Growing a Greener Future: Learning the Art and Science of Urban Forestry with Friends of Trees
- By David Mora, Urban Forestry Coordinator
Urban forestry is about more than planting trees. It is building healthier neighborhoods, creating connections between people and nature, and investing in a greener, more resilient future for our communities. Recently, I had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of urban forestry through Friends of Trees training in Gresham, Oregon, where I learned firsthand how thoughtful planting practices, community partnerships, and hands-on education can make a lasting difference.
As an Urban Forestry Coordinator at Elderberry Wisdom Farm, I understand that every tree we plant represents an investment in the future. From providing shade and improving air quality to supporting biodiversity and helping communities adapt to a changing climate, trees play an essential role in creating healthier places to live. This training was an opportunity to strengthen those skills and learn from experienced professionals who share a commitment to growing a more sustainable community.
Traveling north to Gresham from Salem, I was joined by Joaquin Ocaña, our Native Plant Nursery Coordinator, and Soul Long, Experiential Service Learning Coordinator. The three of us came together to participate in a training hosted by Friends of Trees Portland, bringing our different areas of experience and shared enthusiasm for environmental stewardship into one learning space. Our planting site was Friends of the Children in Gresham, an organization whose community-centered mission made it a meaningful setting for the day’s activities.
Before heading outdoors, we spent several hours indoors participating in inclusivity training and networking with other crew leaders. These conversations were an important reminder that successful urban forestry depends on more than technical knowledge. It also requires creating welcoming spaces where people from different backgrounds can learn, contribute, and feel connected to the work. Inclusivity is an essential part of building strong environmental programs because the benefits of trees should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their neighborhood or circumstances. Networking with other crew leads also gave us an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another’s experiences, and strengthen relationships with people working toward similar goals. These connections help build a stronger community of practice, allowing knowledge and resources to move between organizations and neighborhoods.
After our indoor sessions, the focus shifted from conversation to action. Mario, our Friends of Trees crew leader for the day, took the lead outdoors and guided us through the process of planting a climate-resilient tree native to the dry desert areas close to the Mediterranean. This transition was one of the highlights of the day. The tree we planted offered a tangible example of how thoughtful species selection can contribute to a more resilient
urban canopy.
As our climate continues to change, urban foresters must consider how trees will respond to warmer temperatures, periods of drought, and other environmental stresses. Selecting species suited to challenging conditions can help communities establish trees that are better equipped to thrive over time. Trees like the one we planted with Mario can offer useful examples of adaptation to seasonal dryness and heat, although the success of any species also depends on local conditions, site suitability, and proper care.
Mario walked us through the Friends of Trees planting protocol, explaining why each step matters. We learned that preparing the planting hole is critical to giving a tree a strong start. The hole should be approximately 2.5 to 3 times the width of the tree’s root ball, allowing the surrounding soil to be loosened and making it easier for roots to establish themselves beyond the original container or root mass. Mario shared a lot of useful tips, such as scoring the sides of the planting hole or making sure the root flair is right at the soil line. Another important tip Mario shared is to take in the area that you are planting the tree, does it make more sense for the branches of the tree to go one way or another based on car or foot traffic, buildings and other obstacles, etc.
We also learned about the importance of safety while installing tree stakes. Mario emphasized wearing a helmet when driving the stakes into the ground to help protect planters from potential injury during the process. Once installed, stakes can stabilize a newly planted tree against strong winds while its root system becomes established. Proper staking, like every other part of the planting process, requires care and attention to ensure the tree receives support without unnecessary restriction. These practical lessons reinforced an important principle: planting a tree is not simply about getting it into the ground. It is about giving that tree the best possible chance to survive and establish healthy roots so it can contribute to the landscape for years to come.
For me, this training was more than learning a set of planting techniques. It was an opportunity to connect the science of urban forestry with the people and partnerships that make community-based environmental work possible. Sharing this experience with Joaquin and Soul highlighted the value of collaboration across different environmental education and stewardship roles. From native plants and nursery operations to experiential learning and urban tree planting, our work intersects in meaningful ways. By continuing to learn together, we can bring new knowledge and stronger practices back to the communities we serve.
I am grateful to Mario for sharing his expertise and guiding us through the Friends of Trees protocol, and to Friends of Trees Portland for hosting a day centered on learning, inclusion, and collaboration.
As I continue my work as an Urban Forestry Coordinator, I will carry these lessons forward, remembering that every successful planting begins with preparation, grows through proper care, and becomes more meaningful when a community comes together around it. With the right knowledge, dedicated partners, and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, we can keep growing a greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient future for everyone.
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