Urban Forest Outreach Resources

Resources to Help Plant, Protect, and Promote Trees in Milwaukie

Milwaukie Tree Board

Milwaukie's community-led Tree Board serves as the city's advocate for trees. Charged with creating and maintaining a plan for the care of trees and shrubs in the city, the board acts as an advisory body to City Council. Meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of each month from 5:45 PM-7:15 PM. View the city calendar for the latest meeting dates.

Milwaukie Urban Forest Management Plan

Milwaukie’s Urban Forest Plan is an outline for protecting local trees and managing our urban forest. The plan defines several goals, policies, and actions that are essential in maximizing the benefits of Milwaukie’s trees. It also contains household and business strategies for homeowners and organizations to become better tree stewards.

Milwaukie Climate Action Plan

Trees are a critical component in fighting and adapting to climate change. Shading, reflecting the sun’s energy, and sequestering carbon are only a few reasons why we need trees to meet Milwaukie’s climate goals. The Milwaukie Community Climate Action Plan lists multiple city-led tree management actions to take advantage of our urban forest’s climate benefits.

Visit the Climate Action Plan’s Household Actions and Business and Organization Actions webpages to see how trees fit in your home and workplace climate actions!

Branch Out Milwaukie

The first step to a strategic and equitable planting strategy is knowing where you start! Branch Out Milwaukie is an interactive canopy assessment tool that lets you see the current canopy coverage in Milwaukie down to the parcel level. 

External Programs and Resources

Friends of Trees

Friends of Trees is a local nonprofit that plants street and yard trees in the Portland metro area and beyond. Milwaukie residents can sign up to have trees planted in their yards or adjacent parking strips at little to no cost during their annual Milwaukie planting event. Community members can also sign up to volunteer with them to help plant, maintain and lead other voltunteer events. Keep an eye on their calendar to know when to register for the Milwaukie planting event.

Portland Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry

Our neighbors in Portland are working hard to promote trees and healthy canopies. From their tree inventory and pruning programs to community classes, there’s plenty of ways to learn more and get involved in Portland’s urban forests. Visit the involvement page here.

Oregon State University Extension Service – Urban Forestry

Oregon State University has a strong foundation in forestry education. Their Urban Forestry Extension Service website offers forest health and management resources, articles, expert contacts, and program information available to the public.

Portland Backyard Habitat Program

In an increasingly urbanized landscape, yards provide opportunities for valuable pollinator, plant, and wildlife habitat. The Backyard Habitat Program, a collaboration between the Audubon Society of Portland and the Columbia Land Trust, educates and certifies homeowners who transform their lawns into a lush, habitat-filled garden.

Canopy Story

Each tree has a story – Portland State University’s Canopy Story map lets you take a walk through history and learn more about your community’s trees.

Questions? Contact the Urban Forest Department at urbanforest@milwaukieoregon.gov or 503.786.7655