Vancouver-Clark Washington Parks & Recreation: Urban Forestry

NeighborWoods Stewards receive free education from local arboriculture experts on such topics as tree identification, tree biology, proper tree care, Vancouver tree regulations, tree planting, natural area restoration, nursery tree production and the benefits of trees. After the training, the NeighborWoods Stewards will be equipped to take on the task of spreading accurate information about trees to their own neighborhoods. NeighborWoods Stewards volunteer to conduct a tree planting or tree-related education project in exchange for the training and education they receive. The Urban Forestry staff will offer guidance and assistance throughout the project.

Click here to download the NeighborWoods application.

If you are thinking a year ahead, sow a seed.
If you are thinking ten years ahead, plant a tree.
If you are thinking one hundred years ahead, educate the people.
— Chinese Poet, 500 BC

The need for more urban forestry education is documented in the City of Vancouver's Urban Forestry Work Plan. The plan identifies individual citizens as major players in the implementation of the work plan because the city depends on property owners to care for trees on their private property as well as the trees in the right-of-way adjoining their property. Fully two-thirds of Vancouver's existing tree cover is on private property. However, property owners have very limited knowledge of tree regulations or tree management. Evidence of mismanaged trees is visible all over the city: it is estimated that at least 30% of Vancouver's street trees have been topped; many trees have been unnecessarily removed and have not been replanted; trees are planted in inappropriate locations; many trees do not receive adequate watering, pruning and other care.

Trees provide important environmental, social and economic benefits to all of us. To better integrate property owners in the management of the urban forest, they need to understand the various aspects of urban forestry management and tree care. By understanding the benefits of and threats to the urban forest, the resources available, and the roles of the many partners, property owners can make better tree care decisions as well as be advocates for the trees in their communities.

Call (360) 619-1108 for details.

NeighborWoods is coordinated by the Urban Forestry Division of Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation. Partners include Friends of Trees, Clark Public Utilities, Emerald Tree, Teragan & Associates, and Collier Arbor Care.