May 2006 e-Tree Connections

Earth Day Plantings Mark End of Successful 2005-06 Planting Season

Friends of Trees concluded its 2005-06 planting season with two Earth Day plantings, one on Friday, April 21, at Parkrose High School, and another at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, April 22.

About 50 Parkrose High School sophomores joined Executive Director Scott Fogarty and Neighborhood Trees Managers Kylie Nero and Mariah Mickman to plant a wide variety of tree species on the school grounds. Teacher Mike Hess organized the planting with Friends of Trees.

The April 22 planting at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge was the last tree planting at the refuge before it opens to the public on June 3. (See story in lower right column.) Friends of Trees has led volunteers in restoration work at the refuge since 1998.

Season's Accomplishments

During the 2005-06 planting season, Friends of Trees accomplished the following:

1,504 volunteers planted 14,382 native trees and shrubs during 21 Natural Area Restoration events at 14 sites in eight cities, contributing 6,198 hours.

1,091 volunteers planted 1,539 street and yard trees and 415 shrubs in 39 neighborhoods in three cities, contributing 4,492 hours.

Celebrate With Us

Thank you, volunteers! All volunteers, both those who planted with us and those who helped in other ways, are invited to our volunteer celebration at Overlook Park from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 11. Watch Tree-mail and our web site's special events page for details!

Pictured above, from left to right, are Parkrose High School sophomores Relaysa Seamster, Victoria Guernsey, Ellese Stutesman, and Neighborhood Trees Manager Mariah Mickman.

Spring, A Time to Appreciate Our Trees

by Scott Fogarty

Spring is once again upon us, and life returns anew in our greenspaces, creeks, rivers, yards, and along our city streets. It comes near Oregon Arbor Day, shortly after 2004 Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai spoke in Portland about her work to improve the world through tree planting, and on the heels of the release of an EPA report on the quality of Oregon's air. This convergence offers a unique opportunity to reflect on our trees, which help clean our water and air and beautify our city.

The ultimate multitaskers, trees clean our rivers by reducing erosion and filtering rainwater with their leaves and roots. They also clean our air by filtering pollutants with their leaves, reducing carbon dioxide, providing oxygen, and offering wind breaks and shade to minimize the energy we use to heat and cool our homes.

The U.S. Census Bureau has designated the Portland-Vancouver metro area one of the fastest growing in the nation. Much work lies ahead if we're to keep our city livable and healthy for future generations. We can stem the tide of increased pressure on our urban area by taking the time to invest in our environment by participating in tree planting and natural area restoration events. Please consider volunteering for and donating to Friends of Trees this year so we can keep ahead of the increasing pressure on our city.

This spring, let us be guided and encouraged by the words of Dr. Wangari Maathai: "When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and seeds of hope. We secure the future for our children."

In the photo above, Scott Fogarty meets 2004 Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai at "Canopy Palo Alto" on April 30.

New Board Member Appreciates "Friends" of Trees

New board member Barb Kohler, an organizational development consultant who leads Portland General Electric's Employee Development Program, feels "fortunate to work for a company with such great leadership." People mean a lot to her, she says. "When I see a real commitment and connection, that's what's really important."

Similarly, she connected with Friends of Trees when she met the staff while conducting an organizational survey two years ago and was "impressed with the passion and commitment." She felt the same about the board when she met them. "And I know PGE really cares about the organization and the value it brings to the community," she says.

Barb has a bachelor's degree in physical education and recreation and a master's in education from OSU, and has served as vice president of the National Charity League. A native Oregonian, Barb grew up in Coos Bay. She enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

New Board Member is Drawn to Nature & Community

New board member Jack Boudreau believes communities can make a difference. He especially appreciates Friends of Trees' community partnership model. Jack is active in several nonprofit organizations, including the City Club, Friends of the Library, and the Sierra Club.

"I love working with passionate, energized individuals on a shared goal," he says. "It's very inspiring."

A leadership and technology instructor for PacifiCorp, Jack has a bachelor of fine arts from the University of Wisconsin and a master's in education from Portland State University. Jack enjoys hiking, kayaking, bicycling, swimming, and playing guitar. His biggest hobby now is his children. Toby is two years old, and Charlie's just two months. "They're a constant source of entertainment and pleasure," Jack says.

Friends of Trees Director Attends Alice C. Tyler Perpetual
Trust Award Ceremony in Los Angeles on April 28

Executive Director Scott Fogarty attended the Alice C. Tyler Perpetual Trust's 23rd Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement Award ceremony in Los Angeles on April 28. This year's winners of the international award were Igor A. Shiklomanov and David W. Schindler. The Alice C. Perpetual Trust awarded Friends of Trees $30,000 this year for tree plantings in North and Northeast Portland. Pictured above are Scott Fogarty and his partner Courtney Brown and (from left to right) trustees Paul Livadary, Anders Brown, Allyn Brown and Martha Appello.

PGE Gives Ten Years of Tree-Mendous Support

This is the tenth year that Portland General Electric has provided significant funding and volunteer support for Friends of Trees. PGE was a major funder of the Seed the Future campaign from 1996-2001, which resulted in the planting of more than 157,000 trees and shrubs. And the 2005-06 planting season, just concluded in April, is the second year of the company's three-year commitment of major support for tree-planting projects.

"We're grateful for PGE's generous support for both our Neighborhood Trees and Natural Area Restoration plantings," Executive Director Scott Fogarty said. "It's also impressive how many PGE volunteers plant with us and how enthusiastic they are."

"I'm proud of the fact that Oregonians are dedicated to sustaining healthy communities by supporting the great work of Friends of Trees," said Peggy Fowler, PGE CEO and president. "As an Oregon-based company, I'm also proud that PGE shares Friends of Trees' commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural environment."

In the photo above, PGE employee Todd Jones plants a seedling Douglas-fir at Englewood Park this winter. Photo was taken by Vern Uyetake.

The Standard Shows It's "Positively Different" by Planting 100 Trees for 100th Anniversary

Continuing its historic support for Portland's urban forest for its 100th anniversary, The Standard sponsored Friends of Trees' March 11 planting in the Mt. Tabor, Montavilla and Center neighborhoods. In honor of each of its 100 years of providing insurance coverage, the Portland-based company contributed $75 for each of 100 trees planted that day. In addition, 16 employees planted with Friends of Trees on March 11.

"We genuinely appreciate The Standard's generous support," said Executive Director Scott Fogarty. "It costs Friends of Trees $150 to plant a street tree, and each homeowner pays $75 of that amount. With The Standard's donation, Friends of Trees was able to break even."

The Standard's interest in Portland's trees dates back many decades, when G.E. Cannon, one of the company's actuaries and later its president, chaired a committee recommending the creation of Forest Park. The Standard serves 7 million people in 49 states. To date 70 nonprofits across the country have received donations or volunteer hours this year.

Photo above shows Joel Gosse of The Standard watering a newly-planted tree on March 11. The photo was taken by Eric Coleman.

Spotlight on Heritage Trees: Giant Sequoia

by Phyllis Reynolds

Heritage Tree No. 276 is a Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) that grows in an alley behind 7404 N. Oatman. Designated in 2005, it is the fifth of this species to become a Heritage Tree, and it has the largest girth of the five, measuring 29.5 feet in circumference. It equals another Heritage Tree in height (114 feet) and spread (54.6 feet).

Native to the west slope of the Sierra Nevada Range, the Giant Sequoia can reach more than 290 feet in height (trees over 350 feet once existed) and has the biggest girth of any tree in the world: It can exceed 90 feet. Our Portland trees are babies in comparison, but ours were planted less than about 120 years ago. Who planted them (and Portland has a fair number about town) is anybody's guess. It is know that men returning from the California gold rush brought seeds back with them: a seed was planted in Jacksonville in 1862, Governor Withycombe planted a seed near Hillsboro in 1875, and an early nurseryman, John R. Porter, planted several around the Hillsboro courthouse in 1880.

The house on Oatman was built in 1929, so clearly a tree the size of our Heritage Tree was planted before the house was built. A house on the other side of the alley was built in 1909 and seems to have been one of the earliest in this area. It was probably on a much larger piece of land at that time. I suspect that the original owner of this house planted the seed.

Giant Sequoia seed cones resemble those of all members of this family (TAXODIACEAE), which includes Coast Redwood, Dawn Redwood, and Bald Cypress. The foliage is bluish-green and cord-like; the trunk is reddish-brown; and the bark is so thick it sounds hollow when thumped.

It is easy to spot Giant Sequoias in town. They are massive and have pointy tops.

Phyllis Reynolds is a member of Portland's Urban Forestry Commission and Chair of the Heritage Tree Committee. The Heritage Tree photo was provided by Phyllis Reynolds.

Friends of Trees inspires community stewardship of our urban forest by bringing people in the Portland-Vancouver area together to plant and care for city trees and urban natural areas.

Friends of Trees
3117 NE ML King Jr. Blvd.
Portland, OR 97212
503-282-8846
fot@friendsoftrees.org
www.friendsoftrees.org

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May 2006 Tree Connections

You can download a pdf file of the eight-page printed May 2006 Tree Connections here. The newsletter contains complete versions of the stories in e-Tree Connections and more.

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Sign Up Now for Tree Team & Neighborhood Coordinator Trainings!

It's not too late to register for the Tree Team Training on Saturday, May 20. The training is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kenton Firehouse at 8105 N. Brandon St.

Local experts will teach volunteers how to monitor and care for recently planted street and yard trees. Twice during the summer the Tree Team members will check on each tree to see if it needs weeding, mulching, or watering.

The Neighborhood Coordinator Training is Saturday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Terrell Hall, Room 200, at Portland Community College, Cascade Campus. Neighborhood residents will learn how to organize a tree planting in their neighborhood during the coming planting season, which is from November 2006 to April 2007. Organizing tips and resources will be provided by veteran Neighborhood Coordinators and local experts.

Learn more about both trainings on our Training Events web page. Preregistration is required for the trainings. To register, contact Brad Schallert at 503-282-8846 ext. 12 or brads@friendsoftrees.org.

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Plant a Tree for Father's Day, Graduation or Memorial Day

Commemorative Trees make great gifts for Father's Day, Memorial Day or graduation.

Natural Area Commemorative Trees cost $25 for a native seedling tree or $50 for a grove of six native seedling trees. At the time of purchase, Friends of Trees will send a gift card (for a tree) or certificate (for a grove) to the person receiving your gift. You and the recipient will be invited to plant the tree or grove at Friends of Trees' commemorative planting in February. Natural Area Commemorative Trees are fully tax-deductible.

Commemorative Yard Trees are about 10 feet tall, can be a variety of tree species, and will be planted in your yard on a designated day in the spring. The trees also come with a glass suncatcher etched with the name of the person being honored and the date of the planting. Commemorative Yard Trees cost $225 each, with a portion of the cost being tax-deductible.

For more information or to order a Commemorative Tree, contact Brad Schallert at 503-282-8846 ext. 12 or at brads@friendsoftrees.org. You can order your gift tree online or make a donation by clicking on Give Now!

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Summer Tree Care Tips

Your trees need you! Even in the Portland-Vancouver area's temperate climate, it's vital to water young trees during the summer. The first summers after planting are especially important. For watering and other summer tree care tips, visit our Care and Maintenance web page.

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Join Us!

Summer is the time to care for the young native trees and shrubs that were planted at Natural Area Restoration sites during the planting season. Come meet new friends and help new trees and shrubs grow strong and healthy during their first summer after planting.

Natural Area Restoration Care events take place from May through June, from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers help weed and mulch. No experience is necessary. Tools and guidance will be provided. Sturdy shoes, long pants and long sleeves are recommended.

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Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Opens to Public June 3 & 4

After 15 years of land purchase, restoration work, and facilities construction, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is ready to celebrate its grand opening to the public on June 3 and 4. The two-day event begins at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, with speeches and a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the Steinborn Unit of the refuge, on the north side of 99W, between King City and Sherwood.

Every half-hour between 1:30 and 4 p.m. on June 3, and every hour between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on June 4, expert naturalists and birders will lead free guided nature walks along new trails in the Steinborn Unit.

Since 1998, Friends of Trees has partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Friends of the Refuge, and Ducks Unlimited to restore or enhance degraded areas of the refuge.

"Friends of Trees has played a major role in developing the refuge," said Bob Swanson of Friends of the Refuge. "Many tree-planting projects have already been completed on the refuge as a start at converting former agricultural land into habitat similar to the conditions 150 years ago."

"It's been great working in partnership to involve the community in restoration activities at the refuge," said Friends of Trees Natural Area Restoration Manager Anil Devnani. "I encourage everyone to experience the refuge for themselves and to join us for ongoing planting and maintenance event."

The refuge spans 3,060 acres in the floodplain of the Tualatin River and is home to many threatened and endangered species, including peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and winter steelhead. For more information about the June 3 and 4 opening, visit friendsoftualatinrefuge.org.

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Mark, The Man Who Drives Your Trees to You

by Mariah Mickman & Kylie Nero

Have you ever gone to a neighborhood planting or received a street tree from Friends of Trees and wondered, "Where did that tree come from?" The answer is: Mark Romanaggi, Certified Friends of Trees Truck Driver.

Every Friday, Mark happily arrives at the Friends of Trees office ready for another nursery adventure. At J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co., his friendly demeanor makes the tree-loading time fly by. Friends of Trees' staff can't wait for another one of his hilarious stories.

As a retired Portland police officer working out of the North Portland Precinct, Mark knows the area like the back of his hand. He also knows the impact of trees on the reduction of both crime and global warming.

When asked what he likes about Friends of Trees, he replied, "I love Friends of Trees. I'm treated like gold."

The Neighborhood Trees program relies on many people from the community. Thank you all for your help. And thank you, Mark, for your terrific truck driving, story telling, and dedication!