Free Tree Program
Providing Native Plants to Shade Waterways
Update: The Spring 2010 Free Trees are out of stock. Thanks to all who participated! Look for Free Trees to be available again in the Fall and in 2011. The annual Free Tree Program is part of Marion County's ongoing efforts to improve water quality in our local waterways. In 2010, Marion County will offer selected Free Native Trees and Shrubs to property owners and organizations interested in planting along streams and rivers.
How it worksFind a location: Look for waterways lacking shade cover and bank stabilization, and waterways in need of habitat improvement. This could be your own property or public land.
Request Plants: Determine which plant species and the number of plants needed (Maximum of 5) and then contact Matt Knudsen at (503) 365-3187 or mknudsen@co.marion.or.us .Plant Pick-Up: Plants may be picked up at specified locations.Maintenance: All plants, even natives, should receive continual maintenance for increased survival rates. Maintenance consists of watering during the dry summer months and reducing competition by removing invasive non-native plants.Why give Free Trees?
Reducing Temperatures
Planting trees and shrubs along rivers and streams shades waterways, reducing stream temperatures. High water temperatures allow for bacteria, overloading of nutrients, and unwanted organism to inhabit the waters we fish and swim in. Too many nutrients makes it difficult for marine life such as fish to live and reproduce.
Erosion Control
Trees and shrubs are also important along streams and rivers to stabilize banks. Rainstorms or even the natural river flow can erode bank sides causing sediment and debris to enter the waterways. Trees and shrubs soak up precipitation before it can run off the soil and cause erosion. Too much sediment and debris is harmful to aquatic life and takes more resources to remove for the Oregonians downstream that use water for drinking.
Natural Filter
Vegetation also acts as a natural water filter, removing toxins from the soil and polluted ground water before it enters surface water.
Providing Habitat
Waterways are prime habitat location as wildlife can find drinking water and an abundance of food. Planting more trees and shrubs will provide more food and shelter for wildlife.
Available Native Plants(Free Plants are in 1 to 2 gallon pots and are smaller than pictures below)
Shrubs
Pacific Serviceberry
Swamp Rose
Low/Wide Trees
Vine Maple
Red Alder
Tall Trees
Big Leaf Maple
Oregon Ash