Portland’s ‘Arbor Day’ celebrated in Glenfair Park

Here’s what took place, and why their celebration was held in this outer East Portland park …

Glenfair Park is where this year’s Arbor Day celebration was staged by Portland Parks & Recreation.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

In keeping with Portland’s habit of marching to the beat of its own drum, although National Arbor Day was observed back on Friday, April 26, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) chose to observe our own Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, October 12, over half a year later.

The events associated with it each year – the Yard Tree Giveaway pickup, tree planting, activities, and speeches – took place this time in Glenfair Park, in the Glenfair Neighborhood. The tree giveaway started early, as did the tree planting.

Early in the day, neighbors get information from PP&R experts about which kind of tree would be best for their yard.

Wilkes Community Group neighbor Evan Harris gets help loading up his new yard tree from PP&R’s Urban Forestry Street Tree specialist, John Unterschuetz.

“Indeed, today we are celebrating Arbor Day; the City of Portland’s annual celebration of trees, as well as autumn [which started on September 22],” remarked PP&R Urban Forestry Educational Specialist Marissa Richerson.

“In addition to the volunteers on hand planting trees in the park, and giving away trees to be planted in residential yards, we’re also offering tree-themed arts and crafts,” Richerson shared with East Portland News.

“It’s important to have a celebration like this, because today’s observance provides many different ways for people to engage with trees, so people can understand how important they are,” observed Richerson.

“From learning about biology and the natural world, to hands-on activities – including getting dirty, and planting a tree – we see residents getting involved in nature,” she said.

Volunteers “circle up” for tree planting instruction before they get started.

PP&R Urban Forestry Botanic Specialist II Dominic Gonzalez-Yoxtheimer explains to volunteers how they’ll go about planting trees on this day.

“And, in the big picture, trees are important for the City of Portland in particular, for many reasons. The major one is that they provide shade!” Richerson explained.

“Other things trees provide are help cleaning our air. They also decrease storm water runoff, and provide habitat for the urban wildlife that lives around us,” she continued.

Volunteers join one of several groups who all begin planting trees in the park.

Throughout the morning, volunteer crews plant trees.

“This year, Arbor Day is being held in this neighborhood in outer East Portland because this area under-served when it comes to tree canopy,” PP&R Director Adena Long disclosed at the celebration.

“And here, we get the opportunity to educate folks, get them excited about trees, and get trees into the ground here; it all makes it a great day,” Long continued. “This day encapsulates that work that we’re doing all day, all year, and all the time now – and rolls it all into a one-day event.”

2024 Bill Naito Community Trees Award recipient Edward Washington receives a plaque acknowledging the honor, from PP&R Director Adena Long.

With that, she introduced Edward Washington, recipient of the 2024 Bill Naito Community Trees Award.

“Mr. Washington is a local civil rights hero and champion for our Urban Forest,” Long commended. “He served as Chair of the Urban Forestry Commission from 1998 until 2006 – a pivotal time in Portland history, when groundwork leading to the development of Title 11, Portland’s first City Tree Code, was underway,” she explained.

Powered by beverages, treats, and snacks, volunteers continue busily planting trees and participating in activities.

Learn more about PP&R’s Urban Forestry department by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

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