Neighborhood Tree Steward Program 2026

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

View full size image of four people smiling with a small tree in front

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

View full size image of Shaded canopy map of Portland;s neighborhoods with darker colors representing more canopy coverage

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  

View full size image of An emerald ash beetle, green as its name would suggest, on a tree leaf.

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

View full size image of young trees along a street with green water bags

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 

View full size image of Pruning trees at Lent Elementary School

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

View full size image of one person hands a tree to another in front of a black car with an open trunk

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