Must all good things really come to an end?

By Kate Williams

You know the saying, “All good things must come to an end.” Does this apply to our urban trees? It doesn’t have to! TreeCycle Northwest, a new Portland-based organization, is working to “upcycle” Portland’s fallen trees by milling salvaged lumber and providing it to local residents, artisans, woodworkers and nonprofit organizations.

When urban trees are removed, they are often chopped into firewood, woodchips, composted or worse: sent to the landfill. Instead, these trees can be given new life as beautiful and sustainable community heirlooms. TreeCycle Northwest aims to be Portland’s hub for salvaged tree-based resources and wood-crafting know-how by providing a venue for community workshops and skill sharing. Local artisans and hobbyists can learn how to work with woods not typically available on the market. (Portland’s neighborhoods are home to more than 100 species!)

Started in 2012, TreeCycle Northwest has already worked with Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., Verde, REACH Community Development, Hacienda CDC, and Janus Youth.

Salvaged lumber keeps more trees in our forests, fewer trees in our landfills and compost piles, and reduces the carbon footprint of the lumber we buy. Your next dining room table could be made from really local wood—maybe even a tree in your neighborhood.

Interested in learning more about TreeCycle Northwest? Visit our Facebook page. Or join us at our open house on Jan. 18, at 8115 N Albina, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.

–Williams is TreeCycle Northwest’s Community Organizer