Environmental Services’ Urban Canopy Program and partners Friends of Trees, Cascadian Landscapers, Inc. and Verde have been busy this season growing East Portland’s urban forest with 2,000 new trees.  Since 2008, more than 25,000 new trees have been planted citywide along streets and highways, and in yards and school yards.

Portland's innovative investments in green infrastructure—such as these broadleaf evergreens—help improve community livability while they filter stormwater for clean rivers and healthy watersheds.  And, our local "green economy" is growing with jobs.  Environmental Services is particularly focused on planting more trees in East Portland, where there are neighborhoods with less tree canopy cover than in other parts of town.

In related news, Representative Earl Blumenauer joined Friends of Trees last weekend to draw attention to the importance of trees in cities and the myriad benefits they provide.  With all this energy and enthusiasm for trees, it’s no wonder Portland boasts one of the nation’s top ten urban forests!

If you’re interested in the future of Portland’s rivers, watersheds, trees and forests, we’d like to hear from you at this event created specifically for the environmental community and others who care about the city’s natural resources.

Please join us at this Comprehensive Plan Update workshop to discuss environmental health and its relationship to transportation, urban design, green infrastructure and industrial lands. The workshop is an opportunity to give your input on how the update of the Comprehensive Plan can help Portland go even greener.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSHOP

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

4 - 7 p.m.

Portland State University

Native American Student and Community Center

710 SW Jackson St (south end of campus)

The workshop will include tours of an ecoroof and other examples of designing with nature on the PSU campus, a presentation and Q&A session, and concurrent breakout sessions.

For more information on this and other Comprehensive Plan events, see the BPS calendar: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/article/439497 

The Community Watershed Stewardship Program (CWSP) is pleased to announce that grants of up to $10,000 are available to support projects that improve neighborhoods and communities while also improving the health of Portland’s watersheds.

Application deadline is March 29, 2013*. Application materials and information are at www.portlandonline.com/bes/stewardship

Projects that can be funded include:

• Neighborhood safety, health and livability
• Youth leadership and skills development
• Community gardens
• Art and education
• Restoration and cleanup
• Stormwater Management

Last summer, Groundwork Portland used CWSP funds to organize a leadership program for a dozen teens from underrepresented communities. These young people worked on a variety of environmentally-focused projects, including bioswales, ecoroofs and natural area restoration. They received stipends for their work and gained valuable experience in green jobs fields. PSU’s Institute for Sustainable Solutions recently published a brief article about CWSP and Groundwork’s project.

How to apply

Community-based organizations, businesses, student and school groups, faith communities, neighborhood associations and other groups are eligible to apply. Projects must be carried out in the City of Portland. Applications are due by Friday, March 29, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. 

For help developing ideas for a project and putting together an application, and for application materials and more information: www.portlandonline.com/bes/stewardship, call 503-823-7917 or email shannon.jamison@portlandoregon.gov.

CWSP encourages applications for projects that involve the leadership and meaningful participation of people of color, immigrants, elders, youth, those with disabilities, low-income residents, and other underrepresented groups.

*Grant awards subject to approval of 2013-14 budget.

The Community Watershed Stewardship Program (CWSP) is pleased to announce that grants of up to $10,000 are available to support projects that improve neighborhoods and communities while also improving the health of Portland’s watersheds.

Application deadline is March 29, 2013*. Application materials and information are at www.portlandonline.com/bes/stewardship

Projects that can be funded include:

• Neighborhood safety, health and livability 
• Youth leadership and skills development 
• Community gardens 
• Art and education 
• Restoration and cleanup
• Stormwater Management

Last summer, Groundwork Portland used CWSP funds to organize a leadership program for a dozen teens from underrepresented communities. These young people worked on a variety of environmentally-focused projects, including bioswales, ecoroofs and natural area restoration. They received stipends for their work and gained valuable experience in green jobs fields. PSU’s Institute for Sustainable Solutions recently published a brief article about CWSP and Groundwork’s project.

How to apply

Community-based organizations, businesses, student and school groups, faith communities, neighborhood associations and other groups are eligible to apply. Projects must be carried out in the City of Portland. Applications are due by Friday, March 29, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.

For help developing ideas for a project and putting together an application, and for application materials and more information: www.portlandonline.com/bes/stewardship, call 503-823-7917 or email shannon.jamison@portlandoregon.gov.

CWSP encourages applications for projects that involve the leadership and meaningful participation of people of color, immigrants, elders, youth, those with disabilities, low-income residents, and other underrepresented groups.

*Grant awards subject to approval of 2013-14 budget.

Speaking of trees, Monday April 1 is the start of Arbor Month, and this weekend is supposed to be beautiful weather.  What better way to celebrate than planting a new tree (or three)!  Remember you can get a Treebate credit on your stormwater bill for eligible new trees planted in your yard. Here's a direct link to the Treebate brochure and application form, or visit our website for more information: www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/treebate .

Find more information about local Arbor Month festivities on the Portland Parks and Recreation Arbor Day site.