By Jeff Ramsey 

Tree by Tree, Block by Block: Join volunteers to inventory every street tree in Boise and Eliot.

This summer, dozens of tree lovers will explore the Boise and Eliot neighborhoods on a mission to identify, map, measure, and assess the condition of every street tree. This inventory is the first and most comprehensive street tree inventory ever performed in our neighborhoods. The project is being organized by Boise and Eliot Tree Team, a group of neighbors committed to improving their urban forest. A partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation, the inventory is the first step in expanding, diversifying, and protecting trees in the Boise and Eliot neighborhoods.

Tree inventory data provides a baseline for tracking forest composition and changes over time. This has never been more important, as urban trees in our neighborhoods face challenges such as a changing climate, development pressure, and invasive pests and pathogens.

Tree enthusiasts are needed, regardless of skill level, to volunteer with the project. On inventory days volunteers will be paired with a trained team leader to collect data. Together teams will walk the neighborhood and identify, map, measure and assess trees. Certified arborists and Parks staff will be on hand to help in this exploration of the community’s urban forest. Work days are scheduled for:

Date: 7/19/2014
Time: 8:30am-noon
Location: Matt Dishman Community Center
Address: 77 NE Knott St.
Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/BoiseEliot1 

Date: 8/6/2014
Time: 8:30am-noon
Location: Unthank Park
Address: 510 N Shaver St.
Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/BoiseEliot2

Date: 8/16/2014
Time: 8:30am-noon
Location: Unthank Park
Address: 510 N Shaver St.
Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/BoiseEliot3

Date: 9/6/2014
Time: 8:30am-noon
Location: Friends of Trees
Address: 3117 NE MLK Blvd.
Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/BoiseEliot4

For more information about the Tree Inventory Project: http://portlandoregon.gov/parks/treeinventory

For more information about the Boise and Eliot tree inventory, contact Jeff Ramsey and the Boise and Eliot Tree Team at jefframsey@gmail.com.