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Join the Heritage Tree Volunteers

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Community members learning about a street tree during a tree walk.
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About the Portland Heritage Tree Program

The Heritage Tree Program is administered by the Urban Forestry division of Portland Parks & Recreation. This program recognizes and celebrates grand trees of Portland. Heritage Trees have been formally designated by City Council for their outstanding size, age, historical, and horticultural significance. Once designated, a Heritage Tree enjoys the highest level of protection by City Code and cannot be removed without consent of the Urban Forestry Commission. 

About Heritage Tree Volunteers

Volunteers directly support the program’s goals to diversify and grow our tree community while bringing awareness to the role trees play in Portland’s history and environment. We offer flexible and diverse volunteer roles to accommodate different interests, skills, and schedules. Whether you’re a history buff, a naturalist, a community organizer, or someone who loves hands-on activities, there’s a place for you in the Heritage Tree Volunteer Program. 

Volunteer Application Form

Volunteers are a critical part of the Heritage Tree Program, helping to:

  • Nominate New Heritage Trees
    Volunteers identify and propose trees for designation, focusing on:
    • Underserved neighborhoods with few or no Heritage Trees.
    • Trees with historical relevance to underrepresented communities or cultural events.
    • Unique species or horticultural varieties that add diversity to the program.
    • Promoting voices and perspectives reflecting the city's diversity when nominating or considering new trees for Heritage Tree designation.
    • Reviewing nomination information, visit trees, and recommending the best trees.
  • Engage and educate the public
    Volunteers interact with the community during special events. They support tabling events and connect with local groups to raise awareness about the environmental, cultural, and historical value of Heritage Trees.
  • Monitor Existing Heritage Trees
    Volunteers inspect designated trees to monitor tree health, collect new tree measurements, take new photos, and adjust or replace tree plaques as needed.

Heritage Tree Volunteer Benefits

  • Spend time outdoors with Portland’s most impressive trees.
  • Learn how to measure and assess trees.
  • Opportunity to review and recommend trees for Heritage status.
  • Make a meaningful impact by helping to preserve Portland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
  • Gain valuable knowledge about Portland’s rich tree history and ecological diversity.
  • Connect and collaborate with a supportive, passionate community of like-minded volunteers.
  • Receive recognition for your contributions 
Volunteer holding buckeye fruit from park tree.

Volunteering Roles and Time Commitments

Heritage Tree Nominator

  • Spend 4 hours a month on tree nominations from May 2 – April 30.
  • This role is flexible based on volunteer schedule.
  • Search for exceptional trees across Portland and nominate them for Heritage Tree designation.
  • Focus on neighborhoods with few Heritage Trees or trees with cultural significance tied to underrepresented groups or events.
  • Obtain consent from property owners for trees located on private property.
  • Annual nominations are due May 1st. Subsequent nominations will be reviewed next year.

Time commitment: 48-60 hours/year

Heritage Tree Nominations Reviewer

  • Spend 5-8 hours a month reviewing nominations May 2 – June 30.
  • Review information, visit trees and evaluate the best trees.
  • Volunteers receive training and the nomination information from the Heritage Tree Program Manager after May 1st.
  • This role is flexible based on volunteer schedule and may be done independently.
  • Final comments and evaluations are due by June 30.

Time commitment: 10-16 hours/year

Heritage Tree Monitor

  • Spend 4 hours a month on tree inspections year-round.
  • Visit designated Heritage Trees to take measurements, assess health, take photos, and update plaques.
  • Meet with property owners to share online resources about the Private Heritage Trees and tree care.
  • Volunteers receive training and tools from the Heritage Tree Program Manager.
  • This role is flexible based on volunteer schedule. We recommend volunteers to work in pairs or small groups when working outdoors and around town.

Time commitment: 48-60 hours/year

Public Outreach and Education

  • Support tabling events during Arbor Day or Tree Summit.
  • Share information about the Heritage Tree Program with the public.
  • Engage diverse community members to raise awareness of the Heritage Trees close by and across the city.

Time commitment: 4-6 hours/year

Independent Volunteer Activities

Past volunteer work has supported the program in a variety of other ways. Many activities are self-lead and can be performed at any time. See examples below:

  • Research the cultural, historical, or ecological significance of existing Heritage Trees or new nominations.
  • Host and participate in events like tree walks, bike rides, community presentations, and tabling at public events (such as Arbor Day).
  • Present information to students, cultural groups, and neighborhood associations.
  • Write articles or create content for newsletters and publications.
  • Develop resources such as self-guided tours, brochures, videos, or themed guides.

Heritage Tree Volunteers during Arbor Day tabling

Become a Heritage Tree Volunteer

We are actively seeking volunteers! You do not need to be a professional tree expert or historian. If you are interested in trees and community history, please consider joining us. The process to become a Heritage Tree Volunteer is straightforward:

  1. Complete a Volunteer Application from the list below
    1. Individual volunteer application form
    2. Group volunteer application form
    3. Formulario de solicitud de voluntariado (Spanish)
  2. Interview with the Program Manager
    This is a conversation that helps clarify responsibilities, a time to ask questions about the program and determine your interest in joining the team. The Program Manager will contact you after receiving an application.
  3. Orientation and Training
    New volunteers receive onboarding materials, including:
    • General training documents
    • Calendar of Events
    • Role-specific training documents
    • Hour tracker and liability waiver
    • Volunteer agreement and code of conduct
  4. Ongoing Support
    Volunteers will work independently but are supervised by the Heritage Tree Program Manager, who provides resources, ongoing communication, answer questions, provides additional training and organizes occasional volunteer gatherings.

Apply by email

Contact Parks.Heritagetree@portlandoregon.gov for an application form or additional information.


A photo of two people examining the leaves of a tree while conducting an inventory of street trees.

Volunteer Expectations

To ensure a safe and inclusive experience, volunteers are asked to:

  • Honor their commitments and follow through on assigned tasks.
  • Work respectfully with staff, fellow volunteers, and the public.
  • Center equity in their work by prioritizing underserved communities and neighborhoods.
  • Stay safe by following fieldwork guidelines, using appropriate gear, and communicating planned activities.
  • Report hours each month and communicate changes in availability to the Program Manager.

In return, you can count on the Heritage Tree Program to values its volunteers and is committed to providing:

  • Comprehensive training.
  • Regular communication.
  • Recognition and support.
  • Learning opportunities for professional or personal growth.

Volunteers under the age of 18 can participate in an ongoing volunteer opportunity need written permission of a parent or guardian. Volunteers younger than 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them on excursions or fieldwork.

Location

Mailing address

1120 SW 5th Ave
Suite 858
Portland, OR 97202
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