gunderson habitat MEADOW ecoroof research
PORTLAND, OR
Growing habitat where it was not expected to exist
Ecological Research & Habitat Ecoroof Study · 2011–2024
The Gunderson Habitat Meadow Ecoroof Research began with a simple question: could an industrial ecoroof become meaningful habitat? What began as a small experiment on a marine industrial site developed into a four-phase ecological study spanning more than twelve years, examining the habitat value, ecological development and long-term performance of meadow ecoroofs in Portland's industrial landscape.
The first habitat ecoroofs were constructed in 2011 as an alternative to conventional industrial landscape protections, using native wildflower meadow plantings, varied soil depths and simple habitat structures. Over four phases, four ecoroofs and two comparable ground sites were observed through 72 field visits, examining plants, flowering, insects, soil conditions, moisture and shelter. The research consistently found that habitat-designed ecoroofs could provide comparable, and in several measures greater, habitat value than nearby ground-level sites, demonstrating their potential as persistent islands of biodiversity within industrial environments.
As the study evolved, long-term observation became an opportunity to understand not only what survived, but how the ecoroofs developed as ecological communities. Plant survival, volunteer species, soil conditions and seasonal changes were analyzed to establish a more ecologically balanced native plant palette and practical guidelines for design, installation, establishment and maintenance. The resulting best practices address soil depth and composition, drainage, habitat structures, plant selection, seeding, establishment and the limited maintenance required to support a stable meadow ecoroof over time.
The research also revealed a less measurable but equally important dimension of habitat restoration. Employees, volunteers and neighbors encountered the ecoroofs as small islands of nature within a working industrial landscape. Welders who helped construct the structures, employees who planted them, and workers who watched the meadows develop returned to see the flowers, birds and changing landscape. The project became a shared act of restoration, giving people a direct connection to the creation and care of urban habitat.
Led by Desirae D. Wood as Habitat Meadow Ecoroof Advisor, Ecological Researcher and Author, the research has been shared through professional presentations, community engagement and peer-reviewed publication. Findings from the twelve-year study were published in Landscape Journal, Volume 45, Number 1 (2026), contributing new knowledge toward the use of ecoroofs as scalable ecological infrastructure in cities.
The Gunderson study demonstrates how careful observation over time can change the way we understand landscape. Places once considered too industrial or constrained to support meaningful habitat can become part of a larger ecological network, offering opportunities to restore biodiversity while creating moments of nature within the everyday city.
Dobro Design
Ecological Research · Habitat Design · Planting · Ecoroof Advisory · Stewardship
Project Team
Greenroof Info Thinktank · David Harvey/Gunderson Environmental Director · Phillip Kolander/Gunderson Environmental Manager · Fawn Lengvenis/Gunderson Environmental Technician
Recognition
Colorado/Wyoming Chapter ASLA · Research & Communication Award, 2026