Cities, schools, non-profits and citizens will be planting and celebrating trees next week as part of Oregon's Arbor Week. "Trees are important to the quality of life here in Oregon cities because they provide so many economic, environmental and social benefits," says Paul Ries, who manages the Oregon Department of Forestry's Urban and Community Forestry Program. Trees and forests enhance quality of life by providing wood products, fish and wildlife habitat, shade, economic benefits, clean, healthy streams, and by raising property values, adds Ries.
Cities in Oregon celebrate Arbor week in all kinds of different ways...most plant trees, but some cities are creative and celebrate trees from all angles! On April 8, the City of Portland will be celebrating by giving citizens a bird's eye view of the urban forest from the City's bucket truck. The City of Tualatin will celebrate with movies and story time at the library. The National Arbor Day foundation has lots of other great ideas for ways to celebrate Arbor Week.
How is your city celebrating Arbor Week in 2010? Contact your local urban forester to find out!
