Oregon Conservation Center

The Nature Conservancy’s work is best seen in the beautiful, natural places we work to protect and restore, but each day, our efforts in the field are supported by science and strategy from our state headquarters in Southeast Portland. Thanks to the generosity of donors who saw the significant need for more sustainable and functional facilities, TNC completed a major renovation of our 40-year old building located at SE 14^th and Morrison. 

To better support TNC's dynamic work throughout the state, the Oregon Conservation Center features improved efficiencies, modern technologies and significantly more collaborative spaces, including the addition of the Vernier Community Room (named in honor of long-time supporters David and Christine Vernier), a large conference room capable of hosting meetings and public events for up to 80 attendees. In service to Oregon's conservation movement, this space is available for limited use by partners and like-minded organizations.

The Oregon Conservation Center better enables the expansion of TNC's thought leadership, partnerships, and new solutions to address large scale, multifaceted challenges such as reducing greenhouse gas, modernizing fisheries management, advancing collaborative forest restoration and developing innovative approaches to sage grouse habitat protection. 

A Sustainable Approach 

To realize its focus on energy efficiency, conservation, building innovation, and sustainable forestry, the building sourced regionally harvested and locally manufactured materials including Oregon juniper, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), cedar, boulders, river rock, and weathering steel. 

Many landscape elements such as plantings, boulders, river rock and timber used for decking were sourced from TNC's regional conservation projects, providing an opportunity for staff and visitors to truly connect with our efforts throughout the Pacific Northwest. In addition, the incorporation of advanced storm water storage and a 25kW solar array demonstrate our commitment to urban sustainability while reducing our impact and energy dependency.