Habitat Connectivity is one of two key initiatives identified through the 2023 Tree for All Visioning Workshops. A working group has formed to explore how the collaboration can connect and protect habitats to achieve the common goal of a climate-resilient watershed. Habitat connectivity— a term that describes the health, genetic diversity and disbursement of animal and plant populations in a particular area— is a complex, multi-layered topic that poses considerable challenges to ensuring the health and resilience of a given habitat.

Beavers are a keystone species of the Tualatin River Watershed whose presence is associated with flourishing, healthy habitats and resilient ecosystems. However, coexisting alongside beavers is not without its challenges. Their activity can lead to damaged trees, changing water patterns, and other potential issues for property owners.

Harnessing the power of collaboration, numerous Tree for All partners have joined to address the ongoing need for a resource hub that provides support for landowners, education about beavers, and strategies for managing beaver activity. Together, these organizations have formed a streamlined communication network—now called the Tualatin Basin Beaver Strategy Group—whose joint efforts are already having positive effects on habitat restoration and species repopulation.

In 2023, Tree for All partners identified and formed two working groups with the goal of focusing member actions and available resources on key challenges facing the Tualatin River Watershed. These groups, Healthy Tree Canopy and Habitat Connectivity, have been meeting regularly to identify goals and create metrics by which their work can be measured.