MLK day of service: community boosts Eugene's urban forest

Neary 80 Parks and Open Space volunteers braved the frosty conditions to help plant more than 100 native trees and shrubs in the Whilamut Natural Area for January's MLK Day of Service event.

Thanks to City of Eugene partners Recreation and River House Outdoor Center for helping make this event a success.

Our Ecological Services team and Volunteer Program are giving a big boost to our natural areas this winter, planting more than 600 native trees and shrubs!

Tree plantings in natural area portions of Bethel, Bertelsen and Irwin parks are helping us make progress toward the City's climate action goals. Targeted plantings along waterways such as the Willamette River, Tugman Creek, Amazon Creek and the A-2 Channel help meet riparian planting goals.

Species planted include Oregon White Oak, California Black Oak, Bigleaf Maple, Alder, Hawthorn, Western Crabapple, Cottonwood, Cascara, Chokecherry, Ninebark, Nootka Rose and Spirea.

In partnership with Xerces Society, the team established three specialized pollinator pods at Tugman, Hendricks and the Whilamut Natural Area. These unique installations will be monitored through June, providing valuable data about urban pollinator habitat success.

Together, we're increasing the city's tree canopy and enhancing climate resilience-one tree at a time.