The BRANCH Coalition

Verde is a partner in the BRANCH Coalition, a regional effort working to expand access to trees and green spaces in communities across the Portland metro area.

In 2023, the 11-member coalition, led by Friends of Trees, received a $12 million Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Inflation Reduction Act. Over five years, the funding will support tree planting, community education, and other efforts to bring the benefits of urban forests to neighborhoods that have historically had less tree canopy and are more exposed to heat, pollution, and other environmental hazards.

The coalition brings together community-based organizations, local governments, and environmental partners, including APANO, Black Parent Initiative, the City of Gresham, the City of Portland, Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Connecting Canopies, Depave, POIC, Verde, and Wisdom of the Elders.

Together, BRANCH partners are working to:

  • Expand access to trees and green spaces through tree planting and other community-led projects.

  • Share knowledge about the benefits of urban trees, including their role in reducing heat, improving air quality, and supporting healthier neighborhoods.

  • Build lasting relationships with communities so that investments in urban forestry reflect the priorities, experiences, and needs of the people who live there.

For Verde, this work is part of a broader commitment to ensuring that communities most impacted by environmental inequities have a meaningful role in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.

Verde’s BRANCH Projects

EQUIPO DE ARBOLES

Verde’s Tree Team worked alongside residents and community members to expand access to trees and green spaces in our neighborhoods. Through tree planting, education, and community engagement, the team helped create cooler, healthier, and more resilient neighborhoods. The work also focused on making sure communities most impacted by heat, pollution, and limited green space had a meaningful voice in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.

VERDE OFFICE MURAL

Verde is partnering with Portland artist Daniel Santollo (TEKPATL) to create an educational mural for the exterior of our office. The mural will celebrate the importance of trees and urban canopy while sharing knowledge about their role in creating healthier and more resilient communities. Through art and education, the project will bring the story of trees to life for everyone who passes by. More photos to come.

TREE WALK WITH LIDERES VERDES

Líderes Verdes recently gathered for a community tree walk offered in both English and Spanish. Participants learned about the trees and green spaces in their neighborhood while connecting, sharing knowledge, and celebrating the importance of urban trees