| Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area | |
|---|---|
 Smith Lake from north shore, 2008 | |
  Location of Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area in Oregon | |
| Location | Portland, Multnomah, Oregon, United States |
| Coordinates | 45°37′02″N 122°46′42″W / 45.61722°N 122.77833°W |
| Area | 2,000 acres (8.1 km2)[1] |
| Elevation | 20 ft (6.1 m)[2] |
| Governing body | Metro Regional Government |
| Website | Smith and Bybee Wetlands |
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is a public park and nature reserve between the Columbia Slough and the Columbia River in Portland, Oregon. At about 2,000 acres (810 ha), it is one of the largest urban freshwater wetlands in the United States.[3] Metro, the regional government for the Oregon part of the Portland metropolitan area, manages the park. A covered shelter, restrooms, a paved walkway, and a canoe launch lie on the north side of the natural area.
Although surrounded by port terminals, warehouses, and commercial areas, Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including beaver, bald eagles and western painted turtles. An artificial water-control system helps keep the wetlands wet. Other systems collect methane and prevent leaching from a closed landfill near the south edge of the park.[1]
- ^ a b "Smith and Bybee Wetlands". Metro Regional Government. 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-17.
- ^ "Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. 2004-05-26. Retrieved 2008-11-17.
- ^ "The Wetlands". Friends of Smith and Bybee Lakes. 2008. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-18.