Next phase of project boosting Lents neighborhood’s tree canopy is underway

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The second phase of a project that aims to boost Portland’s tree canopy is underway.

“Trees in the Curb Zone” has added 15 trees to the Lents neighborhood so far this year. The joint pilot project from the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation and the Bureau of Environmental Services specifically targeted Southeast Duke Street, from Southeast 82nd Avenue to Southeast 94th Avenue.

Although a 2023 study found that local tree canopy has been on the decline across the city, the Lents neighborhood was specifically identified as an area with few street trees and a lack of space to plant more.

Portland agencies plan to launch the next steps of the pilot project this spring, with design development and outreach to the community members in the other targeted areas. Southeast 87th Avenue near Lents Park, and Southeast Steele Street and 101st Avenue near Lent Elementary School and Bloomington Park, are the sites being considered for the second phase.

Construction crews could begin adding planting space in the areas as soon as this summer.

According to PBOT Transportation Director Millicent Williams, the ongoing project offers neighborhoods more shade and “beautification” while also mitigating the effects of climate change.

“A thriving urban forest is essential to the health and well-being of our communities,” PP&R Director Adena Long added. “PP&R and our Urban Forestry team are committed to growing and caring for our tree canopy so every Portlander benefits from the cleaner air, lower temperatures, and habitat trees provide.”

Additionally, the Portland chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar International is slated to present the “Trees in the Curb Zone” project with its “Innovative Transportation Solutions” award this month.