Fueled by hot coffee and Voodoo doughnuts, nearly 50 volunteers braved a rain-soaked Saturday morning to help install over 1,400 native trees and shrubs along the Trolley Trail in Oak Grove. Friends of Trees served as hosts for the neighborhood planting event thanks to a shared funding partnership between Clackamas County Soil and Water Conservation District, North Clackamas Parks and Rec District, and Oak Lodge Sanitary District. Additional community support came from nearby Oak Grove neighbors, North Clackamas Urban Watersheds Council, Marathon Education Partners, and Cub Scout Pack 214.
Creative plant delivery!
Planting along an extended stretch of bicycle pathway can present some logistical challenges. However, the clever folks at Friends of Trees brought along their bicycle trailers to help transport plants and tools along the trail! All of the plants installed are native to the Willamette Valley, including Oregon white oak, valley ponderosa pine, cascara, and Oregon grape, and will provide habitat for native wildlife and pollinators. For instance, local hummingbirds will have plenty of foraging options thanks to the numerous red-flowering currant shrubs installed along the trail.
Community-based planting events, such as those offered by Friends of Trees, are a great way to meet your neighbors and get involved in local stewardship activities. Based on the smiles, laughter, and offers of free hot chocolate from adjacent property owners, we would say this was definitely a community success story!
