Understanding Sustainability: Sustainability

An interesting article by Andrew Rice on the potential for agro-imperialism. Here is the permalink: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/22/magazine/22land-t.html

This idea of buying land for a type of guaranteed production is, of course, not sustainable. Currently, farmland occupies the equivalent of South America and uses upwards of 70% of available fresh water resources. As populations continue to grow so will demands on and for crop, lands and water.

Knowing, as we do, that traditional farming has to be changed to meet demands, what we are seeing in these land-grabbing attempts is, perhaps, a realization that the old ways of thinking need to be put aside. Where agriculture is concerned, it is a time for big ideas.

Parks & Recreation

Portland is host to a multitude of lush, natural parks and gardens. Ranging in size from just over 3 square feet, to nearly 8 square miles, each is a testament to our community’s on-going commitment to preserving and providing access to green spaces within the city.

Portland Parks & Recreation

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

Oregon Zoo

Portland Japanese Garden

Portland Classical Chinese Garden

Leach Botanical Garden

Washington Park

Forest Park

Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Mt. Tabor Park

Portland Bicycling

The Rose City has become renowned for its bicycle-friendly culture and residents. Pedal power reigns supreme on our streets, as we are continually named among the best cycling cities in North America and boast the highest percentage of bicycle commuters of any city in the US.

Also, legend has it that the mountain biking in and around Portland isn't half bad either.

Bike Portland

Portland Cycling

Oregon Mountain Bike Alliance

Portland United Mountain Pedalers

Portland Bike Maps

Mt. Hood and the Coast

With both situated less than a 90-minute drive from the downtown area, Mt. Hood and the Oregon Coast provide residents with that rare, year-round surf-to-snow accessibility that very few metropolitan areas are lucky enough to be afforded.

Mt. Hood Information Center

Explore Mt. Hood & the Gorge

Mt. Hood Guide

Oregon Coast Visitors Association

Explore Oregon's Coast

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Oregon Surfrider Foundation

Portland Arts

Portland’s residents have considerable access to world-class arts and entertainment. An array of historic venues — coupled with strong local ensembles and a vibrant contemporary scene — all help provide Rose City residents with a diverse media of artistic expression.

Platform International Animation Festival

Portland Art Museum

Portland Center Stage

Portland Jazz Festival

Portland Children’s Museum

PORT – Portland Art

Portland Institute for Contemporary Art

Oregon Symphony

Oregon Historical Society

Oregon Ballet Theatre

Microbreweries

Since the beginning of Portland's craft brewing movement 15 years ago, the city has been known as the epicenter of America's microbrewing renaissance. Some 28 microbreweries thrive in Portland today; here are a few of the regional favorites.

BridgePort Brewing Company

Widmer Brothers Brewing Company

Roots Organic Brewing Company

Laurelwood Brewing Company

Lucky Labrador Brewing Company

Dining & Cafes

Portland has become increasingly well known for its wealth of quality restaurants that offer outstanding dishes across a broad range of cuisines. Here we have provided a listing of perennial favorites, as well as a sample from among the top editorial picks of 2007.

Top Restaurants

Paley's Place

Pok Pok/Whiskey Soda Lounge