OUR Community Forestry
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OUR Community Forestry
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BRANCHING OUT
Planting Trees, Nuturing Minds
aBOUT THE PROGRAM
Branching Out: Planting Trees, Nurturing Minds is a transformative urban forestry initiative aimed at improving the environmental and educational landscapes of Oregon’s Title 1 K-12 schools. Led by OUR Community Forestry (OURCF), the program plants climate-resilient trees while fostering environmental literacy and workforce development.
Our Mission is to create healthier, greener, and more sustainable school environments by planting 900 large canopy trees across 30 Title 1 schools over three years. Through environmental education, we empower students and communities to become lifelong stewards of the environment.
COre program elements
Tree Planting and Care
The program focuses on planting 900 large canopy trees at 30 schools. Native, climate-resilient tree species adapted to Oregon’s unique conditions are selected, with comprehensive care plans including irrigation, pruning, and disease management ensuring their longevity.
Environmental Education
Environmental education is deeply integrated into the program, offering hands-on learning experiences in ecology and climate resilience. Customized lesson plans, tree inventories, GIS StoryMaps, workshops, and interactive events engage students, teachers, and the broader community.
Workforce Development
Students gain practical skills in urban forestry through internships and training programs. In partnership with Northwest Youth Corps and Project Youth Plus, participants explore careers in the green industry.
Community Engagement
Community engagement is encouraged through volunteer involvement in tree planting and maintenance, while storytelling campaigns, community events, and educational tours promote public awareness and involvement.
WHy it matters
Trees enhance health and wellness by improving air quality, reducing temperatures, and creating calming environments. The program addresses educational equity by providing Title 1 schools with access to green spaces, fostering supportive learning environments. Environmentally, trees sequester carbon, manage stormwater, and enhance biodiversity. Economically, the program’s workforce development component prepares youth for careers in environmental sustainability.
