Cascadia Wild

Cascadia Wild is a nature organization in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to connecting people with the natural world through education, stewardship, and citizen science. As a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1998, the organization offers classes in animal tracking, botany, naturalist skills, and outdoor survival, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest. It coordinates the Wolverine Tracking Project, a community science initiative collecting data on rare carnivores and wildlife in Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge. Cascadia Wild also hosts seasonal tracking surveys, nature book and tracking clubs, and provides opportunities for leadership development, internships, and team-building experiences.

The organization emphasizes inclusive, hands-on learning, offering specialized programs such as Queer/Trans Wildlife Tracking and partnerships with groups like Think Wild. Its work blends modern ecological research with ancestral knowledge of living in harmony with the land. Through trail camera monitoring, scat surveys, and winter tracking efforts, Cascadia Wild engages volunteers in meaningful data collection that supports conservation. The group also maintains a strong community presence through events, workshops, and outreach, fostering deep personal connections to the natural environment.

Cascadia Wild is located at 5431 NE 20th Avenue, inside the Leaven Community Center, about a mile from Alberta Park and the Alberta Park Nature Patch. It sits just off Northeast Killingsworth Street, near Vernon School and the Portland Fire & Rescue station, placing it within a vibrant neighborhood with access to green spaces and community resources.

The organization is recognized for its long-standing commitment to environmental education and community engagement in the Portland area. Its programs have cultivated a dedicated network of volunteers and participants who contribute to regional conservation efforts through science, skill-building, and shared stewardship. Cascadia Wild stands as a vital link between urban residents and the wild landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

Services:

• Camera and Scat Survey Programs
• Community Science Apprenticeship Programs
• Naturalist Training and Outdoor Survival Classes
• Volunteer-Led Conservation Initiatives
• Winter Wildlife Tracking Surveys