In several ways, over the years, I have been the fortunate recipient of the offerings of OUR Community Forestry, and I am taking this moment to share the most recent, uplifting experience.

After the Almeda Fire, Mike Oxendine, in collaboration with Plant Oregon, who received an anonymous donation, an opportunity presented through the grant, 100 Trees for Talent, offering trees to residents who’d otherwise be unable to afford them. My partner and I were thrilled to be selected to receive several trees, which we have been enjoying and caring for over the last couple of years. They have been particularly healing after the tremendous loss of tree canopy in Talent after the Almeda Fire of 2020.

When Mike was helping us select tree species and locations in our yard, he glanced over at our dear next door neighbor’s front yard and suggested I let them know about the grant, and encourage them to apply. I did exactly that, and they, too, now have two beautiful trees gracing their front yard, offering more shade with each year’s growth! It is a pure joy to see the trees getting established and bringing their positive offerings to our neighborhood. The benefit of the shade they provide during the hottest days is heavenly! Their beauty, expressed through each season, especial in the Autumn, is something I look forward to on a daily basis. The birds have discovered them as well, and that warms my heart!

About a year ago, while visiting with my neighbor, she mentioned wishing she could remove a large stump in her front yard that was left when a dying Mulberry tree needed to be removed many years ago. Additionally, there were tree limbs in the back and side of her property that were in need of significant pruning away from the roof. I suggested she send a message to Mike to find out if this would be the sort of project OURCommunityForestry would take on, and he promptly responded with a hearty, “Yes!”

Last week, the project took place, and neither my neighbor, nor I, could have imagined the transformation that occurred, nor the extra surprises of support along the way. Not only did Mike and his co-worker, Megan, remove the stump, they climbed into the two huge Mulberry trees in their back yard, and transformed the entire space with the skillful, artistic, professional pruning, freeing the roofline from tree limbs, opening up space for bits of blue sky and Sun to shine through while maintaining the incredible shade canopy offered by those beautiful trees. It was breathtaking to witness! They also pruned the Walnut tree limbs that were resting on their rooftop, taking them up to about 8 feet above the roofline. Perhaps one of the most delightful surprises was that they brought a wood chipper, painted by a high school student with a fantastic dragon design, to chip up all the material cut from the trees. There was enough to offer a thick covering for their entire front yard, a wonderful use of the pruned material from the trees. Additionally, another wonderful surprise involved the offer to bring gravel for two desired pathways in the front yard; one leading from the sidewalk to the front entrance, and the other running alongside the driveway to step onto when getting in and out of vehicles.

All of this work was completed in a week’s time, and with such joy and ease, it was inspiring! It is always wonderful to witness how OurCommunityForestry steps into neighborhoods and offers support to those who would otherwise be unable to afford such transformations, beautification, and tree maintenance. The work they do not only benefits those of us fortunate enough to receive it, it also benefits the entire neighborhood and community and, most importantly, future generations! It also serves to connect neighbors and build community. One nearby neighbor’s young child was fascinated by the “dragon” chipper so she and her Mom sat in our front yard, with earplugs, watching Mike and Megan feed the dragon wood. So sweet!

With all my heart, I give thanks for this good work, and to Mike and Megan for all you do. Thank you, also, for your joyful hearts and your kindness. You are truly and dearly appreciated!

One day, I still want to have little signs near each tree planted in my yard through the 100 Trees for Talent grant, so long after I am gone, those who come after me will appreciate the special blessing of these trees.

Thank you, OUR Community Forestry! Oh, and thank you for the cool t-shirts with your wonderful logo! My partner was jealous and wants one, too!