BRANCH Coalition

In 2023, Verde joined the BRANCH Coalition, a group of community organizations, local governments, and environmental partners working together to bring more trees and green space to neighborhoods across the Portland metro area.

Led by Friends of Trees, the coalition received a $12 million Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Inflation Reduction Act. Over five years, this funding will support tree planting, community education, and other efforts.

As a coalition partner, Verde helps center community knowledge and leadership in this work. Together, we're working to make sure that the benefits of trees — including cleaner air, cooler neighborhoods, healthier communities, and more connected green spaces — reach the people and places that need them most.

What the BRANCH Coalition is working toward

  • Growing urban tree canopy by planting trees alongside neighbors and community organizations.

  • Connecting people with the benefits of trees through outreach, education, and community events.

  • Building lasting relationships with community members and organizations to better understand local priorities and invest in solutions that reflect community needs.

  • Advancing environmental justice by directing resources toward communities that have historically had less access to trees and green space and have experienced greater environmental burdens.

Verde’s Work in the Coalition

Providing Environmental Education in Spanish

Verde organizes tree walks and other activities to help community members understand the benefits of trees, spark their curiosity, and improve their ability to identify native plants.

Creating Safe Spaces to Engage in Environmental Activism 

We partner with Friends of Trees to create opportunities for the Latino community to safely participate in planting days. As climate anxiety expands, participating in solutions like planting days can reduce stress and anxiety. 

Connecting Community to Nature Through Art

We are creating a mural in the Cully Neighborhood to utilize art to highlight the benefits of trees. The Cully Neighborhood and East Portland have just 20% tree coverage, significantly less than West Portland (50% tree coverage).