Sustainability summit to include planting partners

GSI Planting: 03.20.10, I-205 — Green Space Initiative Manager Logan Lauvray instructs volunteers on planting protocol last month along the I-205 Multi-Use Path. Friends of Trees is partnering with Metro and ODOT on this exciting transportation initiative that will plant thousands of trees along the corridor. (Collier Arbor Care)

The Coalition for a Livable Future will host a regional sustainability summit Thursday, including breakout sessions that feature Friends of Trees planting partners.

The 2010 Regional Livability Summit runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the third floor of the Smith Center Ballroom at Portland State University.

Shelli Romero from ODOT will present on “Transportation Equity and Access for All,” no doubt highlighting the three-year initiative to plant trees with Friends of Trees and Metro along the I-205 Multi-Use Path.

This groundbreaking partnership is creating green jobs in the community and cleaning the environment in areas that need it the most.

In another breakout session, representatives from Metro, the Audubon Society of Portland and Portland Commissioner Nick Fish’s office will discuss providing access to Parks and Natural Areas.

Friends of Trees is proud to work with all of these local groups, receiving the largest capital grant in Metro’s history to plant along the I-205 Multi-Use Path, frequently planting on or near Audubon managed land, and continually working with Portland Urban Forestry, which is run by Commissioner Fish.

Tickets to the event are $40-70, including meals. Registration and a complete itinerary is available online.

–Toshio Suzuki