The National Arbor Day Foundation named Vancouver a Tree City USA for the 36th consecutive year. “This continued acknowledgment shows our commitment to ongoing community programs for planting and properly caring for trees,” Vancouver’s urban forester Charles Ray said in a news release. “As a regional climate leader, we support improving the health of our natural systems, increasing our community’s tree canopy and enhancing our quality of life.” Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle will accept the award at the city’s Arbor Day celebration. It begins at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum, 9215 S.E. Evergreen Highway. After the ceremony, residents are invited to help plant the Arbor Day tree, an Oregon white oak, as well as pollinator-friendly, hardy native species, including Oregon sunshine (eriophyllum), lupine and Douglas aster, said Nicole Walters of the city’s public works department.

Throughout the month of April, an exhibit at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 N.E. 136th Ave., features information on the importance of Vancouver’s tree canopy, as well as fun facts about tree species. Additionally, two pop-up arboretums will be on display at Arnada Park, 610 E. 25th St., and Clearmeadows Park, 17700 N.E. 24th St. Vancouver’s urban forestry team has been especially busy in recent months. In February, the team canvassed areas scheduled for future pavement work to evaluate existing tree health and identify areas where new trees could be planted. Additional surveys in March further evaluated and mapped all trees and available planting sites in right-of-way areas and the city’s parks. According to the city, this information is now being used to guide its tree canopy management, reduce risks and prepare for any threats to its urban forest. Those attending the Arbor Day event can learn more about the program and how to volunteer for future tree-planting events. “Our trees provide shade for our neighborhoods, clean our air and water, and enhance the quality of life for all of us,” Ray said.

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