Urban Forestry Tree Planting Coordinator Mari Aviles has been selected to receive an Individual Award from Oregon Community Trees and the Oregon Department of Forestry.
This award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to urban forestry in Oregon, including tree planting and care, community engagement, raising awareness about urban trees, and protecting the state’s urban forests.
Mari is being recognized for her leadership in recruiting, training, and supporting minority- and woman-owned tree planting and establishment firms. Her work has helped Urban Forestry move closer to its goal of planting 10,000 trees each year.
She also provides contractor trainings in the field in both Spanish and English. Mari values the role of field crews in planting success and gives them the guidance and tools they need to do their jobs well. Her approach has led to a reduction in issues found during inspections.
In addition, Mari has expanded the Free Street Tree program from a one-person project managing a few hundred trees to a nine-person team that now oversees thousands of trees. The team currently works with eight contractors, with more expected to join this year.