Tree Inventory Volunteers needed with Portland Parks and Recreation

By Erica Timm

Interested in learning more about the composition of Portland’s urban forest? Want to increase your tree identification skills? Have some skills to share? Want to have fun in the sun this summer? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, please consider becoming a tree inventory team leader for Portland Parks & Recreation this summer!

The Urban Forestry Division of PP&R is organizing volunteer-powered, Neighborhood Tree Inventories again this summer — this time in twelve different neighborhoods throughout the city! The neighborhoods being inventoried include Buckman, Centennial, Hazelwood, Irvington, King, Mill Park, Montavilla, Mt. Scott-Arleta, Mt. Tabor, North Tabor, Old Town/China Town, Parkrose, Parkrose Heights, Powellhurst-Gilbert, Roseway, Sabin, Sumner, Vernon, and Woodland Park.  Data collected will include: tree species, size, health, and site conditions, as well as spaces available for future planting.

How can you get involved?

Become a Tree Inventory Team Leader

Volunteering as a Team Leader is an excellent opportunity to improve your tree identification skills and learn more about assessing tree health and site conditions.

Team Leaders help guide general volunteers on the inventory collection days. You do not need to be a tree expert to become a team leader, just attend a three-hour training and sign up to help out during three inventory days between the months of July and September. Urban Forestry staff will provide the training and tools necessary and will guide you through the inventory process.

The data collected will be analyzed and then presented to neighborhood stakeholders to help establish neighborhood tree stewardship plans.

Visit http://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/article/433148

Attend a Tree Inventory Work Day!

Volunteering at a work day is a great way to learn more about trees and urban forestry, and meet new people. Work days are held Wednesdays and Saturdays from June through September. Saturday work days occur from 8:30 am to noon; Wednesday work days are morning or evening events. No experience is necessary, as novice volunteers will be paired with a Team Leader to identify trees and explain the inventory protocol. Duties include measuring trees, recording data on trees and the site, and mapping trees. Advanced registration via the website is requested.  View the inventory protocol here.

For additional information, visit the Tree Inventory Project website. Hope to see you at an inventory this summer!

–Timm is a Senior Neighborhood Trees Specialist for Friends of Trees.