One of the great things about living in Oregon is that there's so much natural beauty to be explored, and many cities around the state aim to integrate that natural beauty into urban environments as well. Albany and Corvallis, for example, each boast robust urban forestry programs designed to protect natural resources, encourage the healthy growth of trees, and educate the community on how urban forests are maintained. 

Albany Urban Forestry Program

The Albany Urban Forestry Program is focused primarily on protecting and maintaining the trees that grow on public lands in the city, as well as all of the associated vegetation. In addition to the many day-to-day activities of the Albany Urban Forestry Program, there are special programs like NeighborWoods and the Heritage Tree Program.

• Planting and Pruning
  The Albany Urban Forestry Program works to address a wide variety of big-picture environmental issues, but it's the little things that you'll often notice the most as you spend time in the city. When you see trees growing tall and strong where there were no trees before, that's often due to the work of the program. Of course, maintaining existing trees is also a major priority.
  
  
• Tree Removal Regulations
  As you might expect, removing trees from the urban forest will typically require a permit in order to ensure that no trees are removed without a good reason. Permits are required for removing one tree more than 25 inches in diameter or removing 5 or more smaller trees.
  
  
• NeighborWoods & Heritage Tree Program
  The NeighborWoods Program is designed to help interested residents plant trees in neighborhoods and in city parks. Applications are due by August 31 each year, and awards are announced on September 30. The Heritage Tree Program, on the other hand, is geared toward protecting trees that have historical significance to the community.

Corvallis Urban Forestry Program

Trees are also a top priority for the Corvallis Urban Forestry Program, which has earned the city a Tree City USA designation for every year since 2000, and a Tree City USA growth award every year from 2004 to 2015. In addition to city officials, the program thrives most when the community gets involved with the process.

• Tree Care and Planting
  Just like in Albany, the Corvallis Urban Forestry Program is built on a foundation of planting new trees and maintaining existing vegetation. This process is overseen by a dedicated city official called the Urban Forester, as well as the Parks Supervisor and Department Director.
  
  
• Neighborhood Tree Stewards Program
  If you're interested in helping to promote a healthy urban forest, consider getting involved in the Neighborhood Tree Stewards Program. Projects include tree planting, tree bed care, beautification, pruning classes, volunteer events, tree tours, and more, all of which require the help of volunteers from the community.
  
  
• Urban Lumber Salvage
  The program in Corvallis also includes the unique aspect of Urban Lumber Salvage, which ensures that trees are put to good use even if they have to be removed due to disease, damage, development, or other issues. Removed trees are milled down and sold as lumber at the Hardwood Centre, which is located on Highway 34.

Ready to find your next home in a city that values its natural habitats and strives to create green, healthy urban environments? Our local team is here to help with all of your real estate needs. Contact us to buy and sell homes in the Albany and Corvallis, OR, areas.