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Most people can identify a robin or a deer at a glance, yet walk past dozens of trees without noticing them. Scientists call this tendency to overlook plants as active living organisms plant blindness. Our brains often treat trees as scenery rather than as living systems that breathe, communicate and defend themselves, support wildlife, and respond to environmental change. Seeing trees as background objects affects public support for tree protection and urban forestry, since

For much of modern history, forests have often been viewed through an economic lens. Trees become board feet of lumber, sources of pulp, fuel, or land to be cleared for development. While these uses are real and sometimes necessary, they can obscure a more fundamental truth: forests are living communities upon which all life—including our own—depends. Many Indigenous cultures throughout North America have long held a different perspective. Trees, animals, rivers, and even the

For as long as people have told stories, trees have been more than scenery. They have served as meeting places, sources of wisdom, symbols of life, and even characters in their own right. Across cultures and centuries, writers and storytellers have imagined trees as beings with personalities, memories, and intentions. While modern society often treats trees as infrastructure, landscaping, or natural resources, our stories suggest a different understanding—one in which trees a

Spanish, American Sign Language and Japanese language students learned about trees in various languages. Then they walked the Clark College campus with Vancouver's Urban Forester and World Language professors while placing painted rocks under the corresponding trees. “What?” asked a student. “There are different names for trees? I thought they were all just called trees.” This student’s question made me realize what an important assignment this was. We discussed facts about

More duplexes, triplexes, cottage clusters, and townhomes will be appearing in our established neighborhoods as Oregon's middle housing reforms take effect. A single house may be replaced by a duplex. A large lot may become a cluster of cottages. Townhomes will be built where one home once stood. These changes are part of Oregon's middle housing reforms, intended to address the state's housing shortage by allowing more homes in neighborhoods that were once reserved primarily

Artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and online services have become essential parts of modern life. Behind every online search, streamed movie, and AI-generated response is a data center—a massive warehouse filled with servers that store information and perform billions of calculations. As demand for AI and cloud computing accelerates, data centers are being built at an unprecedented rate. While they provide valuable digital infrastructure, they also have environme

Water established trees deeply each month in July and August. It seems like we were just weary of the rain, but suddenly it’s time to start watering our trees. Consistent moisture is critical when establishing new trees, but during long periods without rainfall, even established trees and shrubs can suffer or die without timely irrigation. Over-watering can be just as harmful to tree health as under-watering, especially in clay and compacted soils. Is it time to water? Keep

A lawsuit filed in West Linn could have far-reaching implications for how Oregonians participate in land-use decisions—including projects that affect existing trees and natural areas. The case challenges House Bill 4037, a new state law that took effect on July 1, 2026. Among many housing-related reforms, the law changes how cities review many housing developments that meet "clear and objective" standards. For those projects, local governments generally may no longer hold pub

If you've driven through Washington County recently, you've probably seen it happen. A grove of mature trees stands on a property. The next month, the site has been cleared, leaving bare soil and construction equipment preparing for a new subdivision, apartment complex, commercial building, or middle housing project. For many residents, the question is obvious: Why do so many trees have to come down? The answer is more complicated than it first appears. More Than Just the Bui

As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, Oregonians face increasing risks from both wildfire and wildfire smoke. While we cannot eliminate fire from the landscape, we can take practical steps to protect our trees, homes, and health. The good news is that many of the same actions that improve the health of our landscapes also help reduce wildfire risk. LEARN MORE

Some of your favorite forested places may now lie blackened by wildfire. Perhaps your heart races when you hear about a fire burning nearby. Most of us instinctively fear fire—and for good reason. For thousands of generations, fire posed a direct threat to human survival. It could destroy shelter, consume food supplies, and endanger lives. Even today, the sight of flames and smoke triggers a deeply rooted fight-or-flight response. Because of that instinct, many of us view wil

To many of us, a burned forest looks like a tragedy frozen in time. Blackened trunks, fallen trees, and open hillsides can appear lifeless compared to the dense green forests we are accustomed to seeing. Yet beneath that first impression lies one of nature’s most remarkable stories of renewal. Far from being biological wastelands, most burned forests become hotspots of biodiversity. Fire does not simply destroy life—it creates opportunities for new life, new habitats, and new

For many years, I viewed burned forests with sadness and disappointment. Fire appeared to be an enemy of the forests I loved. Then I encountered the work of forest ecologist Richard Hutto and began learning about the remarkable role fire plays in western forests. What I discovered challenged many of my assumptions. While severe fires can be dramatic and sometimes devastating for people, they are also a natural and essential part of many forest ecosystems. Far from creating bi

Our landscapes are constantly evolving. One of the most striking transformations we’re witnessing is the expansion of wetlands. As these watery habitats grow, trees are often affected—and sometimes displaced. But what does this mean for the ecosystem, and is it a cause for concern? In the not too distant past, wetlands were regarded as wastelands. It was common practice to drain or fill them, thinking that the land was being made more productive. By 1990 more than half of the

Koll Center Wetlands, Photo by Cheryl Ames It’s no accident that Oregon is named “The Beaver State.” Beaver-created wetlands historically laced this entire region. Although nearly half of all wetlands in the mainland US have been destroyed by development, here in Washington County we are lucky to be able to enjoy some remaining wetlands close to home. If you don’t know them already, you have a treat in store. Several wetland preserves offer trails, boardwalks, wildlife viewin

Certain trees have a special love affair with wetlands. Their adaptations make them especially suited for life living with “wet feet.” Unlike trees growing in dry upland forests, many of these trees can tolerate soils with low levels of oxygen, can manage to survive seasonal flooding, and have broad, shallow root systems that anchor them in soft ground. They are likely to have evolved to thrive despite ambitious beavers gnawing them down. All of these qualities in turn help w

A wetland is an ecosystem where land is covered or saturated by water, either permanently or seasonally, including our streams, lakes, marshes and more. They teem with life, even more than you probably imagine, supporting 40% of all plant and animal species on Earth and acting as breeding grounds, nurseries, and stopover points for migratory birds. What do trees have to do with wetlands? Trees are a vital part of healthy wetlands, quietly providing benefits that extend far b

One of the most common complaints from property owners about mature street trees is damage from surface roots. Across Washington County—including communities such as Hillsboro, Beaverton, Sherwood, Tualatin, and Cornelius—local planners, urban foresters, and transportation departments are working to solve this common conflict while preserving the trees that make the region livable. Removing trees to prevent damage has its own costs—and preserving those trees can be a big sav

Understanding how tree roots really work can help us make better decisions about where to plant trees and what to do when they become mature and begin causing problems.

Cracked sidewalks and street trees often get framed as a simple nuisance, but the real issue goes deeper—all the way to the roots. This article explores how tree roots damage pavement, the hidden costs cities face when they respond only after damage appears, and why removing mature trees can be an even more expensive mistake. If sidewalks and urban forests are both essential infrastructure, how do cities help them coexist?