The City of Port Angeles celebrates the success of Saturday’s Arbor Day Celebration and extends a heartfelt “thank you” to the residents and volunteers who joined together to make it possible. Together, we planted 74 new street trees across eight residential neighborhoods.
These trees will grow to expand our city’s urban canopy, providing long term benefits such as cleaner air, improved water quality, and increased property values. They will also help to reduce noise, boost mental and physical wellbeing, and create important habitat for local wildlife.
This event was held as part of the City Shade Street Tree Program. Launched in 2023 in partnership with community member Paul Forrest, “City Shade” has had a major impact. Over the last three years, the program has planted more than 400 street trees in Port Angeles.
“I am so proud of the collaboration that went into this year’s Arbor Day celebration, and the continuation of the City Shade Street Tree Program. Planting trees in the City’s right-of-way provides numerous community benefits, increasing the resiliency of our urban forest and the community at large. It’s a simple gesture that will have lasting impacts on generations to come,” says Natural Resources Administrator Courtney Bornsworth. “A huge shoutout to the Public Works & Utilities and Parks & Recreation Departments; this project would not be successful without their support.”
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
This fall, the City will plant an additional 23 “City Shade” street trees, and we invite you to join us! If you’re interested in volunteering with the program, please contact Courtney Bornsworth at (360) 417-4750 or ced@cityofpa.us.
All volunteers will learn how to properly plant and care for a tree – no prior experience is necessary.
Pictured above: On Saturday, October 25, City Shade Street Tree Program participants learned how to properly plant and care for a tree.
Pictured above: Natural Resources Administrator Courtney Bornsworth demonstrates tree planting techniques to community members.
Pictured above: City of Port Angeles staff with program creator Paul Forrest.