Tracking Portlands Wildlife

Portland's urban forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including beavers and birds, that rely on its waterways for survival. Jade Ujcic-Ashcroft, a terrestrial biologist with the Bureau of Environmental Services, leads efforts to protect these species while managing the challenges they present. He coordinates the program that safeguards bird nests during the busy spring and summer nesting seasons. Beavers, known for improving stream health, can cause issues by creating blockages that lead to flooding. Ujcic-Ashcroft uses pond levelers, devices that allow water to flow through beaver dams, to manage their impact while maintaining habitat.

Additionally, he oversees long-term ecological monitoring projects that track changes in local wildlife populations. His journey into field science began with a passion for the outdoors and experience working in national parks. Ujcic-Ashcroft’s work exemplifies the balance between urban development and wildlife conservation in Portland.