Happy Arbor Day 2016!

Speaking of trees, Jennifer Karps from our Environmental Services Tree Program was recognized as a Community All Star* by the Portland Thorns and Friends of Trees at the Thorns game on April 17.   

Jennifer (below, in orange) has been a coordinator for the Tree Program since it began as part of the Grey to Green initiative in 2008. Here’s what was announced at the Thorns game:

Jennifer Karps supports Friends of Trees and the Portland urban forest in multiple ways. She is a long-time Friends of Trees volunteer, leading weekend planting teams as a trained crew leader and checking on tree health as a summer inspector. She also serves the urban forest as the Bureau of Environmental Services Tree Program Coordinator, managing tree planting contracts, the Treebate program and supporting Friends of Trees in many ways. Previously, she collaborated with staff in other bureaus on the Citywide Tree Project and as a Portland Parks and Recreation botanic specialist that spearheaded an impressive study of Portland’s tree cover and value to the City. Jennifer’s long-standing commitment to Portland’s urban forest and dedication to collaboration, partnership and education makes her our community forestry All-Star! Jennifer always puts trees first!

Congratulations Jennifer and thanks for all of your work for Portland’s trees!

*About Community All Stars: Portland Thorns FC and Your Local Toyota Dealers are partnering to honor a difference-maker in the Portland community throughout the 2016 NWSL season.