Portland Celebrates a Tree-mendous 2025 Arbor Day
- Portland Observer
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Honoring Local Tree Champions and Celebrating Environmental Justice
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)’s Urban Forestry division marked a successful 2025 Portland Arbor Day celebration with a vibrant, family-friendly event centered on community, learning, and environmental stewardship.
Held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Sacajawea Head Start in the heart of the Cully neighborhood, this year’s Arbor Day event brought together neighbors, environmental organizations, and community leaders to celebrate Portland’s trees and the people who care for them.
Each year, Portland Arbor Day moves to a different neighborhood to highlight the city's diverse tree canopy and recognize local efforts to grow and care for it. In partnership with leadership from Sacajawea Head Start, the 2025 celebration welcomed autumn with a day full of activities, learning, and hands-on stewardship for learners, their families, and Cully neighbors.
This year’s Arbor Day featured a ceremony for the recipients of the 2025 Bill Naito Community Trees Awards, a highlight of the day.
2025 Bill Naito Community Trees Award Winners named in honor of Bill Naito (1925–1996) — civic leader, philanthropist, and founder of Portland’s Urban Forestry Commission — the awards recognize individuals and groups making outstanding contributions to Portland’s urban forest.
The Individual Award goes to Dr. Vivek Shandas. For nearly a decade of service on the Urban Forestry Commission (2015–2023) and for his groundbreaking research on the link between tree canopy, urban heat, and public health.
Dr. Shandas is a Professor of Geography and Director of the Sustaining Urban Places Research (SUPR) Lab at Portland State University. His work has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, OPB, and other national outlets.
“Professor Shandas has documented and publicized the importance of trees to the urban environment,” wrote nominator Marita Ingalsbe. “His research has contributed to a new understanding of the connection between urban tree canopy and the effects of climate change.”
The Group Award goes to the Morning Star Baptist Church for transforming a 15,000 square foot asphalt parking lot into a lush, accessible green space in the Cully neighborhood.
“Morning Star’s work exemplifies environmental justice and community-driven change,” said Nik Desai, a PP&R Urban Forestry staff member. “They’ve turned concrete into community, expanding the urban canopy where it's needed most.”
Other Portland Arbor Day Event Highlights Included tree planting. Volunteers planted 15 young trees at Sacajawea Head Start, bringing more shade, cleaner air, and beauty to the neighborhood.
Yard Tree Giveaway: Over 300 trees were distributed to residents for planting in their yards.
Community booths: Guests connected with local organizations including Multnomah County REACH, Greater Northwest Community Health Collective, Verde NW, Oregon WIC, Portland Public Schools Early Learners, Cully Association of Neighbors, and the Multnomah County Library. Families enjoyed tree-themed games, crafts and book exchange, storytelling, and tasty local food.
Education: Visitors explored Portland’s Tree Inventory Dashboard and Tree Inventory Map, learning more about public trees in city parks, streets, and the newly updated Portland Urban Forest Plan.
The celebration featured the Portland Arbor Day Proclamation and recognized the city’s continued status as a Tree City USA for the 48th consecutive year.
Continue celebrating Arbor Day this season with free trees. Register here for up to three free yard trees. You are encouraged to register soon as spots are filling up quickly!