Blackberry thickets are a prominent (and prickly) feature of many Pacific Northwest natural areas including at Hoyt Arboretum and many other Portland Parks. The most common species of exotic blackberry in our region is widely accepted as Rubus armeniacus (AKA Himalayan or Armenian blackberry), but there are a couple of other exotic Rubus spp. that … Read more
The air is cool, but there is a hint of Spring to it. The sky is overcast, but the expected rain holds off. A dozen volunteers gather around Hoyt Arboretum Plant Taxonomist and Herbarium Curator Mandy Tu on a gray Monday morning. Best Tree Forever! Most of the volunteers present are there for Nature Educator … Read more
Why I Volunteer During the pandemic, I turned to the solace of nature. Socially distanced walks in parks were a regular thing. The misty trails and mystical wonder of Hoyt Arboretum were a source of escape and inspiration, but by the Fall of 2021, as far as I was concerned, the pandemic had been going … Read more
Here’s Looking at Crew, Kid Volunteering on a stewardship crew is a fun way to engage with the Arboretum, make new friends, and strengthen existing relationships. Such is the case for Saturday Crew member Brittany Hassell who learned about stewardship crews at Hoyt Arboretum on Facebook. “It sounded like exactly what I needed! I had … Read more
Loving Hoyt Arboretum for 20 Years Hoyt Arboretum has been a part of Arlena Barnes and Bill Kinsey’s lives and marriage for more than 20 years. Members since 2002, Arlena and Bill have always connected with each other and nature in the wooded trails of Portland, but to them, the Arboretum stands out for its … Read more