Eryk Williamson of the Portland Timbers going in for a free kick. — Eryk Williamson Eryk Williamson going in for a free kick. © Craig Mitchelldyer/Portland Timbers

Cause Marketing

Bringing Conservation to Major League Soccer

A two-year collaboration between The Nature Conservancy and the Portland Timbers aims to educate, activate and raise awareness of nature conservation.

Each one of us relies on our planet for the air we breathe, the water we drink, and so much more. As we work towards a future where all people benefit equally from a healthy world, TNC is leading the way on climate solutions and protecting biodiversity from loss.

By teaming up with the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer (MLS), TNC is scaling up public awareness for this essential conservation work.

Nature Unites Kit

Nature Unites Kit The Portland Timbers unveil their new community kit featuring The Nature Conservancy's logo. © Craig Mitchelldyer

Over the next two seasons (2024 and 2025), The Nature Conservancy will be featured on a conservation-themed alternate kit worn by the Portland Timbers.

The TNC logo is featured on the back of the jerseys, just above the player name and number. Artwork on the kits highlights several species of trees native to Oregon. In addition to the on-field jerseys worn by players, all versions of replica and authentic jerseys available for purchase by fans also feature TNC marks. In addition, the phrase “Nature Unites Us,” commonly used by TNC, is stitched inside the neck—serving as a rallying cry for the season and campaign theme.

We are excited to bring awareness to The Nature Conservancy’s mission with this design and to work alongside them on a series of environmental initiatives throughout the season.

Heather Davis

CEO of the Portland Timbers

Nature Unites Us. We are working toward a future where all Oregonians benefit equally from clean air and water, our state leads the way on climate solutions and our most critical lands and waters are connected, protected and managed to sustain nature in the face of climate change.

“The Nature Unites kit represents the natural beauty of Oregon and the club’s dedication to the environment, two things we are very proud of,” said Heather Davis, CEO of the Timbers. “We are excited to bring awareness to The Nature Conservancy’s mission with this design and to work alongside them on a series of environmental initiatives throughout the season.”

Beyond the jersey, the Timbers and TNC will work together to educate, activate and raise awareness around conservation, as well as encourage communities statewide to actively explore, experience and protect the outdoors.

Green Is Gold Charity Match

TNC featured on the big screen at the Green Is Gold MLS charity match — **Green Is Gold** June 26, 2024 charity match benefiting The Nature Conservancy and Keep Oregon Green. © Mitch Maxson/TNC

On June 26, 2024, the Timbers and Thorns FC came together to host the Green is Gold charity match benefiting The Nature Conservancy and Keep Oregon Green. Held at Providence Park, the co-ed match was attended by over 10,000 fans and raised approximately $100,000 in support of nature and conservation.

Inspiring Conservation through Education

A group hikes on a trail in Oregon — **Group hiking** on a trail in Oregon © The Nature Conservancy (Devan King)

TNC’s award-winning youth curriculum platform, Nature Lab, is aiming to inspire young fans through virtual learning and hands-on activities. The Timbers and TNC are bringing awareness to biodiversity loss and sustainable practices—like responsible forest management, a key issue in Oregon—through Nature Lab’s virtual field trips and online learning resources. Young fans are also able to learn more about Oregon’s native trees featured on the Nature Unites Us kit through coloring guides and activities.