April 23, 2013

The 3,000 students who attend east Portland’s David Douglas High School represent more than 60 nations. To celebrate that diversity, students will plant an international tree grove on the David Douglas campus this Thursday, along with trees native to the Pacific Northwest. The plantings will increase urban habitat, manage stormwater, shade classrooms and improve aesthetics on the school grounds.

Since budget cuts eliminated the David Douglas natural resources curriculum, planting trees lets students be part of a hands-on stewardship project that expands Portland’s green infrastructure. David Douglas science, leadership and English as a second language (ESL) students will take part in this week’s planting. And they’ve had some previous experience. ESL students won this year’s Bill Naito Community Tree Award for their work with the non-profit Friends of Trees.

The David Douglas High School tree planting this Thursday is one of many events that lead up to Portland’s World Environment Day celebration on June 5th. The planting is a joint effort of David Douglas teachers and staff, Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, local non-profits Verde and Friends of Trees, an AmeriCorps volunteer and David Douglas graduates with the Confluence Environmental Center.

About 50 students will take part in the planting on Thursday, April 25 from about 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at David Douglas High School,1001 SE 135th Avenue in Portland.

For more information contact Linc Mann, 503-823-5328.