Nichols Natural Area

Our vision for the Nichols Natural Area: engage, educate, and inspire the diverse communities of the Columbia River Gorge to turn a former industrial site into vibrant riverfront habitat.

Education

The Nichols Natural Area is a living laboratory in the middle of the bustling Hood River waterfront. At Nichols, learning is not confined by classroom walls. Young students learn to plant trees and inventory bugs. They may solve the mystery of why the Black-crowned Night Herons roost in the Nichols Basin. High school students help plan restoration site and sample water quality. And students learn how imagination and the power of community can transform our river.

Columbia Riverkeeper holds a conservation easement to restore nearly three acres of a former industrial site on the Columbia River in Hood River, OR. Every person who visits the waterfront will see this high-profile site. The students and community members who help design, implement, and manage the natural area will gain pride and ownership by making a brownfield turn green.

Restoration

Urban habitat restoration projects on the mainstem Columbia are few and far between. We have big dreams for the Nichols Natural Area. With the support of a volunteer Leadership Team, we are designing a hands-on habitat restoration and site plan to improve salmon habitat and protect water quality.

Inclusion

Hood River County is one of the most diverse places in Oregon, yet we struggle with equity and inclusion in environmental benefits and decision making. We are committed to a different model with the Nichols project. From targeted outreach to underrepresented communities to bilingual events to interpretive signs in English and Spanish, the Nichols project serves as model for inclusion.  

About Nichols
riparian zone illustration
Why are riparian zones so important? 
Learn about

Check out the riparian zone unit of our online pollution prevention curriculum to explore activities and learn how healthy riparian zones prevent pollution and protect water quality on the Columbia River.

 

a group of students standing in a field of grass looking at someone speaking, Lorri Epstein, water quality director with Columbia Riverkeeper.
Our Community Programs Promote Education, Action, and Connection.
Engaging Communities

Columbia Riverkeeper aims to connect people to the river and celebrate the diverse, vibrant cultures within river communities. This includes community events and programs at the Nichols Natural Area, as well as in-person and online education.

Muddy kid at Nichols Planting
What makes Nichols Natural Area so great?
You, our volunteers!

Volunteers helped plant trees, spread mulch, and pull weeds at the Nichols Natural Area. The site is transforming thanks to our amazing volunteers who brave the elements to transform a former industrial site to thriving habitat.

Learn More

School Groups
Contact Lorri Epstein, Water Quality Director, at lorri@columbiariverkeeper.org.

Community Groups
Contact Ubaldo Hernández, Community Organizer, at ubaldo@columbiariverkeeper.org.