This Tree Stewardship class that I'm taking is fascinating. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in knowing more about good tree management (at least in the urban environment) and tree biology. I always knew that trees were important to the environment, but I didn't realize *how* important. Our goals to reduce carbon emissions and have clean waters and soils in the future are dependent on maintaining the urban canopy in Portland. Our elms on Omaha Avenue are *key* to a clean future.
Last Saturday our class was held at the Hoyt Arboretum where we had this wonderful tour of some of the hardwoods (birch, maples) by the director of the place. Hoyt has over 8,000 trees representing about 1,000 different species from around the world. We learned a little about tree biology, including the key things about trees: they don't heal from wounds like humans, but instead compartmentalize their owies (CODIT)
We got to hear professional arborists talk about prudent pruning methods and how not to prune trees and more importantly, why trees fail. It was a great way to spend a Saturday - David and I loved it so much that we went back on our own Sunday (with the dog!) and went for another walk through the conifers this time and marveled at the amazing array of species right in Portland. With 12 miles of trails, we will go back many times to see it all.
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