Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry Partners with Friends of Trees to Expand Community Tree Planting

News Article

$1.8 million investment will bring more trees, training, and community tree care to Portland neighborhoods

(Portland, OR) -

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) Urban Forestry and local nonprofit Friends of Treesare launching a new $1.8 million partnership to plant and care for 750 trees across Portland's most heat-vulnerable neighborhoods. This expanded collaboration is part of the City's Equitable Tree Canopy programfunded by the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund(PCEF), and reflects a shared commitment to climate resilience, community stewardship, and long-term tree health.

Every street tree planted through this partnership will receive three years of follow-up care. This includes watering, monitoring, and replacement if needed. Yard tree recipients will receive guidance and support from Friends of Trees to help care for their trees and support long-term success.

"Our partnership with Friends of Trees prioritizes equity and shared impact," said Jenn Cairo, Portland City Forester. "We're working together to plant trees in neighborhoods that need them most and helping make sure new trees survive and grow in hotter, drier summers."

Over two planting seasons, Friends of Trees will plant, water, and care for 750 street and yard trees with a focus on neighborhoods that have less canopy and greater exposure to heat risks. The initiative also includes volunteer training and aims to build lasting community stewardship. Even more trees are expected to be planted in future seasons as the program grows beyond its first year.

Unlike traditional contractor-led planting, Friends of Trees engages Portlanders directly. The nonprofit will recruit and train hundreds of volunteers and community groups to plant trees and care for them together.

"Friends of Trees is excited to work with Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry to bring people together to protect and grow the canopy," said Yashar Vasef, Executive Director of Friends of Trees. "It's about more than planting. It's about centering community in the process, creating connections between people and the trees that will make their neighborhood a greener, healthier place. With this revitalized partnership, we're prioritizing post-planting care to make sure these trees survive and thrive for the community's benefit."

Every street tree planted through this partnership will receive three years of follow-up care. This includes watering, monitoring, and replacement if needed. Yard tree recipients will receive guidance and support from Friends of Trees to help care for their trees and support long-term success.

This effort is one of several projects funded through the Equitable Tree Canopy Program. The program aims to increase Portland's annual tree planting from 3,500 to 10,000 trees per year by 2028.

Want to help or get a tree?

• Learn how through Friends of Trees at https://www.FriendsOfTrees.org.
• Learn about Urban Forestry volunteer opportunities and educational programs
• Learn more about the City's free tree programs.

###