A beautiful time for trees. Help add to their ranks.

By Andy Meeks

Changing colors, waiting for a new home (FoT file)
Changing colors, waiting for a new home (FOT file)

Today marks the first day of autumn and the slow change of tree colors from dark green to the yellows, oranges, and reds that are synonymous with this season.  These beautiful colors help us mark time, and they beautify our streets and open spaces with their inspiring palette.

Our urban canopy provides so many tangible benefits—stormwater retention, carbon sequestration, traffic calming, shade and cooling, and significant property value appreciation—that it’s easy to overlook the less tangible benefits of aesthetic beauty, wildlife habitat, and the rustle of dry leaves on a cool night.

Another harbinger of autumn in Portland is the appearance of crew leader training posters all over the city inviting you plant the next generation of fall colors by becoming a crew leader with Friends of Trees.

Seen these around town yet?
Seen these around town yet?

Trainings will occur this November in Vancouver and Portland for our Neighborhood Trees (NT) and Green Space Initiative (GSI) programs.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as these are always popular and space is limited. You can sign up online here.

Enjoy this year’s crop of autumn colors. We hope to be planting trees with you soon!

Meeks is the Volunteer & Outreach Manager and can be reached at AndyM[at]FriendsofTrees.org or 503-282-8846 ext. 24 if you have any questions about becoming a crew leader.