2025 Workshop Series

The City is pleased to offer a series of free Urban and Community Forestry Workshops for the public. Dates and locations are subject to change. Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited with preference given to Lake Oswego residents. Please visit https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/formslf/PlanningWorkshops or call 503-635-0290 for free registration (unless otherwise specified below).

TREE PRUNING
Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 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. This workshop is led by ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Rick Till. Capacity is limited to 40 participants. Register now!

TREE PLANTING WORKSHOP
Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Foothills Park Pavilion, 199 Foothills Road
Learn what the City is doing to prepare for the arrival of Emerald ash borer, an invasive insect pest that threatens all ash tree species, and practice proper tree planting techniques while we install a variety of native tree species to help replace the inevitable loss of the ash tree canopy in Foothills Park. Dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes. This workshop is led by Parks and Recreation staff. Capacity is limited to 25 participants. Register now!

TREE REMOVAL PERMITS
Thursday, May 29 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, or sign-up for remote access to view the presentation online
Learn about the City’s tree code requirements for tree removal permits. This workshop will explore Lake Oswego Code Section 55.02 Tree Removal, including tree code definitions and criteria for issuance of dead, hazard, emergency, Type I, Type II, and Minor and Major Forest Management permits, and demonstrate how to properly complete a Type II Application Checklist. This workshop is led by Daphne Cissell, Associate Planner in the Planning & Building Services Department, along with the City’s Contract Arborist, Morgan Holen. Capacity is limited to 30 participants in-person, or select Zoom registration for remote access. Click here to register for In-person participation. Click here to register for virtual participation. 

OREGON WHITE OAK TREE SURVEY TRAINING
Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., East Waluga Park Picnic Shelter, 15505 Quarry Road
If you like Oregon white oaks, don’t miss this chance to participate in a community science project! The Oswego Lake Watershed Council (OLWC) has developed a simple tool for trained participants to survey Oregon white oaks throughout the City. Locating trees and collecting data on their size, condition and overall health helps to inform management decisions. While the City is undertaking an inventory of trees on City owned and managed properties, residents can work with OLWC to help us all develop a better understanding of the urban forest. Participants will gather at the picnic shelter for a brief introduction and follow along as the workshop hosts demonstrate how to use the survey tool and collect tree data, then set out to survey oaks throughout East Waluga Park with the hosts there to assist and answer questions. After the workshop, you’ll be trained to survey oaks on your own property or your neighbors’ with their permission and a signed agreement provided by OLWC. This workshop is led by OLWC Project Coordinator, Rio Hybert, with assistance from the City’s contract arborist. Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited to 30 participants. Registered participants will receive an e-mail a few days prior to the event with background information to review and instructions for downloading the survey tool to your phone or tablet. Please bring your charged device and wear close-toed shoes. Register for this workshop led by Oswego Lake Watershed Council at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesd_cPmMeHGn99SL5eYQYZm1GB3JvQJWiK6_IIHjvlQhF_nA/viewform

PREPARING FOR EMERALD ASH BORER
June 28 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Foothills Park Pavilion, 199 Foothills Road
The invasive pest emerald ash borer (EAB) arrived in Oregon nearly two summers ago in Forest Grove, just 30 miles northwest of Lake Oswego. This tiny green insect has the potential to wipe out native and non-native ash in only a few years if left untreated. Join ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Christine Johnson of Todd Prager & Associates to learn about the invasive pest and how to prepare for its future establishment in our area. Capacity is limited to 30 participants. Register now!

TREE SPECIES IDENTIFICATION
July 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street, meet at Park Shelter #2
Identify and discuss common native and invasive tree species with ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Todd Prager of Todd Prager & Associates on a walking tour through George Rogers Park. 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. Capacity is limited to 40 participants. Register now!

TREE PROTECTION PLANS AND TREE CODE VIOLATIONS
August date T.B.D. from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, or sign-up for remote access to view the presentation online.
Learn about the City’s tree code requirements to protect trees while constructing permitted development, and how these requirements are enforced and violations are investigated. This workshop will explore Lake Oswego Code Section 55.08 Tree Protection, including tree code definitions, prohibited activities, tree protection plan requirements and tree protection standards. We’ll also discuss tree code violations and penalties. This workshop is led by Senior Code Enforcement Specialist Bill Youngblood and Code Enforcement Specialist Kelly Bowie from the City’s Planning & Building Services Department. The City’s Contract Arborist Morgan Holen will also be on-hand. Capacity is limited to 30 participants in-person, or select Zoom registration for remote access. Click here to register for In-person participation. Click here to register for virtual participation. 

CREATING BACKYARD HABITAT
September 27 from 9 to 11 a.m. Tryon Creek State Natural Area Classroom, 11321 SW Terwilliger Boulevard
Join Friends of Tryon Creek to learn about creating natural habitat in your own yard for native flora and fauna and consider the benefits of Backyard Habitat Certification. The Backyard Habitat Certification Program is conducted in partnership with Audubon Society of Portland and Columbia Land Trust to support urban gardeners and their efforts to create and enhance native habitats. Includes an indoor presentation and outdoor demonstration. Capacity is limited to 25 participants. Register now!