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!