April 2019 Community ForestryForestryUrban & CommUnityApril 2019
arbor WEEK: april 7-13
Arbor Day is America’s National Tree Holiday, observed on the last Friday of April
to celebrate the role of trees in our lives and to promote tree planting and care. In
Oregon we celebrate an entire Arbor Week during the first full week in April. Learn
more at www.arborday.org/arborday/oregon. The City Council has proclaimed
April 7-13, 2019 as Lake Oswego Arbor Week.
Arbor Week Activities At the LibrAry
Check out a tree-themed book this week! The Lake Oswego Public Library, located
at 706 4th Street, will have tree-themed books on display all week. Open daily:
1-6 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday-
Saturday.
Free the trees in iron MountAin PArk
Sunday, April 7, 1-3 p.m.
Kick off Arbor Week by helping Friends of Iron Mt. Park as they remove invasive
species that crowd out the native plants. The native plants thank you for clearing
the forest of invasive species that compete for the sun and soil. Allow extra
time to wander the paths that wind through 50 acres of forest to the eagle’s eye
viewing platform. Contact: Mike Buck, 503-914-8607 or m.bucks@comcast.net.
Parking: Gravel trail head is off Brookside Rd./Twin Fir Rd., Lake Oswego. Trail head
is behind the Oswego Hunt Club.
GArden bAbies
Tuesday, April 9, 10-10:45 a.m. at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road
Parents, stroll the farm with your preschooler and enjoy sensory garden-based
activities. Hear a story about trees, then take a look at our Heritage Trees. Parents
must accompany children. Class is held rain or shine! Free drop-in program for
ages 0-5.
kids MAke thinGs: tree Art
Thursday, April 11, 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 4th Street
Using a variety of techniques, we will pay homage to the humble tree. Make life-
like cherry blossoms with twigs and tissue paper, shadow paintings of trees using
tape and paints, or outline your arm to form a trunk that supports all manner of
leaves. Drop-in event recommended for kids age 5 and up.
sPrinGbrook PArk PreschooL nAture WALk
Friday, April 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
We love our trees! Bring your preschoolers to learn how trees help us, birds,
animals and even plants. Friends of Springbrook Park will lead us on a walk in the
woods to discover trees that help others. Let’s find a special tree to thank with a
great big hug! Exploration buckets are provided. We’ll explore rain or shine, so
dress for the weather. Contact: Laura Tanz, 503-702-7937 or blmjt2205@gmail.
com. Parking: Uplands Grade School, 2055 Wembley Park Rd., Lake Oswego. Park
entrance is behind the playground.
FoothiLLs PArk extrAordinAry tree PLAntinG
Saturday, April 13, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Road
Bring your friends and neighbors to visit an extraordinary tree seedling to be
planted at Foothills Park and celebrate Arbor Week and National Poetry Month.
The tree was grown from a seed that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in
1945 and was brought to Lake Oswego by the One Sunny Day Initiatives Program
through the Green Legacy Hiroshima Project. We will unveil a commemorative
plaque, hear from guest speakers including representatives from the Veterans
Memorial Project and Oregon Poet Laureate Kim Stafford, present the City’s 30
Year Tree City USA Award and enjoy refreshments. Learn more by visiting
glh.unitar.org and www.osdinitiatives.com.
ivy PuLL in WoodMont PArk
Saturday, April 13, 9-11 a.m.
Join Friends of Woodmont Park to remove invasive species that threaten the
native plants. This habitat restoration helps ensure that the native plants thrive.
Native plants provide shelter and food for local birds, animals and pollinators as
well as stabilize the soil. Mother Earth says Thank You! Contact: Heidi Schrimsher,
503-754-6640 or heidigarden@msn.com. Parking: Near the intersection of
Atwater Rd. and Knaus Rd., Lake Oswego. Woodmont Park is down a graveled trail.
CElEbrating 30 yEars
tree city usA
Lake Oswego is celebrating its benchmark 30th year
as a Tree City USA (TCUSA), a certification provided
by the National Arbor Day Foundation to recognize
cities for demonstrating a strong commitment to managing
and caring for trees. Over the last 30 years, Lake Oswego
has met the four TCUSA standards by maintaining a tree
board (the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Advisory Board), a tree ordinance,
a minimum $2 per capita expenditure for tree planting and maintenance, and an
annual celebration and proclamation of Arbor Day. There are currently 66 TCUSA cities
across Oregon and Lake Oswego is one of only 13 to have achieved at least 30 years
of TCUSA designation. In honor of this significant milestone, the National Arbor Day
Foundation presented the City with a crystal award and new street signs! Visit
www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa to learn more.
art ContEst
ALL About douGLAs-Firs!
In celebration of 30 years of Tree City USA status, Arbor Week and National Arbor
Day, the City of Lake Oswego is hosting an art contest for K-8th grade Lake Oswego
students. This year’s theme is all about Douglas-fir, Oregon’s state tree and an iconic
symbol of Lake Oswego. Contestants are invited to create a work of art featuring
Douglas-fir in any way imaginable - from needles and cones to individual trees and
groves, as tiny seedlings or majestic giants, providing food and cover for animals, and
so much more. Draw, color, paint or create a collage representing this splendid species.
Rules to Enter
• One entry per person.
• Any medium on paper.
• Not to exceed 15” x 15” in size and must be able to tape on a wall for display.
• Art should represent Douglas-fir.
• Drop-off your entry on or before National Arbor Day, Friday, April 26th, at either:
the Lake Oswego Public Golf Course, 17525 SW Stafford Road; or the Lake Oswego
Public Library, 706 4th Street.
• Valid entries must include:
• Name and grade on the front-side; and,
• Telephone number, email address, and the name of your Lake Oswego school
on the back-side of your art.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be on display at the Lake Oswego Public Golf Course at 17525 SW Stafford
Road through early May. Art will be judged on creativity and overall design based
on the theme. First, second and third prize winners will be selected in each of three
divisions: K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade, and 6th-8th grade. The judges’ decision is final.
Prizes
Winners will be notified by phone on or before May 10th and prize packs will be
awarded at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market on May 18.
Learn More
Contestants are encouraged to learn more about Douglas-fir trees by
searching the internet, visiting the local library, talking with gardeners
and exploring nature. Consider touring the City’s Heritage Trees, which
include six individual Douglas-firs and two groves of Douglas-firs - for
a brochure, visit www.lakeoswego.city/planning/heritage-tree-
program. Have fun!
For more information on Arbor Week or Urban and Community
Forestry events, visit www.lakeoswego.city/planning/, email
planning@lakeoswego.city, or call 503-635-0290.
ForEstry at thE marKEt
sAturdAy, MAy 18, 8:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.
MiLLenniuM PLAzA PArk, 200 First street
Join us to celebrate forestry at the Farmers’ Market on opening day! Activities include
Urban & Community
Forestry booths and
activities for children and
adults. Spin the prize wheel,
do a craft, watch a tree
pruning demonstration,
receive a free tree seedling,
answer tree trivia, win
raffle prizes and learn about
stewardship opportunities
in your neighborhood. Arbor
Day Art Contest winners will
be announced and prizes
will be awarded. Photo: 2018 contest winners.
Photo: Rendering of Lake Oswego Veterans Memorial.
Information: 503-635-0290
www.lakeoswego.city
trEE CodE
trEE protECtion plan EnhanCEmEnts
The Planning Department is always looking for
ways to improve our customer service experience
and increase the likelihood City codes are
followed. Recently, we added new conditions to
Tree Protection Plans in a format that makes it
clearer for the Builder to know when a certified
arborist is required on a construction site and what
information the arborist should report to the City.
Examples of new Tree Protection Plan conditions
include:
1. Arborist’s Supervision: The arborist shall stop
construction activities under a protected
tree’s dripline when the activities become
detrimental to the health and long-term
viability of the tree;
a. Any tree roots damaged within the
protection zone will be a violation of
the Tree Code and fees of at least $595/
violation will be assessed;
2. Arborist Inspections and Status Reports
required:
a. Arborist Inspections: A certified arborist
shall visit the site:
i. On-call as indicated in the Arborist
report;
ii. When opening or adjusting tree
protection fencing; and,
iii. Twice monthly at a minimum to
inspect tree protection measures
during periods of development activity.
The arborist may modify the frequency
of inspections by documenting periods
of inactivity near a protected tree.
b. Status Reports:
i. The arborist shall document each
site visit in an inspection report and
submit within 7 days of observation to
the City, contractor, and owner which
contains:
1. Description of the condition of the
tree protection measures;
2. Photographs to document
observations and findings;
3. Recommendations for remedial
actions and if they were followed;
4. Periods of inactivity if the
frequency of site inspections were
reduced.
For information about the Tree Code or to find a
Tree Protection application form, please visit the
City’s web site at www.ci.oswego.or.us/planning
or stop by the Planning & Building Services
Department on the 3rd floor of City Hall (380 A
Avenue) to speak with staff: Monday -Tuesday 7:30
a.m. - 3 p.m.; Wednesday 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. or
Thursday - Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WorKshop sEriEs
For the 13th consecutive year, the City is pleased
to offer a series of free Urban and Community
Forestry Workshops for the public. Please call 503-
635-0290 or email planning@lakeoswego.city for
free registration. This year’s lineup includes:
tree PruninG
Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Foothills
Park Pavilion, 199 Foothills Road.
Understand why, what, and how to prune to
develop healthy, strong, and attractive trees and
shrubs. Explore pruning types, proper cutting tools
and techniques, and tree responses to pruning.
Bring pruning tools, if you have them, and wear
appropriate clothing for working outside in this
hands-on workshop led by ISA Board Certified
Master Arborist Damon Schrosk of Treecology, Inc.
Refreshments will be provided.
nAtive And invAsive tree identiFicAtion WALkinG tour
Saturday, August 3, 10 – 11:30 a.m., meet at
Forest Hills Elementary School, 1133 Andrews
Road. Identify and discuss common native and
invasive tree species with ISA Board Certified
Master Arborist Todd Prager of Teragan &
Associates on a neighborhood walking tour.
Todd will explain common terms, concepts, and
techniques used in tree identification, and help
you become familiar with how to identify a tree
by looking at leaves, fruit, bark, twigs, and form.
Please wear sturdy shoes and bring your own
water.
other WorkshoPs to be
scheduLed this yeAr:
• Gardening for Pollinators
• Understanding the Tree Code: Removal &
Protection Permits
• Creating Backyard Habitat
• Right Tree in the Right Place: Selection,
Planting and Care
Visit www.lakeoswego.city/planning to learn more
and look for workshop dates to be announced in
monthly HelloLO newsletters.
UpComing
stEWardship
WorK partiEs
Over 600 acres of developed park property, natural
parks and open spaces in the City contribute to
important habitat for plants and animals, watershed and
stormwater management and health, and are places for
the community to connect with nature. To help keep
our parks and open spaces healthy and beautiful, the
City works with a number of fantastic volunteers and
Friends Groups. Upcoming opportunities for you to help
are listed below. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring
gloves and water. Contact Babs Hamachek, Stewardship
Coordinator, at bhamachek@ci.oswego.or.us to learn
more about volunteer opportunities.
• Iron Mountain Park
Sunday, April 7, 1-3 p.m.
Habitat restoration
• Woodmont Park
Saturday, April 13, 9-11 a.m.
Habitat restoration
• Freepons Park
Sunday, April 14, 1-3 p.m.
Habitat restoration
• Springbrook Park
Saturday, April 20, 9-11 a.m.
Build a nature play area. Snacks
provided!
• Southwood Park
Sunday, May 5, 1-3 p.m.
Habitat restoration
trEE CarE &
maintEnanCE
Visit www.lakeoswego.city/trees for seasonal
tree care and maintenance tips. This webpage is
updated quarterly by an ISA Board Certified Master
Arborist. Explore the archives to learn about why
topping trees is bad, why leaves change color in
autumn, the invasive emerald ash borer, preparing
trees for winter, English ivy removal, trees and
turfgrasses, drought stress, new tree selection and
planting, pruning young trees, recognizing tree risk
and tree related storm damage.
hEritagE trEEs
neW story MAP, noW AvAiLAbLe onLine
Visit www.ci.planning.us/planning to explore the new Heritage Trees of Lake Oswego: A Story Map. Scroll through
the pages to learn about the City’s Heritage Tree Program, use the custom web map to search for Heritage Trees by
common name or street address, click on trees in the map for photographs and additional information, or download
a nomination form and learn about the designation criteria and process. The Story Map also includes a recommended
bike route to explore the City’s 38 Heritage Trees on two wheels, as well as neighborhood walking tours.
one heritAGe tree Lost, one GAined
In the same week the City said goodbye to one living legacy, the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Advisory
Board (PNAB) welcomed a new one. The 140-year-old iconic elm tree on First Street between B and C Avenues was
removed near the end of February after the trunk split in two and one of its large branches failed onto the adjacent
building. It will continue to be listed as a Heritage Tree and wood salvaged during the removal efforts may be used
by a local artist to create memorabilia that can be displayed and promoted through the Heritage Tree Program. That
same week, PNAB designated a 46-inch diameter Oregon white oak located at 1127 Cedar Street as a Heritage Tree.
A plaque will be installed soon.
bike ride PLAnned For sePteMber 14, 2019
The Heritage Tree Bike Ride is a great opportunity to enjoy some of the City’s oldest, grandest trees with neighbors,
family and friends. During the ride, we’ll take a rest break and enjoy refreshments while we learn more about our
Heritage Trees from the City’s contract arborist. All experience levels are welcome. Don’t miss the fun! The route
map, event times and registration details will be available soon.
Photo by Shyanne Bonwell,
2018 Photo Contest.