Volunteer Spotlight: Joanie Beldin
Joanie Beldin was volunteering with Friends of Trees within two weeks of moving to Portland, “When I moved here and found an organization devoted to trees, it was a no brainer!” 
In the intervening four years, Joanie has literally done it all. She’s a Green Space Crew Leader, planting native trees to restore natural areas, a Call Star, helping homeowners to pick out the right tree for their space, and has monitored street trees in a long-term study as a Tier Omega Summer Inspector.
What is your earliest tree memory?
I wasn’t much of a tree climber or anything like that growing up in Illinois. I picked up and moved to the Pacific NW in my twenties and let the trees make the decision of where I wanted to live. I fell in love with the Doug-fir lined Highway 101 and the old growth around the Olympic Peninsula and lived there most of my life. We had an amazing Doug-fir tree growing in the middle of our deck!
Trees are very important to my life. I’m not sure what it is about them – their beauty, their strength, how they nurture life – but there is something about them that fills my spirit. A walk among the trees in the forest brings inner peace unlike anything else – it’s my therapy.
When you’re not doing “tree stuff” what do you enjoy doing?
These days, I am really passionate about wolves and have been spending time teaching kids with a group called Wolf Ways. I was a teacher for most of my professional life and believe strongly that our future is in educating youth. Wolves used to live throughout the state, but by 1947, they had all been killed. Then In 2008 they began to come back and there are now 77 known wolves, most living in Northeastern Oregon. Wolves are an integral species for the entire ecosystem.
I also am a Volunteer Naturalist with Metro at Smith & Bybee Wetlands and am active with the Friends of Pier Park. I love to hike, backpack, garden; pretty much anything outdoors. I’ve also done a lot of photography – I’m sure I have more photos of trees than anything else!
What do you like most about your neighborhood?
The St. Johns neighborhood was the only neighborhood that I wanted to live due to its proximity to nature. I’m not a city girl and having Pier Park, Smith & Bybee Wetlands, Forest Park, & Sauvie Island so close has been very enjoyable. I do also like St. Johns’ funky downtown.
I really like my immediate street as well. When I first moved it was barren and now there are at least 7 new street trees. My goal is to have a completely tree lined street.
What is your favorite tree in your yard?
I inherited grass when we moved in (and a walnut tree). I’ve planted 6 new trees in my yard with FoT since then. My favorite is the Asian Pear which already gives me bountiful, tasty fruit!
Why do you like volunteering with Friends of Trees?
I volunteer with many organizations, but FoT is the best. You know how to make volunteers feel needed, special, and appreciated. Volunteering with FOT has been nothing but a positive and satisfying experience for me. I love the work – whether it’s working with volunteers helping to plant new habitats with natives or encouraging people on the phone to order new trees – I always leave my volunteer time with you guys feeling really good.