GSI plants 700 trees, shrubs along the Willamette

For the first time Saturday Friends of Trees planted at Powers Marine Park along the Willamette River.

Partnering with Portland Parks & Recreation and the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Green Space Initiative (GSI) program brought together dozens of volunteers to plant 700 trees and native shrubs at the park, situated south of the Sellwood Bridge on the west side of the river.

“Oh yeah, (the planting) was amazing,” said GSI Specialist Betsy Lattig. “Just in regards of getting all those plants in the ground despite the rain and terrain, and doing it within our time frame—it was a complete success.”

Long-time crew leader, Gary Miniszewski, said he plants for GSI because it’s fun, but also because he remembers when global warming was called the greenhouse effect, and his concern hasn’t dissipated.

“We need as much clean oxygen as possible,” said Miniszewski. “It’s great to be doing something positive.”

Watch the video below to see how a veteran crew leader like Gary makes plantings happen.

And thanks to Starbucks, Voodoo Doughnut and Grand Central Bakery for their planting donations—always appreciated.

–Toshio Suzuki