See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback.
Label:
Classes and activities
If you love trees and want to give back to your community, the Neighborhood Tree Steward Program might be for you!
through
9:00 am
to
1:00 pm
What is the The Neighborhood Tree Steward Program?
The Neighborhood Tree Steward Program is a FREE program offered by Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry. This program is for community members that want to learn more about trees and also want to give back to their community.
Some of the things you will learn by participating:
- how to identify trees
- how to care for trees
- why our city’s trees are important for people and our planet
- opportunities to work or volunteer
All we ask is that after completing the program, you share your new skills and knowledge by contributing 20 hours of time to volunteer events and activities.
The 2026 Neighborhood Tree Stewards Program consists of six in-person classes that meet on alternating Saturdays, May through July. In each class, expert instructors will teach you everything you need to know about trees through a combination of classroom sessions and field training.
Classes will be held at various locations in N, NE, and SE Portland- all easily accessible by public transportation and bike.
Class Schedule Portland Tree Steward Program 2026
Week One - Portland’s Urban Forest
Overview
Learn about trees and tree protections in the city.
Indoor and Outdoor Session
May 16, 2026
9:00am - 1:00pm
Location to be determined.
- Who is Urban Forestry?
- What is the urban forest?
- Using the Street Tree Inventory Dashboard and the Tree Inventory Map
Introduction to Tree Identification
Week Two - Tree Protection and Shade Equity
Overview
Learn about Redlining, Traffic Safety, and Shade Equity
Indoor and Outdoor Session
May 30, 2026
9:00am - 1:00pm
Location to be determined.
- What is redlining and how does it impact our city?
- How are trees distributed across the city?
- How do trees impact traffic safety?
- What are challenges to growing the urban forest?
Week Three - Pests and Pathogens
Overview
Common threats to urban trees
Indoor and Outdoor Session
June 13, 2026
9:00am - 1:00pm
Location to be determined.
- Common Pathogens to Urban Trees
- How to Support Your Trees
- Emerald Ash Borer
Week Four - The Benefits of Trees
Project Overview
Exploring tree ecology in the city and where to find them
Indoor and Outdoor Session
June 27, 2026
9:00am - 1:00pm
Location to be determined.
- Public Health Benefits of Trees
- Climate Change and Urban Trees
Week Five - Tree Care
Overview
Learn how to properly prune a tree
Outdoor Session
July 11, 2026
9:00am - 1:00pm
Location to be determined.
- How do trees grow?
- Proper Structure for Trees
- Good Pruning Practices
Week Six - Growing our Urban Forest
Project Overview
Learn about the many groups working to grow our urban forest and where you fit in
Indoor Session
July 25, 2026
9:00am - 1:00pm
Location to be determined.
- What's next?
- Networking with Partners in the Urban Forest
- Panel of Partners and Volunteers
Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry's mission is to manage and ensure Portland's urban forest infrastructure for current and future generations. Portland’s urban forest consists of 236,000 street trees, 1.2 million park trees, and innumerable private property trees. Urban Forestry is involved in managing or regulating all of these trees to differing degrees. Urban Forestry staff issue permits for planting, pruning, removal of all public and some private trees, and are on call 24/7 to respond to tree emergencies. Explore our website for more information on Urban Forestry.