Ecotrust
Description
Ecotrust is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, working to create social, economic and environmental benefits. It was founded in 1991 by Spencer Beebe, drawing on his earlier conservation work in Central and South American rainforests.
The organization’s early work centered on surveying and protecting temperate rainforests, including helping identify British Columbia’s Kitlope River as the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest watershed and supporting the Haisla First Nation in securing its protection. It has worked with communities across the region, from California to Alaska, to build a more reliably prosperous future for people and place. Ecotrust also helped found community development financial institutions, including ShoreBank Enterprise Cascadia and ShoreBank Pacific, to bring financial resources to underserved communities.
More recently, Ecotrust has developed programs in sustainable food and farming, decision-support tools for ecosystem-based management, and the concept of Salmon Nation to build bioregional identity. It operates from the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center, a LEED-certified restored warehouse in Portland, and has an independent affiliate, Ecotrust Canada, based in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Latest news
Sacred Seed Saving for Farm and Cultural Viability
PARTNER VOICES | The founders of Eloheh Farm and Seeds, Edith and Randy Woodley, share their journey on land restoration and seed-saving. The post Sacred Seed Saving for Farm and Cultural Viability appeared first on Ecotrust .
10 Sep 2026
A hard year and a clear-eyed way forward
ECOTRUST UPDATE | A message from our interim Executive Director The post A hard year and a clear-eyed way forward appeared first on Ecotrust .
8 Sep 2026
Episode 7: Reflections from the Tidepool
PARTNER VOICES | In this finale episode, the Tending the Tides team and a few bonus guests reflect on the possibilities for Oregon’s growing mariculture industry. The post Episode 7: Reflections from the Tidepool appeared first on Ecotrust .
18 Aug 2026
California Marine Protected Areas
Community-based approaches to understanding the outcomes of California Marine Protected Areas The post California Marine Protected Areas appeared first on Ecotrust .
13 Aug 2026
A training program for farmers and producers who are Black, African, Indigenous, and people of color in the Portland Metro area The post BIPOC Farm to Market Program appeared first on Ecotrust .
13 Aug 2026
Viviane Barnett Fellowship for Food System Leaders
A cohort-based program designed for aspiring and experienced leaders of color working to build equitable, climate-resilient food systems The post Viviane Barnett Fellowship for Food System Leaders appeared first on Ecotrust .
13 Aug 2026
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