For More Information Contact:
Michelle Baumann, 484-2411 ext. 3315
Eugene Water & Electric Board

April 2, 2008

Volunteers, EWEB to plant trees in Whiteaker Neighborhood

The Eugene Water & Electric Board will help plant several “power friendly” trees on Saturday (April 5) at the new intersection of Eighth and Blair in the Whiteaker neighborhood to kick off Oregon’s Arbor Week.

The event is a joint project between EWEB, the Eugene Tree Foundation and the City of Eugene.

“We are excited to participate in Arbor Week because of the amount of plants we get to contribute to the community,” says Ron Dyer, EWEB’s arborist. “At the same time, we want to encourage people to plant species that are appropriate and safe for under or near power lines.”

Thanks in part to a grant from the City of Eugene’s NeighborWoods Program, EWEB is donating trees and shrubs as part of its “Right Tree, Right Place” campaign to encourage the planting of species that don’t conflict with power lines and to help beautify the community during Arbor Week, which in Oregon is the first full week in April.

A total of seven trees and nearly 600 shrubs will be planted.

“NeighborWoods grants are used to help build community rapport and give neighbors the opportunity to beautify where they live,” said Jackie Hallett, City of Eugene volunteer program supervisor. “The new trees and pants will be welcoming additions to other enhancements in the area like new tile art on the sidewalks.”

Volunteers are invited to gather from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the intersection of Eighth and Blair to help plant trees and shrubs.

National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April, but each state chooses its own day or week.

EWEB will also donate trees to Specialized Advocacy, a local organization that provides support for young adults with disabilities on Friday, April 18, and at Eugene’s Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 19.