Oregon Community Trees helps fund grand prize for Pendleton tree giveaway to celebrate Oregon Arbor Month

PENDLETON, Ore. – Pendleton is one of five Tree City USA communities across Oregon receiving a grant this spring to boost tree-related activities in April, which is Oregon Arbor Month. 

The $500 grant will help the Pendleton Tree Commission, in partnership with Stewards of the

Umatilla River Environment (SURE) and the Umatilla National Forest, buy a large-size tree as the prize drawing during a tree seedling giveaway to community members, as well as signage for the event. In addition to the trees, the partners plan to add an educational piece with the Parks & Recreation After-School Program. Tree Commissioners will assist in presenting educational material to area elementary students at three local schools. There will also be fun interactive opportunities for kids at the park during the mid-April event.

Other communities receiving grants include:

• Bandon – creating a community mural highlighting the trees in City Park
• Hillsboro - nature-themed prizes, materials and supplies supporting a variety of educational activities for children and adults, including a tree identification scavenger hunt.
• Medford - a granite boulder plaque to be installed at a recently designated Heritage Tree in Mainwaring Park.
• Rivergrove - four native species of trees to be planted in a local city park with students from Rivergrove Elementary School’s “Green Team” and watering supplies.

Since 2014 Oregon Community Trees has supported 38 different communities with these grants. Made up of arborists, urban planners, community activists, foresters and others interested in trees, the non-profit group’s mission is to promote healthy urban and community forests through leadership, education, awareness, and advocacy. 

                                                                    # # #