NeighborWoods Looking for Stewards of Eugene's Largest Urban Forest

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~ ~ I. I ~ _ s tj ~ ~ ~ November 15, 2000 CONTACT: Chris Girard, NeighborWoods Program Coordinator, 682-4831 From Public Information Section, 682-5523 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEIGHBORWOODS LOOKING FOR STEWARDS OF EUGENE'S URBAN FOREST The NeighborWoods program is looking for people who are willing to lend a hand to enhance Eugene's urban forest. Winter is the best time to plant trees, and it's also a good time to learn how to care for trees, particularly in the first few years after planting. The City of Eugene provides free trees to people willing to plant the trees on public property and nurture them for at least three years. Many people plant these trees along the street in front of their homes or businesses. A good example of this is a project to plant 50 new trees along Adams Street in the Whiteaker neighborhood this winter. Others make arrangements to plant trees in public parks. For example, neighbors in the vicinity of Westmoreland Park have pledged to plant 100 trees in the park this season. Street trees provide many benefits to property owners and the community. They screen and shade homes, filter air and water, and provide habitat for wildlife. NeighborWoods started in 1992 as a partnership to bring together neighbors, local businesses, and the City of Eugene to plant and care for street trees in the public rights-of-way. Almost 6,000 street trees have been planted since the program was established. There are a limited number of trees available, so interested residents are encouraged to call the NeighborWoods program as soon as possible to get on the list for trees. In addition to providing free trees, the City also offers expert advice on how to take care of street trees. For more information, contact the NeighborWoods program at 682-4831. Public Works • Administration • City of Eugene • 858 Peari Street • Eugene, OR 97401 Phone: (541) 682-5262 • FAX: (541) 682-6826 • www.ci.eugene.or.us