‘Tree Giveaway’ program gets underway in Gateway

See how you, too, may get free trees to plant in your outer East Portland yard – even if you didn’t sign up in advance …

Madison High School at Marshall Campus senior, and president of their Eco Club Justin Feng, checks in with Melissa Atkins of the Hazelwood neighborhood, at the first Parks Bureau “Tree Giveaway”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

As previewed by East Portland News, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) began their fall “Tree Giveaway” program in Gateway Discovery Park on the morning of October 19.

If you didn’t get on the list and were shut out, read on: there still is a chance you may get free yard trees in November!

Saying she’s happy to see so many people turn out is PP&R Urban Forestry Community Tree Planting Specialist Molly Wilson.

“We’re giving away 323 trees today to outer East Portlanders – up to two each – in this, the first of our three events this fall,” beamed PP&R Urban Forestry Community Tree Planting Specialist Molly Wilson.

“Moments after we opened, we already had lots of people lining up to get their trees,” Wilson told East Portland News.

Demonstrating how to properly plant a new tree, and answering questions, is PP&R Urban Forestry Outreach & Stewardship Coordinator Clare Carney.

All those who came had pre-registered for a tree, Wilson pointed out. At Gateway Discovery Park, they saw a tree planting demonstration, learning how to properly plant their tree; and also learning how to care for it during its first three years.

“And then, they go to the Arborists Station, where they learn from arborists which trees would probably be best for their yard, and learn the best place in their yard to plant the tree,” Wilson reported.

Smiling because they’ve received a new tree for their yard are Parkrose Heights neighbors Mary Eggers and Nathan Eggers.

A total of 770 trees will be given away during the three giveaways, she said. “The most open spaces where trees can be planted to help our environment are on private property, in residential neighborhoods, which is why PP&R Urban Forestry created this program,” Wilson explained.

All the trees, at all three giveaways have been pre-reserved, Wilson conceded. “But, starting at 1:00 p.m. each day, is our ‘walk-in time’ – when people can get one or two of the trees that were not taken at that event.”

More trees are about to be taken to their new forever homes.

Upcoming events:

Saturday, November 2

Parklane Park, SE 155th Avenue & Main Street
10:00 a.m. until Noon

Saturday, November 16

Cathedral Park, 6635 N Baltimore Avenue
10:00 a.m. until Noon

Trees are a good thing; free trees are great!

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