Living it up & loving trees in Vancouver

Garry Oak in Vancouver, WA — Friends of Trees mascot Garry Oak at the April 2012 Arbor Day Celebration in Vancouver (FOT file)

Like trees? Live in Vancouver, WA, or nearby?

Check out these upcoming events to learn how to plant and prune trees, to see first-hand how the city’s plantings keep streams clean and cool, and to celebrate the oldest living apple tree in the Northwest. The Old Apple Tree Festival on Oct. 6 includes live music, children’s activities, apple cider pressing, and even a scarecrow contest.

The first of these events begins tonight! For more information or to reserve a space in a class or workshop, contact Jessica Antoine at 360-487-8308 or [email protected].

Chainsaw Safety Workshop
Thursday, Sept. 13
6:00 to 7:30 pm
Marshall Community Center 1009 E McLoughlin Blvd.
Chainsaws are a great tool to make those larger proper pruning cuts, but they can also be dangerous. Learn all about safety, sharpening and correct use of chainsaws in this workshop led by local arborists.

Take a Hike along Burnt Bridge Creek
Saturday, Sept. 22
9:00 to 11:00 am
Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway, Meet at the end of E 65th St. just south of E 18th St.
Learn about the cool (literally) ways the city of Vancouver keeps our streams clean and cold. Join this free nature walk and workshop about native plants and managing stormwater along Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately.

Tree Pruning Workshop
Wednesday, Sept. 26
5:00 to 7:00 pm
Fruit Valley Park, 3200 Fruit Valley Rd.
Learn how to prune like a pro at this hands-on workshop led by certified arborists. Yes, there is a right, and a wrong, way to prune trees. Get the skills and the confidence to properly prune your trees!

Old Apple Tree Park, Vancouver, WA (Vancouver Urban Forestry)

Old Apple Tree Festival
Saturday, Oct. 6
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
112 Columbia Way

The oldest living apple tree in the Northwest is 186 years young and ready to celebrate! Live music, children’s activities, apple cider pressing, a scarecrow contest, tree workshops, apple tree cuttings, and more await the community at this annual free, family-friendly event at Old Apple Tree Park.

Tree Planting Event & Workshop
Saturday, Oct. 13
9:00 to 11:00 am
Army Reserve Center, 15005 N.E. 65th St.

Fall is a good time to plant trees, and Saturday, Oct. 13 is a good day to learn how to do it! Sign up for this FREE TreeTalk Workshop sponsored by Vancouver Urban Forestry and learn hands-on the fundamentals of proper planting to ensure our lasting legacy.

You can learn more about Vancouver’s trees and these fun events on the Vancouver Urban Forestry web site.

Check out our Plant It Vancouver! program to sign up for a tree to plant at your home with Friends of Trees.