Walking around your neighborhood, do you see tree-deficient areas, trees in need of maintenance, and neighbors who are concerned but don't know where to begin? A tree inventory can provide a starting place to better understand your neighborhood's tree species, stocking level, health, and available planting spaces.
 
Urban Forestry is embarking on a new project to help neighborhoods take action to improve their trees. 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.
 
Concordia  will be the first test neighborhood for conducting a street tree inventory and creating a Neighborhood Stewardship Plan. The Concordia Tree Team will host three street tree inventory workshops on August 21, September 11, and October 9 from 8:30 am to noon. Tree Stewards are needed to identify trees and record size, health, and site characteristics. The inventory work days are an excellent opportunity to practice and improve tree identification skills and to teach other volunteers about tree issues. Please consider helping us on one or more inventory days - your experience is much needed.
 
Registration for the Saturday inventory days:
August 21:          Click Here 

September 11:    Click Here

October 9:          Click Here

 

This project is supported by a grant from the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. If you are interested in conducting such a project in your neighborhood, please contact Angie DiSalvo (angie.disalvo@portlandoregon.gov) for details on how to participate.
 
More detailed information on the program can be found at: www.portlandonline.com/parks/treeinventory