The Yellow Emperor team spent an afternoon volunteering with Friends of Trees, a local non-profit organization dedicated to planting and maintaining trees in urban areas in Eugene. We cared for and maintained 18 trees, along with their companion shrubs such as snowberries and other native plants. It was an enjoyable autumn activity. It was also a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with each other as well as the community.
We spent the afternoon clearing away invasive species, including blackberry and sweet pea. We also cleaned up 2 garbage bags full of trash from the area. For the trees we worked on, this year marked 3 out of the 10 years it takes to help a planted tree establish itself. Our care and maintenance work will help ensure the planted trees’ survival in the years to come.The area where we worked was a space between a freeway and a residential neighborhood. Therefore, planting and caring for trees in the space helps reduce the noise from the freeway. Additionally, since trees and plants are a part of natural filtration, they also help reduce the amount of chemical runoff from vehicles and the road to our waterways.We are thankful for the folks at Friends of Trees and their continued work in our community.
