SPROut Projects 
SPROut projects are focused around the use of plants to provide or augment ecosystem services and include processes like phytoremediation, restoration of degraded riparian areas, wetlands treatment of wastewater, urban stormwater management, and others (see "research priorities"). The Oregon Garden is uniquely situated to facilitate many of these projects through its diverse environmental areas and ability to provide outreach to both professionals and the general public. On this page, you will find a list of projects in the Northwest that use plants for environmental purposes, including both current and already completed endeavors, and a corresponding link to more information. We have included both projects done by SPROut partners and projects done by other organizations with similar goals. This list will be updated continually as we receive more information.
In addition to the special highlights we've provided, please click on any project title from the list on the left to view a one-page description of that project.
Nutrient Reduction in Wetlands
More than 2 years of monthly water quality testing of the Constructed Wastewater Wetlands at the Oregon Garden have shown a marked decrease in excess nitrate and phosphorous concentrations from Pond A to Pond Y. When the water re-enters the watershed, the nutrient concentrations are usually non-detectable.
More details . . .
Barley Straw for Algae Control
Researchers from Oregon State University’s Crop and Soil Science Department are combining laboratory assays using barley extracts 
against various algal strains with large-scale field experiments at the Oregon Garden and J. Frank Schmidt’s Nursery. The likely modes of action of decomposing barley’s effects on algae have both chemical and biological components. Many environmental characteristics influence the rate and strength of barley’s efficacy.
More details . . .
Green-Roof Demonstration Tests Different Growing Media
With help from the City of Portland and the non-profit EcoRoofs Everywhere, the Oregon 
Garden built its first green-roof on June 12, 2004. Housed on a filter pump station that is set into the side of a hill, the roof allows Garden visitors an up close look at the construction and plants on the roof. The roof is divided into several plots with different growing media, which is one of the critical factors in green-roof success, according to the latest research. Construction details, plant lists, and the recipes for growing media are available.
More details . . .
The Green Fuse: Using Plants to Provide Ecosystem Services
by Rene Kane
This Literature Review offers a look at work that has been done or is being done with plants in environmental contexts. Below is a sample from the Introduction. For the full review, click on the link after the sample.
"Plants are uniquely designed to provide a variety of ecosystem services. At their most primary level, plants absorb, filter and release water and oxygen back into the atmosphere. Through their roots, plants take up water and nutrients from the soil, simultaneously absorbing numerous naturally occurring as well as anthropogenic substances. Through transpiration, plants cool their immediate environment and provide shade for surfaces below. Plants reduce wind speed in urbanized areas, and create microclimates that mitigate extremes in temperature and noise. Plants provide essential habitat for many species of insects and birds, many of which are recognized as important to a healthy ecosystem. From the most diminutive algae to the tallest urban canopy, plants are both “lungs” and ‘liver” for our environment. Increasingly, we are relying on plants to provide valuable ecosystem services across all scales of human activity. "
Full report . . .
