Walking around your neighborhood, do you see areas available for tree planting, street trees in need of maintenance, and neighbors who are concerned but don’t know where to begin? Urban Forestry is helping Portlanders take action to improve their community’s street trees by conducting tree inventories and creating Neighborhood Stewardship Plans.

Active community groups interested in the cause begin by gathering volunteers to help conduct a street tree inventory. Volunteers are guided by Urban Forestry staff, who provide training, tools, and event organization. Together, information is collected on tree species, size, health, site conditions, and available planting spaces. Data is analyzed by Urban Forestry staff, and findings are presented to neighborhood stakeholders. Achievable strategies are set by the collective body to improve existing trees, identify opportunities for an expanding tree canopy, and connect the neighborhood with city and non-profit resources. The result is a Neighborhood Stewardship Plan. The plan identifies the current status and health of neighborhood street trees and provides recommendations for neighborhood action. This final product serves as a catalyst for neighborhood implementation.

How Can I Get an Inventory in my Neighborhood?

Interested in an inventory and Neighborhood Stewardship Plan? In 2011, four Portland communities will be selected to conduct an inventory. To apply, submit this short application by January 7, 2011.

Expectations

Tree inventories are designed to be fun and educational community events. Requesting groups are expected to recruit volunteers to help on the day(s) of the inventory and help secure meeting locations. Most neighborhood tree inventories take place on Saturdays from 8:30 am to noon. No experience is necessary. Volunteers are paired with a staff member, experienced tree inventory volunteer, or Neighborhood Tree Steward.

Funding

This project is supported by a grant from the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District and Portland Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry.

Questions

For questions, contact Angie DiSalvo at
angie.disalvo@portlandoregon.gov