Trees are a valuable part of our city, a living green infrastructure that provides many benefits to the people who live here. Trees intercept rain before it washes over sidewalks and streets into storm drains and pipes. Reducing stormwater runoff keeps stormwater out of sewers, reduces wastewater treatments costs to save money for sewer ratepayers, and prevents basement backups and sewage releases. Trees also help keep pollution out of our rivers and streams, clean the air we breathe, provide shade and habitat, and help the city address climate change by storing carbon and cooling the air.

The Environmental Services Tree Program works with community partners to plant trees where they will contribute to human and watershed health. We use innovative outreach and planting models to increase tree planting in under-served neighborhoods and ensure our program is connecting with diverse communities. We also work with Portland Parks & Recreation and other organizations to support education about trees and stewardship of our urban forest.

Since 2008, the Tree Program has helped to plant 50,000 trees across Portland. Follow the links below to learn more about what we do and how you can be involved. For more information, contact Lea Wilson at 503-823-7640.