Trees—we have so many in Lake Oswego, (an estimated 60,000 just on our streets alone!) we tend to take them for granted. That is, until they start putting on showy displays like the Japanese Cherry blossoms lining our streets right now. Or when the City of Lake Oswego celebrates Arbor Week April 1-7 with more than a half-dozen special events.

This year the city has one more reason to celebrate after being named the 2018 Tree City of the Year by the Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon Community Trees.

While Lake Oswego’s contract arborist Morgan Holen considers the award an honor and a surprise she has a hunch as to why the award went to Lake Oswego this year. “I think it’s the fun and creative ways the City celebrates urban forestry and the variety of efforts to promote education, dialogue, and voluntary stewardship over the years that led to this award,” she explains.

This year’s lineup of Arbor Week activities speaks to just that. Take advantage of one of these opportunities, learn more about the city’s forestry plan or sign up for a stewardship opportunity.

OREGON TREE CITY OF THE YEAR AWARD PRESENTATION AND STAFFORD GROVE TREE PLANTING. Join Lake Oswego staff and neighbors from the First  Addition/Forest Hills Neighborhood Associations to plant a commemorative tree in honor of being named the 2018 Oregon Tree City of the Year. Enjoy cake and coffee afterwards. Monday, April 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Stafford Grove Park, 1061 Sunningdale Road.

GARDEN BABIES. Enjoy sensory garden-based activities with your preschoolers while strolling around Luscher Farm. Hear a story about trees and check out the Heritage Trees. Wednesday, April 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road.

RECYCLED POTS AND SEED STARTER NECKLACES for grades 6-8. Dennis’ 7 Dees will provide the supplies and instruction to help your kids get your garden started early. Thursday, April 5 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Library, 706 Fourth Street.

PRESCHOOL NATURE WALK: CELEBRATE HEALTHY TREES.  Discovery buckets and exploration tools will be provided as children play healthy tree bingo as they walk through the park. Geared for ages 2-6 but all welcome. Friday, April 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Springbrook Park. Entrance at Uplands Elementary School, 2055 Wembley Park Road.

SEED THE WORLD AROUND YOU for grades K-5. Kids will learn how to make seed balls for planting in the garden at home or scattered in the wild. Supplies will be provided, but be prepared to get dirty. Saturday, April 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

ARBOR DAY ART CONTEST. Tree themed entries that celebrate the city’s designation as Oregon’s Tree City of the Year are welcome from students in grades K-8. Three prize winners will be announced in each of three divisions. Deadline is National Arbor Day, April 27. Read here for further details.

FORESTRY AT FARMERS MARKET. Take part in forestry activities on opening day at the Lake Oswego Farmers Market. Watch a pruning demonstration, receive free tree seedlings, participate in activities for kids and adults. Saturday, May 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park, First and Evergreen.

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