Urban & Community April 2024
Forestry
A pril is Arbor Month Arbor Day is America’s National Tree Holiday, observed on
the last Friday of April to celebrate the role of trees in our lives and to promote tree planting and care. Here in Oregon, we need more than just a day to celebrate trees. Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed the entire month of April Oregon Arbor Month and, for the fourth year in a row, Mayor Buck has proclaimed April Lake Oswego Arbor Month. Visit www.lakeoswego.city/trees to read the City’s proclamation and check out these fun ways to celebrate both trees and bees.
Check out these fun ways to celebrate: TRILLIUM FESTIVAL
Saturday, April 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S. Terwilliger Boulevard Join Friends of Tryon Creek for a festive day in the woods to celebrate the return of the Trillium, an early season perennial native to our local forests, at the 44th Annual Trillium 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. More event details are available at www.tryonfriends. org/calendar.
HERITAGE TREE CELEBRATION
Tuesday, April 9, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 4th Street Bring your friends and neighbors to gather near the library entrance and admire the 72-inch diameter giant sequoia directly across the street! This is one of four new Heritage Trees designated by the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Advisory Board earlier this year. 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. Bartlett Tree Experts will be giving away seedlings, too.
Celebrating 35 Years Tree City USA
For 35 years, the City of Lake Oswego has earned Tree City USA (TCUSA) recognition from the National Arbor Day Foundation for demonstrating a strong commitment to managing and caring for trees. Cities earn TCUSA status by meeting four standards: maintaining a tree board (the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Advisory Board), having a tree ordinance, spending a minimum $2 per capita on urban forest management, and proclaiming and celebrating Arbor Day annually. This year, the Arbor Day Foundation also presented Lake Oswego with its sixth TCUSA Growth Award, which recognizes innovative projects and higher levels of tree care by participating Tree City USA communities. The Growth Award was awarded to Lake Oswego 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 and Community Forestry educational workshops throughout 2023.
Bee City USA
Lake Oswego is also celebrating Bee City USA recognition. Lake Oswego habitats support a variety of wildlife such as bees, butterflies, birds, insects, and other pollinators. In August 2023, City Council adopted a resolution to outline program commitments such as sustaining pollinator-friendly habitats, a comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) program, and hosting community engagement events focused on pollinator conservation. In alignment with sustainability, land management and community goals, the City proudly achieved Bee City USA affiliation in September 2023, joining 201 other Bee City USA communities across the country. An initiative of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Bee City USA aims to connect communities with pollinators and provides a framework for communities to support native pollinator conservation. Visit www.lakeoswego.city/parksrec/bee-city-0 to learn more.
TREES FOR POLLINATORS WORKSHOP
Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Iron Mountain Park, 2401 Iron Mountain Road Join Parks & Recreation staff to explore the relationship between trees and pollinators. Participants will learn about Pacific Northwest tree species and the pollinators they attract, then plant some of these pollinator-friendly trees in the park. Dress for weather and wear close-toed shoes. Capacity limited to 25 participants. Call 503-534-5438 or email stewardship@lakeoswego.city for free registration.
Photo by Julie Nirula, 2022 Photo Contest
Tree of the Week
Each week during Arbor Month, Parks & Recreation is highlighting a “Tree of the Week.” Visit these unique trees in their respective parks to experience them for yourself and learn some interesting facts! The “Tree of the Week” will be revealed on the City’s social media accounts. Visit www.lakeoswego.city/parksrec/arbor-month-parks-recreation for more information.
Arbor Month Art Contest Trees and Bees…and Other Pollinators, Too!
In celebration of Lake Oswego Arbor Month, 35 years of Tree City USA recognition, and recently becoming a Bee City USA, the City is hosting a Trees and Bees…and Other Pollinators, Too! themed art contest for K-5th students residing in Lake Oswego. Contestants are asked to create an original work of art featuring trees along with bees, bats, butterflies, hummingbirds, or any other pollinator species in the urban forest. Entries will be displayed electronically at City Hall and the Public Library. The contest begins on Monday, April 1, and entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30. Winners will be notified on or around Friday, May 3, and prizes will be awarded at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 18. For additional information and complete contest rules, visit www.lakeoswego.city/formslf/ArborMonthArt.
Photo by Shirin Doratotaj, 2021 Photo Contest
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For more information on Arbor Week or Urban and Community Forestry events, visit www.lakeoswego.city/planning, email planning@lakeoswego.city, or call 503-635-0290.