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Tree Bark

News from Urban Forestry — All Trees, No Pulp • January 8, 2026

Urban Forestry | Get Involved | Find a Park

Happy New Year! We wish all Tree Bark readers a happy, tree-filled 2026.

Appreciating Trees in the New Year 

As you begin to set goals for the new year, consider adding "learning more about Portland’s trees" to your list.

Even in the winter, time outside amongst trees is good for you. It helps boost your mood, improve concentration, and lower stress levels. Many of Portland’s park trees and about nine percent of street trees keep their leaves throughout the year. That means there’s still plenty of greenery you can appreciate in these cold months. Use our Street Tree Inventory Dashboard and the Tree Inventory Map to help you learn about the trees nearest you. 

Connecting People to Trees with the Multnomah County Library 

Urban Forestry’s partnership with the Multnomah County Library continues to grow through our shared passion for trees and reading. Recently, the library interviewed Urban Forestry staff member Brittany Gadbury as a part of their series of talks with community activists. This interview covers Brittany’s love of trees, what inspires her work, and some books she recommends. 

This February, you can find Brittany at the library leading a series of Tree Story events for children and families during Black History Month. At these events, there will be a tree-themed story reading, songs, and tree-themed botanical art for all to enjoy. Tree Story events occur February 11, 21, 24, and 28. 

Find out more information on the library events page. 

More Tree Planting Opportunities with Friends of Trees 

Last year, Urban Forestry and Friends of Trees (FOT) began planting trees across Portland’s most heat-vulnerable neighborhoods. This expanded collaboration is a part of the City’s Equitable Tree Canopy program funded by the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF). 

The next planting opportunity with FOT will be January 17, centered at their office at 3117 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. While it’s too late to get free trees for the N/NE Portland neighborhoods this year, FOT could still use some volunteers to help with the planting.

FOT is still offering free yard and street trees for properties located in Argay Terrace, Centennial, Glenfair, Hazelwood, Mill Park, Montavilla, Parkrose, Parkrose Heights, Powellhurst-Gilbert, and Russell-Wilkes. Planting events for those neighborhoods will be held on March 7 and March 21. 

Sign up for free trees or sign up to volunteer. 

Upcoming Events

Plant Trees with Students at Portland Schools Various dates from January to March Locations across Portland Urban Forestry's Learning Landscapes program will be planting trees at schools and other community organizations on weekdays from January to March. This season we are planting trees at five different locations with students. And we could use your help! We need adult volunteers to help lead groups of students in tree planting. No experience necessary.

Other News

Emotional Support Trees

One man has a unique approach to connecting with trees; he carries them with him everywhere he goes. Tristan Shaw, owner of Possibility Place Nursery in Monee, Illinois, keeps one sapling in a backpack and another, larger tree towed behind his bike to feel their support wherever he is. His love for trees has inspired others to find their own support trees and to volunteer with him to plant over 600 trees in his community. 

Urban Forestry | (503) 823-8733 | Trees@PortlandOregon.gov