Oregon Community Trees Gives Grants to La Grande to Boost Oregon Arbor Month
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from the Oregon Department of Forestry) Oregon Community Trees (OCT) has awarded La Grande and five other Oregon communities a total of almost $3,000 to help them boost their Oregon Arbor Month events. During the month of April, Oregonians across the state celebrate their community trees and the many benefits they bring.
“These grants help smaller communities achieve a lot of what they hope to do during Arbor Month, from planting trees to engaging youth in tree-related education and activities,” said Morgan Holen, Chair of OCT’s Grants Subcommittee.
To be eligible for a grant, a community must be a Tree City USA. To become a Tree City USA, communities must meet requirements for having basic tree-care policies and management in place. About 70 Oregon communities meet this standard.
Few Oregon cities have enjoyed Tree City USA status as long as La Grande, at 33 years. This year the City is receiving $395 for prizes to give to winners of the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest for fourth and fifth-grade students. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department will host a field day for the participating classes with tree-themed presentations and activity stations, ending with the announcement of the poster contest winners. All 200-plus posters will be displayed at La Grande’s public library throughout April to celebrate Oregon Arbor Month.
Since 2014, OCT has awarded 56 grants to 39 different Oregon Tree City USA communities.
