esidents of the Humboldt, Boise and Eliot neighborhoods in North Portland could be getting a knock on the door from students at Rosemary Anderson High School. And they come bearing gifts – free street trees.
The students are taking part in Friends of Trees Albina Tree Initiative that will plant 140 trees across the three neighborhoods. Neighborhood volunteers and Friends of Trees are set to plant the trees on Feb. 8, 2014.
The free trees can go to any resident who has space available in the planting strip adjacent to their homes.
Spencer Burton, project leader for the Albina Tree Initiative initiative, won two grants to plant trees in North Portland: a Community Watershed Stewardship Grant from the Bureau of Environmental Services and a Special Project and Community Event Grant from the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. The grant is for this year only.
The Rosemary Anderson students went through a Friends of Trees outreach training and will receive stipends for their work. Before the planting, the City will inspect the planting strips, check for overhead lines and make sure plantings won't disturb any underground utilities.
If you have not been contacted by Friends of Trees, you can sign up for free street trees online by creating an account at www.friendsoftrees.org
or contact project leader Spencer Burton 503 803-2699 spencerbutonforportland@gmail.com
Friends of Trees says street trees help communities because:
Trees reduce traffic speeds
Trees increase the value of your home
Trees are a stimulus to economic development
Trees green and beautify increasing neighborhood pride
Trees cool your home and neighborhood and reduce utility bills
Trees reduce blood pressure and improves emotional and physical health
Trees have a calming and healing effect on those with ADHD
Trees reduce noise and air pollution from cars and buses
Trees create a more natural and comfortable urban life
Trees provide a home for birds and animals
Trees reduce storm water runoff
