Volunteers increase Hazelwood tree canopy

See why volunteer tree planters pitched in to add some greenery to this neighborhood …

Along NE 112^th Avenue in the Hazelwood Neighborhood, this merry band of tree planters installs new street trees.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although dark clouds threatened rain, a group of volunteers with Friends of Trees were out planting on March 6.

Working their way along NE 112th Avenue near Oregon Street, Friends of Trees Crew Leader Nathan Eby took a break to speak with East Portland News.

Clearly not afraid to get his hands dirty at this planting is Volunteer Crew Leader Nathan Eby.

“I’ve have done this for a few years,” Eby said. “You get to visit a lot of neighborhoods that you don’t live in, and see the city. You also meet a lot of folks.”

There aren’t many other activities that an average person can do, Eby added, that will “make the city a lot better, over the next 20 to 50 years.”

These volunteers are students. Mt. Hood Community College student Jordan Desousa says she also is enrolled in the University of Portland ROTC along with U of P student Connor Mansberger.

It makes a city better, he said, because it makes the neighborhoods more beautiful. “And there are a lot of other benefits. Trees absorb storm water, and provide carbon sequestration. But more than anything they just make neighborhoods nicer to live in.”

Asked how he’d present this volunteer opportunity to others, Eby replied, “Come out and give it a try! Most people like it, and come back again and again. It’s a lot of fun, and a good way to spend a Saturday morning. Meet some neighbors; plant some trees!”

Friends of Trees Assistant Crew Leader Nadine Appenbrink gets ready to unload another tree for planting.

Help Friends of Trees in Lents on April 13
Join in on “part two” of this project, starting at 8:45 a.m. on April 13. Volunteers are meeting near the I-205 Multi Use Path to plant trees on the east slope, and to re-mulch trees planted three seasons ago on the west-facing slope between the fence line. They’ll provide breakfast snacks and hot chocolate/coffee, as well as gloves, tools, and guidance. Please come dressed for the weather and wearing sturdy shoes.

You’ll find them at SE Schiller Street and SE 94th Avenue. (Take SE 92nd Avenue south two blocks to SE Schiller Street; turn east to where it dead-ends into I-205). RSVPs are not required. Please contact Andy or Jenny at (503) 595-0213 if you have any questions, or need more information.

Find out more about Friends of Trees at their website: CLICK HERE.

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