Community Tree Connections Newsletter: August Edition

Oregon Department of Forestry sent this bulletin at 08/03/2023 08:25 AM PDT

The Newsletter of the Urban & Community Forestry Assistance Program - August 2023

Letter from the Editor

I hope you all have stayed hydrated and shaded in this long-lasting summer heat. Speaking of which, my team and I did some structural pruning at The Grove of the States Oregon Heritage Tree site and one of us noticed some nesting birds sheltered in the shade of an American Elm there. Upon seeing the baby bird, we slowly got out of the tree and out of the way. This got me thinking about the ways in which we in the urban forestry industry can support wildlife in our work. For this issue that’s what I would like to talk with you about. Want to share your thoughts on this subject? Give me a call or send me an email and let’s talk trees.

ODF Urban and Community Forestry Updates
Urban Forestry and Wildlife
Community Highlights
Upcoming Events

Stay safe out there and watch for wildlife, Brittany

ODF U&CF UPDATES

You’re Invited!
Urban & Community Forestry’s
New Office Hours

I want to welcome and invite you to the Urban and Community Forestry program’s new office hours that are being held the first Monday of every month from 3-4pm PST. The Zoom link is available on our website. Join to ask our program questions, request support, or just to introduce yourself and say hello. This space is intended for you and any other interested community members in Oregon working within urban forestry, so feel free to share the link with others. The first office hours meeting will be held Monday August 7, and we hope to see you there!

EAB Information

Oregon Department of Forestry has put together a newsletter specifically for updates and best management practices around the response to the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). For more information about EAB in Oregon visit EAB Oregon website and email Jim Gersbach to subscribe to future EAB email updates.

IRA Funding

Find answers to your questions about funding opportunities for urban forestry
through the federal Inflation Reduction Act here.

URBAN FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE

Cultivating Urban Forests for Wildlife Conservation

In natural forests we all know that trees support wildlife. Yet we tend to forget that in urban settings we are just one of many species that benefit from having trees growing along streets, in parks, and in our yards. Urban trees provide a resting place and a home for many of our furry, feathered, and non-human neighbors.

Here are some ways you can support wildlife in urban forestry:

Avoid impacts to nesting birds. When working in trees follow tips from treecareforbirds.com to minimize and avoid harm to wildlife.
Diversify your urban forest: This will create more resiliency against pests, pathogens, and climate change threats. Consider pollinator trees, fruiting trees and native trees in your list of approved species.
Minimize pesticide use.
Leave nesting material (twigs and small branches) for birds and insects to use in your parks.
Leave dead trees standing as habitat trees where safe to do so.
Minimize wood waste and use downed urban trees for wildlife support projects.

How are you supporting wildlife in your urban forest? Let us know!

Read more about urban forestry and wildlife:

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Burl Thefts

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Officials with the City of Corvallis are still searching for answers after dozens of burls were stolen from their trees, damaging and potentially killing the fixtures of a local park.

Tree burls are a buildup of tissue on a tree that experts say can develop as a response to stress the tree has suffered. Their unique grain patterns mean woodworkers often use them to create beautiful works such as bowls or furniture, but this means they are quite valuable as well.

The Corvallis Police Department has said that since January 2023, thieves snuck into Willamette Park at night several times and used a chainsaw to chop off burls from living trees on the public park. Officials said that since then, up to 30 burls have been removed from seven trees at Willamette Park. Read the full news article.

Oregon Heritage Tree Program Seeks Nominations East
of the Cascades

Are you a community east of the Cascade Range? Do you have a story to tell about some historical and significant trees in your neighborhood? Consider nominating a tree for heritage tree status though the Travel Information Council. Learn more about the program and nominate your trees. Additionally, if you have a citywide heritage tree program, I would like to know more about that. Email me to tell me about the heritage trees in your community. Don’t have a heritage tree program in your city? Are you considering starting one? Send me an email and let’s talk trees!

NEWS FROM ODF

Upcoming Events

Have a gardening question? OSU Extension Service Mobile Plant Clinic events can help! Local OSU staff and trained OSU Master Gardener Volunteers serve as an outlet for all of your gardening questions. Call, email, or visit their office and they will assist you in identifying your weed, disease, and insect problems and suggest research-based management options. Please bring a sample or photos of the plant or insect along with as much information as possible. The more information you provide, the better they can help. Find an event near you.

Tree ID School Age Event - August 8 in Union City Park, Union, OR
Englewood Forest Festival - August 12 in Salem, OR
ISA Annual International Conference - August 14-16 in Albuquerque, NM
Pugent Sound Climbing Competition | Male | Female - August 19 in Port Townsend, WA
Sandy Invitational Chainsaw Carving Event - August 26 in Sandy, OR
NW Innovative Forestry Field Virtual Tour - August 30
PNW-ISA Tree Risk Assessment Renewal Online Training Workshop - September 15
ISA Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist - September 16 in Medford, OR
PNW International Society of Arboriculture 2023 Annual Meeting - September 30 in Tacoma, WA

ONLINE RESOURCES

Quick Links

ODF UCF Program

OR TPI resources

Oregon Community Trees

Oregon Heritage Trees

PNW ISA

Arbor Day Foundation

Contact Us

Brittany Oxford
Community Assistance Forester
971.375.6346
Email

Scott Altenhoff
Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager
971.428.7380
Email

ODF's Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program celebrated 30 years of service in 2021!

About the Community Tree Connections Newsletter

Community Tree Connections (CTC) is a periodic publication by the Oregon Department of Forestry, Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program. Our mission is to help Oregonians improve their quality of life by promoting community investment in our urban forests. CTC is published in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Subscriptions to Community Tree Connections are free. Sign up to receive the newsletter.

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