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Tree Bark
News from Urban Forestry — All Trees, No Pulp • May 14, 2026
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Share Your Suggestions to Help Improve the Tree Code
 The City is launching a 2026 update to its Tree Code (Title 11). Implemented in 2015, Portland's Tree Code provides a comprehensive set of regulations to help us preserve and enhance Portland's urban forest, ensuring that all Portlanders benefit from clean air, cool streets, and healthy, safe neighborhoods.
With the new Portland Urban Forest Plan adopted in October 2025, it is time to review the Tree Code and check for alignment with our community's vision, goals, and priorities for the urban forest. Community members are encouraged to learn more and get involved by watching the Urban Forestry Commission meeting on May 21, where project information will be shared. Residents can also submit comments through the 2026 Tree Code Update webpage. Public input will play an important role in shaping future code changes, helping ensure the Tree Code reflects the needs and priorities of Portlanders.
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Celebrating Charles Lee for AANHPI Heritage Month
 The month of May is designated as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This is a time to remember and celebrate the history and contributions of these communities to American society. To celebrate this month, we want to highlight the work of Taiwanese American environmentalist Charles Lee.
Lee is a leader in the founding of the environmental justice movement and a former Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Environmental Justice at the Environmental Protection Agency. He is the principal author of the seminal study Toxic Waste and Race in the United States, which helped lay the foundation of environmental justice work in the United States.
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Applications Close on May 17 for Yard Tree Giveaway Partner Contracts
 There's still time to apply to earn $10,000 for your organization by promoting the Yard Tree Giveaway! The application is open now until May 17. With these contracts, we are looking for groups to:
- Promote free yard trees through the Yard Tree Giveaway
- Help register people for yard trees
- Provide early registration, access, and assistance to underserved communities
- Host a Tree Selection Event at the end of August to provide in-person assistance
These contracts were made possible through the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF).
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Trees for Sale with Friends of Trees
 Need a tree for your yard or planting strip? Friends of Trees can help! They have large-stock trees available now at unbeatable wholesale nursery pricing.
If you need to plant a street tree, bring your permit information and/or a list of approved trees for your planting strip size. Because many trees are large (6–10 ft), it's recommended that you bring a truck or trailer for transport.
Please note: planting assistance is not included for trees purchased through this sale. However, we have trusted arborist partners who may be able to assist with planting.
For questions or more information, please call Thomas Meinzen at 503-345-7010. We look forward to helping you find the right tree!
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 Tree Equity Walk with Columbia Slough Watershed Council
Tuesday, May 26, 6 to 8pm
Matt Dishman Community Center (77 NE Knott St, Portland, OR 97212)
The Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Urban Forestry, and 350PDX are hosting a springtime tree walk in the Eliot and Irvington neighborhoods. Come to discuss trees, canopy equity, neighborhood history, and how to create a more just future for NE Portland.
This event is made possible with funding from the US Forest Service.
Trunk Injection Seminar
Thursday, June 11, at 8am
Charles Jordan Community Center (9009 N Foss Ave, Portland, OR 97203)
The Oregon Department of Forestry and Urban Forestry are excited to partner with the PNW-ISA Chapter to present the Portland Trunk Injection Seminar on Thursday, June 11, starting at 8am located at Charles Jordan Community Center (Small Gym) & University Park. Registration closes on Thursday, June 4.
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Other News
Urban Forestry is Hiring a Street Tree Maintenance Coordinator
The Urban Forestry team is growing, and we are seeking a Coordinator II to play a key role in the development and delivery of citywide Street Tree Maintenance (STM) services.
This role focuses on operational coordination, contract and program management, and continuous improvement of STM services. The coordinator will help ensure field operations, contracts, and cross-bureau collaboration are aligned to deliver consistent, high-quality, and equitable tree care services. Funding for this position comes from the Portland Clean Energy Fund. The salary is $85,217.60 - $121,617.60, annually. Applications are due May 18.
Take the Black Climate Resilience Survey by the Kijani Collective
The Kijani Collective is conducting a survey to understand how the Black community in Portland, Oregon, experiences and prepares for climate-related events, such as extreme heat, extreme cold/freezing conditions, and poor air quality.
This survey will help identify community needs during extreme weather events and ways to prepare for future climate challenges. We invite all Black-identifying adults (18 and older) living in Portland to fill out this survey. The survey should take 10-15 minutes to complete. Your responses are confidential. Thank you for helping us create a more climate-resilient future for Black Portland!
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