A Season of Action Leading to the 2026 Tree Summit
On a bright spring morning here in East Portland, neighbors gathered at Harrison Park with a shared purpose: planting trees, growing community, and investing in a cooler, healthier future. Today’s community tree planting was more than just a volunteer event—it was a reminder of what’s possible when we come together around the urban forest.
Families, longtime residents, and first-time volunteers rolled up their sleeves to plant new trees throughout the park. Others took home free fruit trees—apple, almond, quince—to plant in their own yards. Our partners at Friends of Trees helped distribute these trees, while Portland Fruit Tree Project connected folks with free education on planting, pruning, and caring for fruit trees.
These moments matter—especially here in East Portland.
Join Us at the 2026 Tree Summit
Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry.
📍 Location: Mt Scott Community Center
🗓 Date: Saturday, April 11
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free!
Click HERE to RSVP!
This fun and informative event will feature:
- J’reyesha Brannon — “Canopy Stories: Pairing Climate Data with Community Voice”
- Axcelle Campana — “Urban Forestry as Community Forestry”
- Gena Gastaldi — “PBOT & UF Trees in the Curb Zone Project”
You’ll also get to meet community partners (including us at Thrive East PDX!) who are working to expand Portland’s urban forest. Whether you’re brand new or deeply involved, this is a great space to connect and learn.
Why Tree Planting Matters in East Portland
Neighborhoods east of the Interstate 205 experience significantly less tree canopy compared to other parts of the city. This contributes to what’s known as the urban heat island effect, where areas with fewer trees and more pavement absorb and retain heat.
In fact:
- Some East Portland neighborhoods can be 10–20°F hotter than more tree-lined areas.
- Tree canopy coverage east of I-205 is often below 20%, compared to over 30% in wealthier, historically invested neighborhoods.
- These disparities are tied to decades of underinvestment and planning inequities.
Planting trees isn’t just about beautification—it’s about shade equity, public health, and climate resilience.
Temperature disparities across Portland. Source: Sustaining Urban Places Research (SUPR) Lab, Portland State University, 2018.
