Another reason to plant: garden burgers and chips

There are 14 Friends of Trees plantings remaining this season, from this Saturday through April 10.

As of Feb. 26, thanks to volunteers, donors, partners and sponsors, Friends of Trees has planted 11,310 trees and shrubs in the Portland Metropolitan area. That equates to over 386,000 trees and shrubs in 20 years!

A staggering tree tally that will surely grow in the coming Saturdays.

This past Saturday in Vancouver, Northwest Natural sponsored a large Neighborhood Trees (NT) planting and continued their tradition of providing an amazing post-planting meal.

Last year it was chili; this year it was hamburgers, garden burgers, chips, fruits, drinks and desserts, according to Valerie White, spokesperson for NW Natural.

“It provides an opportunity to give back to the community as well as allow our employees a volunteer opportunity,” said White.

Also, in Wilsonville, Friends of Trees planted trees and shrubs in Memorial Park via its Green Space Initiative (GSI) program.

GSI has two more plantings along the I-205 Multi-Use Path, two more in Forest Park, and one each in Tualatin and along the Johnson Creek Watershed.

So, remember the rules: all are welcome—and come out to a Friends of Trees planting before the season is over!

–Toshio Suzuki