Congratulations to long time Urban Forestry and Hoyt Arboretum volunteer, Phyllis Reynolds, for receiving the prestigious State of Oregon’s Maynard Drawson Award! The Oregon Travel Information Council’s Maynard Drawson Award is a life-time achievement award that recognizes people who contribute to their local communities, raising awareness, support, and appreciation for heritage trees.
Phyllis Reynolds has led exceptional efforts in promoting the appreciation of trees in Oregon through her work as an established author, advocate, and researcher of heritage trees. She was one of the founding members of the Portland Heritage Tree Committee in 1993 and chaired the committee from 1999 to 2006. Her commitment to heritage trees is reflected in her volunteerism, advocacy, and hands-on service educating the public about the value of heritage trees for more than three decades. In addition to her work with the Portland Heritage Tree Committee, Phyllis served as an Urban Forestry Commissioner for Portland for ten years.
For the past 50 years she has been a close friend to Hoyt Arboretum. Well into her nineties, Phyllis continues her work with Hoyt Arboretum as an educator and storyteller. She inspires visitors about the value of connecting stories to heritage and majestic trees. In 2018, she published Hoyt Arboretum, Its Story, a fun and accessible history of a popular park. Other books by Phyllis includes two editions of Trees of Greater Portland, which focus on historical trees that extend into other communities beyond Portland.
Phyllis’ contributions to the City’s Heritage Tree Program initiated the establishment of one of the most robust heritage tree programs in the country that is also supported by a strong Tree Code. Portland’s Title 11 Tree Code ensures the preservation of our heritage trees during their lifetime (Chapter 11.20.06 Heritage Tree Code). With a lifetime of advocacy and community service to preserve mature trees within Portland and beyond, Phyllis’ contributions reflect her statewide relevance.
For more information about the Heritage Tree Program and how you can nominate your favorite tree, visit Nominate a Heritage Tree | Portland.gov (nominations are due May 1st each year).