‘Year of the Wood Dragon’ trees planted in Powellhurst-Gilbert

INCLUDES EVENT VIDEO | Here’s the story of a most unique tree-planting party held on Lunar New Year’s Day, in outer East Portland, at the Gates Park Property …

Dozens of volunteers come to this Lunar New Year’s Day tree-planting in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

It continues to be a joy attending and covering Lunar New Year events, such as the Celebration at David Douglas High School that was held early in February.

On February 10th, considered to be the official Lunar New Year’s Day, there weren’t any Lucky Lions dancing or drums banging at the Gates Park Property – that’s an undeveloped park in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood.

He enjoys working with volunteers planting trees, says Daniel Moya, a Botanic Specialist from Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry.

“Today, we’re planting trees, here in the park; which will be followed by a lunch and celebration around noon,” explained Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) Urban Forestry Botanic Specialist Daniel Moya.

Asked how this planting came to be, Moya mentioned that has been working with Tịnh Xá Ngọc Châu, the Buddhist temple just north of the park, across SE Mall Street.

Volunteers take turns digging holes for the new trees that are about to be planted.

“We’ve worked together for more than two years,” Moya acknowledged. “They’ve participated in the PP&R Yard Tree Giveaway program, planting trees along their right-of-way.

“One of the requests that they had made is that we plant trees here, with community members, to help beautify the park, and it seemed that the start of the Lunar ‘Year of the Wood Dragon’ is makes the work we’re doing here – planting trees – even more relevant,” Moya told East Portland News.

Volunteer Vincent Bono – his day job is with Urban Forest Pro – lightly packs dirt around the root ball of a newly-planted tree.

In total, about 45 volunteers came to help plant nine trees – primarily along the south and west sides of the park.

Watch each step of tree planting as it took place at this event:

“I think it’s really special to be able to work with ‘community’ – really, my favorite part of my job,” Moya said with a smile.

“Well, maybe working with volunteers is my second favorite part of my job, because I really love working with trees!”

Driving in the stake that will support a newly-planted tree is volunteer Cyrus Lynch, of Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

“Still, it’s really great to be able to put on a tree-planting here in outer East Portland, and see everyone show up and have a good time,” remarked Moya.

The Gates Park Property doesn’t have an official webpage. To learn more about Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry, though, see their webpage: CLICK HERE.

> On our Front Page: Cecelia DiSalvo shows that she has the energy and ability to drive the stake in that will support a new tree.

Comments are closed.