Help inventory street trees this August

Ainsworth Linear Arboretum Tour - July 2011 (Teri Ruch)

By Andy Meeks

Are you looking to expand your tree identification skills, help your neighborhood learn more about its street trees, or just do something interesting while soaking up the sunshine? Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry and several Portland neighborhoods are seeking residents and business owners to volunteer three hours of their time on some upcoming Saturdays to inventory neighborhood street trees.

Urban Forestry is helping Portlanders take action to improve their community’s street trees by conducting tree inventories and creating Neighborhood Stewardship Plans. From Urban Forestry’s web site:

“Active community groups interested in the cause begin by gathering volunteers to help conduct a street tree inventory. Volunteers are guided by Urban Forestry staff, who provide training, tools, and event organization. Together, information is collected on tree species, size, health, site conditions, and available planting spaces. Data is analyzed by Urban Forestry staff, and findings are presented to neighborhood stakeholders. Achievable strategies are set by the collective body to improve existing trees, identify opportunities for an expanding tree canopy, and connect the neighborhood with city and nonprofit resources. The result is a Neighborhood Stewardship Plan. The plan identifies the current status and health of neighborhood street trees and provides recommendations for neighborhood action. This final product serves as a catalyst for neighborhood implementation.”

Tree team members help collect data, and no experience is necessary. You will be paired with a team leader to identify trees.  If you’re interested, you can register for one or more sessions HERE.

August Inventory Dates

8/6/2011 Eastmoreland

  • Berkeley Park, SE Bybee Boulevard & SE Cesar Chavez Boulevard

8/6/2011 St. Johns

  • St. Johns Community Center, 8427 N Central Street

8/13/2011 Kenton

  • Open Meadow Alternative School Annex, 7621 N Wabash Avenue

8/20/2011 St. Johns

  • Grace Christian Fellowship, 7325 N Banks Street

8/20/2011 Sellwood-Moreland

  • Westmoreland Park, SE McLoughlin Boulevard & SE Bybee Boulevard

8/27/2011 Eastmoreland

  • Berkeley Park, SE Bybee Boulevard & SE Cesar Chavez Boulevard

8/27/2011 Overlook

  • Overlook Park, N Fremont Street & N Interstate Avenue

If you have questions or need additional information, contact Danielle Fuchs or Angie DiSalvo at 503-823-4484.

— Meeks is Volunteer & Outreach Manager for Friends of Trees.