For decades, the city of Lake Oswego has emphasized tree habitat protection.
As part of this effort, the local government doesn’t just celebrate Arbor Day (held annually the last Friday of April) but Arbor Month, which entails a series of events focused on tree preservation and support.
“Arbor Month events build awareness of the importance of trees to the community and engage residents in direct, memorable ways that build support for urban forests,” city arborist Morgan Holen said via email.
Here’s what the city has in store this year.
Trillium Festival, Heritage Tree Celebration
The month will kick off with a Trillium Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at the Tryon Creek State Natural Area. The event celebrates the return of the early season perennial native and this year will mark the 44th annual festival.
“In addition to the Native Plant Sale, this family friendly event includes a Gardening Resources Fair and interactive learning stations around the Nature Center and trails,” according to a city press release.
Next, the city will hold a Heritage Tree Celebration at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 at the Lake Oswego Public Library. Attendees will stand next to a giant sequoia tree that was recently designated as a heritage tree.
“Learn all about the City’s Heritage Tree Program and fun facts about giant sequoias, then grab a cookie and stroll over to take a closer look at this magnificent tree,” the press release reads.
Sustainability fair
The city will welcome residents to its Sustainability Resource Fair at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20 at Lakeridge Middle School.
“This year’s fair will include even more hands‐on activities and free resources to learn how you can help protect the environment, save money, and live well, including an EV ride‐and‐drive and free electronic waste recycling with Green Century Recycling,” the press release reads.
Other events include an invasive ivy pull at Springbrook Park at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 27, a planting of Oregon white oaks at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27 at Woodmont Park and a restoration event of the Oak Woodland white oak habitat at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20.
Stewardship work parties at Woodmont Park, Freepons Park and Southwest Park will occur April 7, April 21 and May 18 respectively. There also will be a workshop series with events focusing on trees for pollinators, Oregon white oak tree planting and nature walks. Lake Oswego residents will also be able to enjoy activities related to preserving the urban forest and pollinators during the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at Millennium Plaza Park.
For more information, visit www.ci.oswego.or.us/planning/arbor-month.
Lake Oswego receives grant
Lake Oswego was one of six Oregon communities to receive a grant from Oregon Community Trees for Armor Month celebrations. The city received $720 to plant 12 Oregon white oak trees in the Woodmont Natural Area as a way to replace trees lost in the January wind and ice storm. As part of Tree City USA, Lake Oswego is required to hold Arbor Month celebrations each year and also has to spend $2 per capita on urban forest management, among other requirements. The goal of the grants is to support Arbor Month celebrations.
“We’re happy to be funding Arbor Day events in every part of the state from the Willamette Valley to eastern and southern Oregon,” said Holen, who also coordinates grants for Oregon Community Trees. “These events build awareness of the importance of trees to communities and engage residents in direct, memorable ways that build support for urban forests.”
City receives award
The Arbor Day Foundation presented the city with its sixth TCUSA Growth Award for conducting innovative projects related to tree care.
The city received the award for “preemptively treating 28 ash trees in Foothills Park with systemic injections to defend against Emerald ash borer infestation; planting more trees than were removed on City owned and managed properties, including 119 trees removed and 10,553 trees planted; and, hosting seven free Urban & Community Forestry educational workshops throughout 2023,” according to a city press release.
Most Popular
Comments / 0