Lake Oswego Urban and Community Forestry

Urban & Comm

Forestry

april 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 CeleBr ATe:

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 CeleBr ATiOn

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.

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.

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.

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

Photo by Julie Nirula, 2022 Photo Contest

WaYs to Celebrate

BArnyArd TAleS

Continued from page 1

Thursday, April 18, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., Luscher Farm Bunkhouse Classroom, 125 Rosemont Road

Children ages 5 years and younger are invited to the Farm for an Arbor Month story. The featured book is Alexander Appleseed and participants will take home an apple with seeds to plant at home! Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited. Enroll at loparks.org.

OAk wOOdl And reSTOr ATiOn

Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., park at 14903 Westlake Drive

Join Oswego Lake Watershed Council for a morning of land tending and restoration at Westlake HOA Oak Woodland. This beautiful oak woodland habitat is home to centuries old Oregon white oaks and a diversity of wildlife. Volunteers will learn about Oregon white oak ecology, land tending and the cultural value of oak ecosystems, and help remove invasive species and plant natives. For additional information and free registration, please visit https://forms.gle/nBagNN6CjZ7uc4R8A.

SUSTAinABiliTy reSOUrCe fAir

Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lakeridge Middle School, 4700 Jean Road

OreGOn whiTe OAk Pl AnTinG PArTy

Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Woodmont Park, 13492 Atwater Lane

Celebrate Lake Oswego Arbor Month with a community tree-planting event! Join Parks & Recreation staff to learn about Oregon white oaks and practice proper planting techniques by helping to install new trees in the park. All ages welcome. Dress for weather and wear close-toed shoes. No restrooms. Parking is limited, please carpool or ride your bike. This event is supported with grant funding from Oregon Community Trees. Call 503-534-5438 or email stewardship@lakeoswego.city for free registration.

In celebration of Earth Day, the City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board, Lake Oswego School District, Lake Oswego Sustainability Network, and Oswego Lake Watershed Council are holding the 3rd Annual Lake Oswego Sustainability Resource Fair. Come learn what diverse organizations across our community are doing to advance sustainability. This year’s fair will include even more hands-on activities and free resources to learn how you can help protect the environment, save money, and live well, including an EV ride-and-drive and free electronic waste recycling with Green Century Recycling. More details at: www.lakeoswego.city/sustainability/sustainability-resource-fair-0.

SPrinGBrOOk PArk PreSChOOl nATUre wAlk

Wednesday, April 24, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Springbrook Park, Park at Uplands Elementary School or along the street, 2055 Wembley Park Road, meet at the park kiosk behind the playground

Preschoolers can join Friends of Springbrook Park for a fun and interactive nature walk through Springbrook Park. Exploration buckets will be provided for hands on discovering. This event is free and no pre-registration is required. Preschoolers need to be accompanied by an adult. For questions, contact Anne Lider at 503-701-2291 or anne.lider@gmail.com.

Be A Tree herO

Saturday, April 27, 9 to 11 a.m., International Leadership Academy, 14788 Boones Ferry Road

Parent and Child invasive ivy pull together! Join the Oswego Lake Watershed Council and help save the trees next to Springbrook Park. Please wear sturdy footwear and gloves for upland forest work. Contact stephanie@ oswegowatershed.org with questions. Or, be a TREE HERO in your own yard. Pull ivy during the month of April and send before and after pictures to stephanie@oswegowatershed.org to receive a special gift.

l Ake OSweGO PUBliC liBr Ary

Celebrate Arbor Month with a book and a kid’s craft. Throughout April, the Lake Oswego Public Library, located at 706 4th Street, will have tree-themed books on display. Visit the Children’s library on the lower level to pick up a take-home craft kit for kids. Each kit includes supplies and instructions to create a Pinecone Pollinator! Arbor Month Art Contest entries will be on electronic display from mid-April through mid-May. Open daily: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

bUzzWorthY bee

naMe sUrveY

Exciting News! The Parks & Recreation Community Stewardship Program is buzzing with energy and we need YOUR help to name our adorable bee character. This new pollinator friend symbolizes a commitment to environmental care and sustainability and will join our Stewardship Gnomes, Blossom, Greenie, and Oak, flying around parks all summer long. Cast your vote to name our buzz buddy at lo-stewardship. org. The survey closes on April 30, at 5 p.m. and the chosen name will be announced at the Farmers’ Market on May 18.

SOil yOUr UndieS fOr SCienCe

Life underground is just as biodiverse and complex as the plant communities that live above, and Oswego Lake Watershed Council wants to help residents measure and nurture that life. It is as easy as burying a pair of cotton undies for 60 days! Celebrate Arbor Month by participating in the 4th Annual Soil Your Undies challenge! Sign up to receive your challenge kit, which includes a brand new pair of cotton undies for you to bury in April and unearth in July. Participants can follow along with biweekly soil health tips and experiments to try out while the soil microbes are feasting on all of the buried undies. Learn more about the challenge and register at: www.oswegowatershed.org/ soil-your-undies-2024.

GnOMeS & BeeS in nATUre

The wily Stewardship Gnomes Blossom, Greenie, and Oak, are bee-yond excited to introduce their new bee buddy who will bee joining them on their adventures throughout Lake Oswego. The Gnomes will hide in three natural area parks from April to October, moving to different parks on the first of each month. The Bee will join the trio in June, just in time to celebrate Pollinator Month. Come out and find them, you may win a prize! Here’s what to do:

• Find the forest friends in three different natural area parks each month. In April, they will be hiding in Roehr Park, Stevens Meadow, and Springbrook Park.

• Scan the QR code and take a photo of you, your dog, or anything else by a Gnome and/or the Bee.

• With your participation, you may be selected to win your very own garden gnome in October.

Visit lo-stewardship.org each month to learn where the Gnomes and Bee have moved and discover fun facts about native plants, wildlife, and the

April 2023 tree planting at Iron Mountain Park to celebrate Arbor Day.

Urban & CoMMUnitY forestrY plan Update

The City adopted its first Urban and Community Forestry Plan (UCFP) in 2007. The overall goal of the plan was to create a comprehensive, sustainable, and integrated approach to tree management on both public and private property. It contains goals and actions for: Stewardship and Education, Forest Health, Forest Size/Canopy, Tree Maintenance, Invasive Species Management, Program Integration, and Funding.

A lot has changed in the 17 years since the UCFP was first adopted. Plans, policies, and codes relating to urban forest management have been updated or adopted by the City, including the 2016 adoption of the Healthy Ecosystems Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, 2020 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, 2022 Natural Areas Habitat Management Plan, and 2022 State of the Urban Forest Report. In addition, there are issues, such as climate change, and emerging threats, like invasive pests (emerald ash borer and Mediterranean oak borer) and wildfire risks that are not addressed in the 2007 UCFP.

In 2023, the City Council adopted a goal to “Combat climate change and strengthen the community’s resilience to climate impact” that included an initiative to update the UCFP. The process to update the plan began in Spring 2023 and is guided by a Technical Advisory Committee consisting of City staff, non-profit leaders, and technical experts to help advise on the UCFP’s development. Community engagement and outreach, including an online survey and focus group meetings with stakeholders, was conducted over the summer and helped inform the update.

In January 2024, an early draft of the UCFP was posted online and was reviewed by boards and commissions, stakeholder focus group members, and the City Council at public meetings in January and February. Staff and the project consultant are busy working on revisions to the UCFP based on the feedback that was received. Those revisions will be included in the next draft of the UCFP, which will be reviewed by the Council at a work session on May 21, and a final draft of the UCFP will be presented to the Council for adoption on June 18.

For more information and to sign up for project updates, visit www.lakeoswego.city/ planning/urban-community-forestry-planupdate, or contact the project coordinator, Jessica Numanoglu, at jnumanoglu@ lakeoswego.city or 503-635-0290.

heritage trees

The Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Advisory Board recently designated four new Heritage Trees including a 30-inch diameter scarlet oak at 1001 Hoodview Lane, a 72-inch diameter giant sequoia at 715 4th Street and two coast redwoods at 1805 Glenmorrie Terrace measuring 77- and 93-inches each in diameter. Join us to celebrate Heritage Trees on April 9 at 5:30 p.m. outside the entrance to the public library.

nOMinATe A Tree in hOnOr Of ArBOr week!

Do you have a favorite tree of landmark importance because of age, size, species, horticultural quality or historic significance? Anyone can nominate a tree or group of trees for Heritage Tree designation with permission from the property owner. Nominations are reviewed annually in February and new designations are announced during Arbor Month. Check out the Heritage Tree Brochure and online Story Map, learn about the City’s Heritage Tree Preservation Grant Program, and find a nomination form online at www.lakeoswego.city/planning/heritage-tree-program.

forestrY at the farMers’ Market

Saturday, May 18, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First Street

Join us to celebrate urban forestry and pollinators at the Farmers’ Market. Activities include Urban and Community Forestry booths and activities for children and adults. Spin the prize wheel, do a craft, talk to an arborist, receive a free tree seedling, learn about stewardship opportunities in your neighborhood and more. Arbor Month Art Contest winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded, and the chosen name of the new stewardship bee will be revealed.

steWardship Work parties

Over 460 acres of park natural areas and open spaces in the City contribute to important habitat for plants and animals, watershed and stormwater management and health. These park natural areas also provide places for the community to connect with nature. Join a Friends of the Parks volunteer habitat restoration work party to help keep our park natural areas and open spaces healthy and beautiful:

• Sunday, April 7, 1 to 3 p.m., Woodmont Park, Parking near the intersection of Knaus Road and Atwater Road

Give Mother Nature a helping hand in this 7-acre natural park. Join Friends of Woodmont Park to restore habitat that is home to pollinators, birds, and animals.

• Sunday, April 21, 1 to 3 p.m., Freepons Park, Parking at 1399 Bickner Street

Make a Wish at the famous Wishing Tree as you enter Freepons Park. Then take a walk and participate in a creative Nature Scavenger Hunt highlighting trees, plants, birds, and bugs found in Freepons Park. Thanks to Friends of Hallinan Heights Woods for leading this interactive and family friendly event.

• Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Southwood Park, Parking at 6200 Pamela Street

Let’s pull together to remove invasive species and help restore the natural habitat. Listen to the beautiful stream babble as you partner with our Parks Crew and Friends of Southwood Park.

Volunteers must sign the Stewardship Waiver form upon arrival to the work party site. Dress for weather and wear closed toe shoes. Bring gloves and water to drink. Restrooms are not available. If you have any questions, contact Eric Hirshberger, Natural Areas Crew Leader, at 503-534-5661 or stewardship@lakeoswego.city.

Giant Sequoia at 715 4th Street Redwood at 1805 Glenmorrie Terrace Scarlet Oak at 1001 Hoodview Lane

Photo by Al Hansen, 2023 Photo Contest Volunteers at Campbell Native Garden

Information: 503-635-0290

www.lakeoswego.city

Workshop series

Each year the City offers a series of free Urban and Community Forestry Workshops for the public. Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited with preference given to Lake Oswego residents. This year’s lineup is listed below and complete details are available online at www.lakeoswego.city/planning/workshop-series.

For free registration to these workshops, please call 503-534-5438 or email stewardship@lakeoswego.city:

• Trees for Pollinators, Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Iron Mountain Park

• Oregon White Oak Tree Planting, Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Woodmont Park

• Guided Nature Walk, Saturday, July 20 from 8 to 10 a.m. at George Rogers Park

For free registration to these workshops, please call 503-635-0290 or visit www.lakeoswego.city/planning/workshop-series.

• Preparing for Emerald Ash Borer, Saturday, June 22 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Foothills Park

• Tree Species Identification, Saturday, August 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at George Rogers Park

• Tree Removal Permits, Thursday, August 15 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, or sign-up for remote access to view the presentation online

• Tree Protection Plans and Tree Code Violations, Thursday, August 29 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, or sign-up for remote access to view the presentation online

• Tree Pruning, Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Foothills Park

• Creating Backyard Habitat, Saturday, September 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. Tryon Creek State Natural Area

don’t Move fireWood

After the January 2024 winter storm, homeowners are likely to have plenty of firewood from downed trees and debris on their properties. With that said, we want to remind homeowners that moving firewood is a bad idea because it potentially transports invasive species with devastating consequences.

While it is illegal to move uncertified and untreated wood into or outside of Oregon, the Oregon Department of Forestry recommends not to move firewood more than 30 miles from its original location. Without proper heat treatment, wood can spread many pests or pathogens to outside habitats. In the Portland Metro area, emerald ash borer (EAB) and Mediterranean oak borer (MOB) were recently identified in infested trees by the Oregon Department of Agriculture. EAB is responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of ash trees nationwide and has caused hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth in damage, while MOB has resulted in rapid decline and death of dozens of historic Oregon white oaks in Wilsonville since its discovery in 2023. While these are two recent pests to invade our region, many more pests and pathogens can also spread through the transfer of nontreated firewood.

Treated firewood can be purchased at grocery stores and gas stations. It will be labeled as heat-treated firewood, so buy it where you intend to burn it. Please help our neighboring cities and states and don’t move firewood. Learn more at www.dontmovefirewood.org.

tree reMoval perMits

A tree removal permit is required to remove any tree that is 6-inches in diameter or larger in the City of Lake Oswego. There are a variety of tree permits to address different tree types and situations:

Type I Permit | For removal of up to two trees between 6- and 15-inch trunk diameter per year on residentially zoned lots occupied by a singlefamily dwelling, with no limits on the quantity or size of fruit-bearing tree removals.

Type II Permit - For trees that do not qualify for other tree removal permit types and that are being removed for landscaping or development purposes. Mitigation for tree removal is required.

Emergency Tree Permit - For trees that present an immediate danger of collapse and represent a clear and present hazard to persons or property.

Hazard Tree Permit - For high or extreme risk trees that are cracked, split, leaning or physically damaged to the degree that it is clear that the tree is likely to fail and injure persons or property and where pruning will not alleviate the hazard.

Dead Tree Permit - For trees that are dead or are in a progressive and irreversible state of decline.

Invasive Trees - For removal of trees on the City’s Invasive Tree Species List.

Verification Permit - For trees previously approved for removal through a land use decision, such as a subdivision or partition. Mitigation for tree removal is required.

Forest Management Permit - For managing large forested tracts for the purposes of improving forest health.

This pie chart provides a summary of the total quantity of trees permitted for removal by permit type over the four-year period between 2020-2023. On average, 3,023 trees were permitted for removal each year. Invasive, Dead, Type I and Hazard trees account for 68% of permitted removals, while 14% of permitted removal are Type II for landscaping purposes, 16% are Verification and Type II for development purposes, and 2% are Emergency and Forest Management.

For more information on the City’s tree code including permit requirements, applications and fees, go to www.lakeoswego.city/trees or call the Planning and Building Services Department at 503-635-0290.

tree Care & MaintenanCe