Thurston Hills Natural Area

For years, Springfield residents envisioned a seamless network of trails weaving through the wild but closed off hills in their backyard. People were hungry for a place where neighbors could hike, bike, and explore Oregon’s rich beauty, close to home.

In 2012, Trust for Public Land’s Conservation Finance team collaborated with the Willamalane Park and Recreation District to turn that dream into reality. Through a community-backed bond measure to expand parks and trails, voters enthusiastically said, “Yes!” to protecting this land for public benefit. Through years of collaboration and community engagement, the now well-loved Thurston Hills Natural Area—a 665-acre gem dedicated to recreation and habitat restoration—came to life.

Opened to the public in 2017, this natural area boasts over 12 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, families and nature lovers alike. Notably, it features the region’s first natural-surface mountain bike trails, and some of the area’s most popular hikes like the Mossy Maple Trail and the Basalt Rim Trail. Beyond access to the outdoors and recreation benefits, the Douglas fir forests and riparian ecosystems offer habitat where local plants and animals can thrive.

This bond measure success is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. With the support of partners like the Bonneville Power Administration, U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Springfield locals now have a place to connect with the benefits of nature for generations to come.