The historical Leach Botanical Garden is one of Portland’s best-kept secrets with over 2,000 different plant species. As part of the City of Portland’s Master Plan for the park, Westlake has supported the redevelopment of this 16-acre property since 2010 with surveying services.

Working with both the Parks and Recreation Bureau, we provided the topographic and boundary survey which was used as the basis for the Master Plan and design improvements. This finished survey was highly detailed to map existing features within the garden, including specimen trees and other heritage plantings, the historic Manor House, and the network of nature trails through the site and along Johnson Creek. As part of this 2010 effort, Westlake proposed an alternative approach for marking boundary lines due to discrepancies with existing Tax Lot lines and the survey records provided. By phasing the project, we were able to offer the City enhanced flexibility and economies of scale during planning, design, and construction phases.

In 2014, we were contracted to update the 2010 topographic survey to include a newly purchased parcel of land. Two years later, we performed a topographic survey and boundary resolution for the Bureau of Transportation to support the replacement of the SE 122nd Ave Bridge over Johnson Creek. Located within the Leach Botanical Garden campus, soil erosion and damage had led to a lack of support for the footings of the old bridge, and a replacement was required to improve the safety of the infrastructure.

In 2019, we worked with the Bureau of Development Services to support the consolidation of two parcels within the site with a partition plat survey. The project was somewhat unique in that the Bureau requested the historic garden parcels be consolidated with adjacent lots with remaining right-of-way frontage.

The Leach Botanical Garden was originally part of a 320-acre donation land claim belonging to William Johnson. The Oregon Historical Society notes that Johnson was the first permanent European settler in what would become the City of Portland. Johnson Creek was subsequently named for him.

In 1931, botanist Lilla Leach and her husband John purchased part of Johnson’s property and developed the resulting garden which celebrates the native flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest with over 2,000 species. Lilla and John spent many summers collecting plant specimens through Oregon and other western states. The garden features mixed topography with heavy tree cover, perennial and pollinator gardens, and stream bank access to Johnson Creek. Recent renovations added a terrace, arbor, open lawn for events, and accessible walkways with grading and parking improvements. Future phases are planned to add additional gardens and buildings, and the “Back 5” community enhancement project will provide educational and community science opportunities.

Westlake is proud to be a part of a project of such interesting history and lasting value and looks forward to continuing our relationship with the City at this beautiful site.

*Comparison photos showing improvements made to Leach Botanical Garden are included in the photos above.