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Tree Bark
News from Urban Forestry — All Trees, No Pulp • January 22, 2026
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“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.”
– Martin Luther
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Volunteer Highlight: Peter Condra
 Photo: Peter Condra (left) and Liz Blalock (right)
We want to take a moment to highlight an incredible community member and Urban Forestry volunteer, Peter Condra. As a 2022 graduate of the Neighborhood Tree Stewards program, Peter has shown up time and again volunteering at many Urban Forestry events. As the co-chair of the Board of Directors of Green Lents, he championed the Yard Tree Giveaway by bringing Green Lents into the Partners Program.
One of Peter’s most remarkable accomplishments was leading the transformation of the Powell Ct. traffic circle. Partnering with Urban Forestry, Green Lents planted 11 trees and hundreds of plants, turning the space into what is affectionately known as “Hummingbird Island.” He originally brought this idea to us in 2022. It took two years to bring it to fruition with coordination between multiple City Bureaus.
Because of his commitment to trees and greenspace in the Lents neighborhood, he was nominated as a finalist for the 2025 Bill Naito awards. We are grateful for his work and look forward to collaborating with him in other capacities in the future. Thank you, Peter!
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Grow Trees for Urban Forestry
 Grow Contracts Information Session
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 1 to 2pm
Virtual (registration required)
Join Urban Forestry for an online information session about upcoming multi-year grow contracts that will support Portland’s tree planting and giveaway programs. This session is geared toward wholesale nurseries and others interested in partnering with the City to help grow trees for planting seasons spanning fiscal years 2027–2030.
Attendees will learn about the scope of the program, contract requirements, species and quantities needed, eligibility for nurseries of all sizes, and key dates in the procurement timeline. This is a great opportunity to understand how grow contracts contribute to maintaining and expanding Portland’s tree canopy.
Read about our contractor development program and the contractors we are currently working with.
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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.
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Black Environmentalism in Portland Talk
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 3 to 4:30pm North Portland Library (512 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217)
Join Urban Forestry to hear stories of Black community members and environmental projects in the Portland area, especially the Albina neighborhood. Following that, learn about current groups working to increase the Black community’s connection to nature within the city.
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Black Tree Stories with the Multnomah County Library
Various dates in February
Various library locations
This February, you can find Urban Forestry 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 on February 11, 21, 24, and 28.
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Cherry Blossom Park Tree Planting
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 9am to 1pm
Cherry Blossom Park (9801 SE Harrison St, Portland, OR 97216)
Join Urban Forestry and the tree-loving neighbors of Cherry Blossom Park at our Valentine’s Day-themed tree planting event. Volunteers will help plant 11 new trees in the park, while also enjoying some tree-themed crafts and cozy snacks. Help us spread our love for trees in the Hazelwood Neighborhood!
This planting event will happen, rain or shine. Be sure to wear boots, raingear, and warm layers.
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Other News
Nominate Oregon's Tree Champions
The Oregon Heritage Tree Committee is accepting nominations for two prestigious awards recognizing outstanding contributions to tree appreciation and education in Oregon. The Maynard C. Drawson Memorial Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional, long-term dedication to promoting trees across our state. This award was named for the WWII veteran who championed the preservation of the Valley of the Giants and helped establish Oregon's groundbreaking Heritage Tree Program in 1995.
The Heritage Tree Heroes of the Year Award celebrates individuals and groups actively engaging communities through education about trees and raising awareness of Oregon's rich history as told through its forests. If you know someone making a difference in tree advocacy and education, submit your nomination!
Save the Date for Tree Summit 2026
Urban Forestry's annual community event celebrating trees, Tree Summit, will be Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Mt. Scott Community Center. Stay tuned to Tree Bark for more details.
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