By Karen Wells | CNA Media Team
Calling all hands! Our Fernhill Park Tree Inventory is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The Concordia Tree Team needs your help for both.
All hands are welcome. Young people, adults, kids and seniors are needed to measure, map and record information about the trees of Fernhill Park. Each new set of hands will be paired with a trained team leader from Portland Parks and Recreation/Urban Forestry and/or Concordia Tree Team member.
Register for both dates at PortlandOregon.gov.
You will need to bring: Your enthusiasm and team spirit, water, layered clothing for cool mornings/hot afternoon), cell phone, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and backpack for miscellaneous items.
Your team leader will provide: a yellow vest to wear at all times, information and supplies/materials.
Information you will record: tree location, name, height, diameter, crown or width and condition.
You will get: Some walking exercise, new information about trees and a good feeling knowing you’ve helped your urban environment be more sustainable for future generations.
Past generations did not see the social, environmental or local climate benefits of the area now known as Fernhill Park. At the beginning of the 20th century, the surrounding areas were farms with dirt roads traversing the interior. A dump occupied the area.
In 1940, the city started buying land for public parks and, in 1956, changed the name from Ainsworth Park to Fernhill Park with a size of almost 27 acres.
Concordia Tree Team member Barbara Wharton has been a tree team member since she moved to the neighborhood in 2008. She has enjoyed learning about park tree health concerns and building community while advocating for the green canopy of Concordia.
Learn more by visiting The Concordia Tree Team Facebook page.
Karen Wells is a retired early childhood community educator, health and safety trainer.