. Students are introduced to time-honored techniques of nature observation and principles of discovery learning, and learn about common wildlife and plants, the ecology of wetlands and ancient forests, and effective teaching techniques.

Great ideas from residents will help inform the scope of the Southwest Corridor Plan – things like the importance of walkable town centers that include space for housing and businesses; preserved greenspace, including parks and natural areas; bicycle access; and ensuring that future growth is planned for on  a community level.

An explanation of the 2011 urban growth boundary decision, and what it means for the region.

At www.oregonmetro.gov/greatplaces, you can view interactive maps and download reports about each of 10 areas being considered.