Seeing the History for the Trees

Just as we celebrate and preserve historic buildings, Portlanders also celebrate and preserve our trees, although not always for the same reasons. Regardless of why we appreciate them, trees are part of the city’s vast cultural landscape. From oaks that predate the city to the rare experiments of horticulturists, Portland’s Heritage Tree program protects over 300 remarkable specimens that represent the work of past individuals. Please join us as David-Paul B. Hedberg shares fascinating stories of Portland’s heritage trees and the changing styles in tree planting throughout Portland’s history.

David-Paul B. Hedberg is an environmental historian and member of Portland’s Heritage Tree Committee. A fifth-generation Oregonian, he specializes in place-based history; working with individuals, firms, museums, parks, and government institutions in the craft of historical research, project design, and storytelling. You can download his book From Stumptown to Treetown: Interpreting Portland’s History through its Heritage Trees from Portland Parks & Recreation.

This lecture program is held at the Architectural Heritage Center - 701 SE Grand Avenue

Seating is Limited. Pre-Registration is Highly Recommended.

Parking is on-street (free on Saturdays) or in the parking lot on the west side of Grand Avenue between SE Yamhill and Belmont Streets - just to the north of the Urbanite. Thank you to Bolliger and Sons Insurance for sharing their lot with us for our evening and Saturday education programs.

Image: Trees and Streetcar along Glisan Street, 1911 postcard, City of Portland Archives, A2004-002.3655.