City hopes to cool Portland's neighborhoods with tree giveaway

PORTLAND, Ore. — This summer's historic and deadly heat dome highlighted some ecological issues in the city of Portland.

People living in neighborhoods with fewer trees were more susceptible to heat-related illness. That's why for Portland Parks and Recreation's annual tree giveaway, the city is telling people in Southeast Portland to pick up some trees and improve Portland's urban forest.

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"This summer, it was hit. We had record-breaking temperatures. And to reverse that trend, one of the answers is trees," said Molly Wilson, a community tree planting specialist with Portland Parks and Rec. "That is preserving large trees and planting new trees. By allowing folks to come and get new trees for their yard, they can help in that effort. So, plant trees, cool the city, shade us in our homes, all those things."

Tree giveaways are scheduled for every other Saturday through the end of November. Registration is required in advance.