 Springbrook Park lies on the northern slope of Iron Mountain in the Uplands area of Lake Oswego. Ed Chinn is the author of The View From Springbrook Park, Lake Oswego, Oregon, AN ILLUSTRATED NATURAL HISTORY. Its definitive geology, history, plant ecology text and beautifully illustrated plant list of Springbrook Park make it an invaluable educational tool. In few words, Ed explains the past and future: "Logging took place in Springbrook Park approximately 40-70 years ago. By examining the remaining tree stumps, we can determine that the original forest was dominated by medium to large stately conifers. Thus the forest of today, dominated by big leaf maple and red alder trees, took about 40 to 70 years to develop, and is very different from the forest that fell to loggers."
He describes the current forest as predominantly hardwood (deciduous) trees with relatively short life spans of 60-85 years, characterized by vigorous growth that produces dense canopies and undergrowth of shade-tolerant plants and shrubs. It is estimated that approximately 80 years after logging, even without benefit of a reforestation program, the projected climatic conditions and low survival rate of hardwood seedlings would again result in the emergence of a conifer dominant forest. What the casual observer often sees as "forbidding scrub," Ed envisions as being transformed by knowledge and action into an "enjoyable and peaceful glade."
To that end, in the 70's a dedicated group of Uplands neighbors successfully petitioned for not one, but two successful initiatives that helped create Springbrook Park and made it what it is today - a treasured nature area.
- In 1969, the City of Lake Oswego acquired a 28-acre site for park purposes.
 In 1973, Friends of Springbrook Park rescued an adjoining 24 -acre parcel from the prospect of high-density housing development by petitioning for a special citywide election. Their efforts resulted in voter approval for acquisition of the property, which added to the existing City-purchased parcel, enlarged the park to its present 52 acres.
- In 1978, an Oregonian article noted "A group that gained nation wide attention in 1973 when it stopped construction of a housing development is at it again." Friends of Springbrook Park, again by initiative petition, sought to protect the park as a natural area. And again Lake Oswego voters agreed, mandating by a 3-to-1 margin, that the Lake Oswego City Charter be amended to designate and preserve SPRINGBROOK PARK as a natural area.
In 1999, 2002 and 2003, in response to growing concerns about the decline of red alder in the park, neighborhood association volunteers, students and scouts planted small western red cedar and Douglas fir seedlings.
April 2003 marked the first major trail development in Springbrook Park's history. The City of Lake Oswego and Uplands Neighborhood Association collaborated to design nearly two miles of trails that would better serve the needs of users and protect the natural resources of the park.
 Thirty years later, the legacy of the founding group continues as new and old residents invest their time and labor in the protection, enhancement, preservation and maintenance of the park. The recently revitalized Friends of Springbrook Park partnered with the city to develop a Natural Resource Management Plan to meet long-term park needs. The Friends are responsible for implementing the plan and developing programs that meet its goals. The gift of your Membership will help continue the rehabilitation and educational projects in our urban natural area.
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