The Omaha Park Blocks run for a half mile from North Killingsworth to North Rosa Parks Boulevard, and feature over 50 elm trees that were planted after the Columbus Day Storm in 1962. This year, five elms were removed because of Dutch Elm Disease and the funds were not available to replant the trees.

Working with North Portland tree inspector Jim Field and Larry Stevens from the Portland Bureau of Maintenance, the neighborhood selected to plant two Oregon White Oaks, two Accolade Elms, and a Bigleaf Maple.

Coordinating the planting were three new Neighborhood Tree Stewards from the Arbor Lodge Neighborhood: Liz Stevenson; David Taylor; and Allen Wheeland.

Special thanks to Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry Crew Leader Gary Hill who was able to pick up the trees from nurseries, and deliver soil to amend the planting site.

PP&R will work with the adjoining property owners to establish the trees over the next four years, providing slow drip irrigation water bags, garden hoses and email reminders.

Karl Dawson is an urban forestry outreach specialist for Portland Parks & Recreation.

kdawson@ci.portland.or.us 503-823-1650