Arbor Day Community, Canopy and Champions Honored

Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry division marked a successful 2025 Portland Arbor Day celebration with a vibrant, family-friendly event centered on community, learning and environmental stewardship.

Held on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Sacajawea Head Start in the heart of the Cully neighborhood, this year’s Arbor Day event brought together neighbors, environmental organizations and community leaders to celebrate Portland’s trees and the people who care for them.

Each year, Portland Arbor Day moves to a different neighborhood to highlight the city's diverse tree canopy and recognize local efforts to grow and care for it. In partnership with leadership from Sacajawea Head Start, the 2025 celebration welcomed autumn with a day full of activities, learning and hands-on stewardship for learners, their families, and Cully neighbors.

This year’s Arbor Day featured a ceremony for the recipients of the 2025 Bill Naito Community Trees Awards, a highlight of the day.

2025 Bill Naito Community Trees Award Winners

Named in honor of Bill Naitohonor of Bill Naito (1925–1996) — civic leader, philanthropist, and founder of Portland’s Urban Forestry Commission — the awards recognize individuals and groups making outstanding contributions to Portland’s urban forest.

Individual Award: Vivek Shandas

For nearly a decade of service on the Urban Forestry Commission (2015–2023) and for his groundbreaking research on the link between tree canopy, urban heat and public health.

Shandas is a professor of geography and director of the Sustaining Urban Places Research (SUPR) Lab at Portland State University. His work has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, OPB and other national outlets.

“Professor Shandas has documented and publicized the importance of trees to the urban environment,” wrote nominator Marita Ingalsbe. “His research has contributed to a new understanding of the connection between urban tree canopy and the effects of climate change.”

Group Award: Morning Star Baptist Church

For transforming a 15,000 square foot asphalt parking lot into a lush, accessible green space in the Cully neighborhood.

Funding for this project came in part from Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.

In partnership with Depave, the church added:

33 trees,
700+ perennial plants,
14 accessible raised garden beds, and
a 5,500 square foot food garden.

This multi-year effort provides healthy outdoor space for neighbors, children and future generations.

“Morning Star’s work exemplifies environmental justice and community-driven change,” said Nik Desai, a PP&R Urban Forestry staff member. “They’ve turned concrete into community, expanding the urban canopy where it's needed most.”

Other Portland Arbor Day Event Highlights Included:

Tree planting: Volunteers planted 15 young trees at Sacajawea Head Start, bringing more shade, cleaner air and beauty to the neighborhood.
Yard Tree Giveaway: Over 300 trees were distributed to residents for planting in their yards.
Education: Visitors explored Portland’s Tree Inventory Dashboard and Tree Inventory Map, learning more about public trees in city parks, streets, and the newly updated Portland Urban Forest Plan.