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City forester seeks volunteers for Bend tree inventory
Summary
Bends new city forester asked residents to volunteer for a citywide tree inventory starting in May, recruiting teams of three to collect data using smartphones. Training will be provided and sign-ups are available via a QR code or the city's forestry webpage.
The City forester in Bend asked residents to volunteer for a citywide tree inventory that will begin in May and run through Labor Day or until the data collection is complete. "If you've got a minute, I'd love to talk to you about a project we've got coming up," the City forester said, inviting passersby to join the effort.
The project aims to build an inventory database that will help keep Bend's street trees healthy and guide future plantings. The forester said teams of three will collect information along city streets using only a smartphone and basic training. Volunteers described as "wannabe scientists, tree stewards, and anyone ready to channel their inner tree hugger" were encouraged to sign up.
Training will cover tree identification, assessing tree condition, using the data-collection software, and understanding which trees sit in the public right-of-way. The forester asked volunteers to plan on committing about 2 to 3 hours per week, but said the time commitment can be flexible for vacations or other plans.
Residents can sign up by scanning a posted QR code or by visiting the City's forestry webpage and submitting contact details through the contact form, the forester said. "We're building a team of volunteers to cover every neighborhood in Bend," the forester added.
The forester closed by noting that volunteers' work will help staff take care of existing city trees and identify where new ones should be planted. The announcement did not include funding details or a staff contact name beyond the role of City forester.
