Video Credit: Travel Portland
We are pleased to announce that the 2017 International Master Gardener Conference will be held in Portland, Oregon, July 10-14, 2017.
Portland is a mid-sized city in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, located near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Portland has been described as a city of neighborhoods, coffee shops, bookstores, brew pubs, restaurants and food carts. Our rainy winters feed a vibrant and verdant gardening culture. Our perfect summers make gardening a dream! Green roofs on LEED-certified high rises, as well as on the sheds and garages of home gardeners, exhibit our commitment to sustainability. A network of ‘green streets’ throughout the city shows how gardens can be used to manage storm water issues in urban areas.
Portland is a great space to experience Oregon’s commitment to local foods. Portland area food carts, restaurants, farmers’ markets and brew pubs are great places to experience the world class hazelnuts, berries, vegetables and meats, cheeses, beers, and wines that showcase Oregon’s award-winning agricultural production systems.
Portland is located within a 90 minute drive of the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Oregon Coast. A 30 minute drive east allows visitors to explore the waterfalls of the Columbia Gorge, including majestic Multnomah Falls. And, it’s only a 60 minute drive to Mount Hood, where visitors can ski nearly year round or just enjoy the views from and the history of the magnificent WPA-built Timberline Lodge.
Within the city, itself, Portland is home to one of the largest urban forest preserves in the country (Forest Park), and one of the largest city parks in the country (Washington Park). The Washington Park complex includes the Oregon Zoo (where Master Gardeners staff an exhibit that teaches visitors about sustainable landscaping practices), the International Rose Test Garden, the World Forestry Center, the Hoyt Arboretum and the Portland Japanese Garden. Pittock Mansion, Leach Botanical Garden and the Lan Su Chinese Garden are also popular attractions.