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Tree Bark
News from Urban Forestry — All Trees, No Pulp • February 27, 2026
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"Environmental justice embraces the principle that all people and communities have a right to equal protection and equal enforcement of environmental laws and regulations."
– Dr. Robert Bullard, Author, Professor, and Researcher
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Black History is Environmental History
 This year marks the 100th celebration of Black History Month. We are continuing our celebration by sharing a few resources to learn more about Black history.
This short video places Black history within the context of the environmental movement. The term environmental racism was coined by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. in 1986 to describe the decision by the state of North Carolina to choose rural Black neighborhoods as sites to dump toxic soil. This concept was expounded upon by Dr. Robert Bullard, who coined the term "environmental justice" in response to the pattern he noticed in his research of Black, Brown, and low-income communities disproportionately bearing the brunt of environmental hazards in the South.
We are grateful for the work of these incredible activists and scholars for laying the foundation for our work at Urban Forestry. Canopy equity is environmental justice. By ensuring that all Portlanders receive the many environmental, economic, social, and health benefits of trees, we continue their legacy of centering equity in environmental work.
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Valentine's Day Tree Planting Highlight
 On Valentine’s Day, community members gathered to spread arborly love in the Hazelwood Neighborhood. With the help of over 60 volunteers, we planted 11 trees in Cherry Blossom Park. This increased tree canopy coverage in the small neighborhood park by 40%.
This event was possible due to the amazing efforts of Neighborhood Tree Steward, Lindsey Oldani. Through her outreach efforts, she was able to get many neighbors, City employees, Council President Jaime Dunphy and, even, Drippy the Water Drop and Seymour the Salmon out on planting day.
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Urban Forestry's 2026 Tree Summit
 Saturday, April 11, 9am to 12pm
Mt. Scott Community Center (5530 SE 72nd Ave, Portland, OR 97206)
The Tree Summit is a free and fun event, open to the public, to increase education and awareness around the importance of the urban forest.
Enjoy a morning full of engaging presentations. After that, mingle with various community partners to learn about their work to grow and care for our urban forest.
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More Upcoming Events
Black Tree Stories at the Midland Library
Saturday, February 28, 4 to 5:30pm
Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97233)
It’s not too late to catch Urban Forestry at the Midland Library for our final, Black Tree Stories this season! Join us for story-reading, learning-rich sing-alongs, and Afro-botanical themed crafts that celebrate the Afro-community's connections to nature and the trees around us.
Want to explore more trees while you’re there? The new Midland Library is nestled in the shade of the soon-to-be-renovated Midland Park!
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Plant Trees with Students
Friday, March 13, 8:30 to 11:30am
Jason Lee Elementary (2222 NE 92nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220)
Friday, March 20, 8:30 to 11:30am
Columbia Regional Services (833 NE 74th Ave, Portland, OR 97213)
Urban Forestry's Learning Landscapes program will be planting trees at schools and other community organizations on weekdays in March. There are two more planting events with students this season, and we could use your help! We need adult volunteers to help lead groups of students in tree planting. No experience necessary, we will teach you everything you need to know!
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Local Tree Care Providers Workshop
Tuesday, March 20, 8:30 to 11:30am
Online on Zoom
Calling all tree care professionals! If you work with trees within the city limits of Portland, then this workshop is for you. Learn about different kinds of tree permits and how to submit applications. Urban Forestry staff will be there to answer your questions. After completing the workshop, companies that meet the qualifying criteria may be placed on the City's website as a Local Tree Care Provider.
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Spring Tree Planting with APANO
Saturday, April 4, 9am to 1pm
Harrison Park (1931 SE 84th Ave, Portland, OR 97216)
Urban Forestry and APANO are teaming up for a springtime planting in the Jade District. Join us as we add 10 new trees to Harrison Park and do some stewardship work in the nature patch. In addition to planting, we will celebrate trees with books, crafts, and a fruit tree giveaway by FOT. Portland Fruit Tree Project will also be sharing information about their work and proper fruit tree care. Don't miss out!
This event was made possible through a grant from the USDA Forest Service.
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Other News
Urban Forestry is Hiring an Outreach Assistant
Do you want to speak for the trees and help make Portland a healthier, greener city? Urban Forestry is hiring an Outreach Assistant to help spread the word about Portland’s free tree planting programs. We are particularly interested in connecting with underserved communities in areas of Portland with the fewest trees. This job requires creativity, a passion for community engagement, and an interest in trees! This position will start in early April and end in November. The salary is $24.00 to $31.42 an hour. Applications are due March 3.
Depave is Hiring
Outreach Manager
Depave is hiring an Outreach Manager and a Site Stewardship Contractor. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with priority given to earlier applicants and applications received before March 1st.
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