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Tree Bark
News from Urban Forestry — All Trees, No Pulp • August 28, 2026
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Let's GROW Together
 If you live in one of the following neighborhoods, you may be eligible for free trees! If you have room for a tree in your front yard, we will work with you to figure out what type of tree would be best for your space:
Argay, Centennial, Creston-Kenilworth, Cully, East Columbia, Foster Powell, Glenfair, Hayden Island, Hazelwood, Lents, Mill Park, Montavilla, Mt. Scott-Arleta, Parkrose, Parkrose Heights, Powellhurst-Gilbert, Russell, South Tabor, Sumner, Sunderland, and Wilkes
Participants can help choose the species of tree—and then relax; Urban Forestry does the rest.
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Last Call for Bill Naito Award Submissions
 There are still a few days left to submit a nomination for the Bill Naito Awards. We want to honor one individual and one group whose volunteer work in the city has helped increase care for, knowledge about, or growth of the urban forest. Be sure to get your nominations in by September 1, 2026!
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Save Date for Arbor Day
 The beginning of tree planting season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for another City of Portland Arbor Day Celebration. Join Urban Forestry and APANO at Harrison Park on Saturday, October 17, 2026, for a tree celebration to remember. As always, there will be tree planting, tree-themed arts and crafts, and free food spotlighting local vendors. We will also have community partners sharing community resources, face painting, and even a performance from a local group. Don’t miss out!
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Reflecting on the 2026 Neighborhood Tree Stewards Class
 Last month, we wrapped yet another great Neighborhood Tree Stewards (NTS) class. Over the course of six sessions, 22 community members met at different locations across Portland to learn about trees and the urban forest and build tree care skills. And we had a blast! Here is a post by a Tree Steward sharing their experience in the program on Reddit.
We are especially grateful to our great partners APANO, Vision Zero, Trees for Life Oregon, Oregon Department of Forestry, City staff, and Tree Teams from Concordia, Roseway, and Arbor Lodge who helped support this year’s class. We could not have done this class without their contributions to lessons, stewardship workdays, and our community panel.
If you are interested in being a part of this amazing opportunity, be sure to sign up on our NTS class of 2027 interest form to be notified when applications open again.
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Upcoming Events
 Explore the Tree Canopy in Your Neighborhood
Saturday, September 12, 1 to 2:30pm
Northwest Library (2030 NW Pettygrove St, Portland, OR 97209)
Join Urban Forestry at the Northwest Library to learn about the history of trees in Portland and the difference in canopy coverage between the west and east sides of our city. We will discuss how tree canopy has huge implications for public health in the face of climate change. We will use Urban Forestry's street tree mapping tools to find out what trees make up your local urban canopy. Find answers to questions like: What's the most common street tree in your neighborhood? How tall is a tree in a specific park? And how much pollution can a park tree absorb in a year?
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Find Your Flare: Supporting Young Trees Before Planting
Friday, September 18, 4 to 7pm
Near Mt. Tabor Community Garden (6001 SE Lincoln St, Portland, OR 97215)
One of the best ways to ensure a healthy, long-lived tree is to uncover the root flare to ensure it is planted at the proper depth. Help us pull back soil on hundreds of trees before we give them away this fall. Don't know what a root flare is? No problem! We will show you exactly what we are looking for and why it is so important. Join us for a casual afternoon of stewardship work and connection while enjoying a great view of Mt. Tabor Park.
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Welcoming Week Tabling Opportunity
Saturday September 19, 8:30am to 1:30pm
Mt. Scott Park (5516 SE 72nd Ave, Portland, OR 97206)
Urban Forestry for a day of community outreach at the City’s annual Welcoming Week Celebration, and you are invited to support our work! We need volunteers at our booth to help spread the word about our planting programs to event participants. In addition, volunteers will help with event set-up and take-down. Anyone can register for this opportunity, and if you are bilingual in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, or Cantonese, we especially want you there!
In case of hot weather, we recommend you bring water, a hat, and snacks to stay comfortable during the day.
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Other News
Urban Forestry is Hiring Two Limited-Duration Tree Inspectors
Urban Forestry is seeking skilled and dedicated Tree Inspectors to support a new, citywide effort to care for Portland’s public street trees. We are currently recruiting for two limited duration Tree Inspectors to support the new Street Tree Care Program, funded by the Portland Clean Energy Benefits Fund.
These advanced professional roles involve the systematic inspection of public trees to evaluate tree health, structural integrity, and public safety risks. Tree Inspectors may perform on-site tree condition and risk assessments, create work orders for tree pruning, removal, and inoculations, and manage contractors working under City contracts. The salary for these roles is $85,092.80 - $108,596.80 annually. Applications are due by 8/31/2026.
Go Green to the Jade
Bike to the Jade Night Market and learn about the climate investments that are revitalizing 82nd Ave along the way! On August 29, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30pm, cruise down safe bike routes and make a couple of stops to learn about climate resiliency projects made possible by the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) and the Jade-Montavilla Multimodal Improvements Project. The bike ride will end at the Jade Night Market, where you can get a post-ride bite to eat, enjoy music, learn more about PCEF projects, and experience the rich cultural diversity of the Jade District.
Don’t have a bike? No problem! A $25 credit to use a BIKETOWN e-bike is included!
Become a Tree Planting Crew Leader with Friends of Trees
Friends of Trees is still looking for Crew Leaders to support tree planting across the region this year. As a Crew Leader, you'll teach proper tree‑planting techniques, support volunteers throughout the day, and help ensure that every planting event is fun, positive, and inclusive. No experience is required. After a short online training and one in‑person training day, you'll be paired with an experienced mentor for your first season, giving you plenty of support as you learn to lead volunteer crews.
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