Portlanders love their trees. Our soaring Douglas firs, moss-draped bigleaf maples, and verdant ravines are more than just scenery—they are the city’s lungs, heritage, and identity. We pride ourselves on being a community that protects our wild spaces. Yet beneath our world-renowned canopy lurks a silent, deceptive threat. It’s vibrant, glossy, and evergreen. To a … Read more
The growing chaos, conflict, and division in our world often feels overwhelming. As a combat veteran who enlisted after 9/11, I scarcely recognize the country I once risked my life to defend. But in recent months, I’ve found a potent antidote to despair in my volunteer work at Hoyt Arboretum. Discovering the Joy of Volunteering … Read more
Every Tuesday is a lively one at Hoyt Arboretum—boots clomping and the comforting chatter of people gathering for our weekly stewardship crew. But, the week before Thanksgiving, Tuesday Crew felt special. When I arrived that morning and saw just how many people were packed into the classroom listening to Martin share the plan for the … Read more
Hi, I am a Pacific Banana Slug. Scientists call me Ariolimax columbianus and say that I am the second largest slug in the world, growing to nearly 10 inches long. I am native to the Pacific Northwest region and love dark, cool and wet forest floors like the densely forested portions of Hoyt Arboretum. I … Read more
This spring, we were lucky to have William Spry, a high school senior from Catlin Gabel, complete his senior project at Hoyt Arboretum. An active member of the Robotics Team and Cornell-bound in the fall to study Engineering, William is multi-faceted and also has a great love for the outdoors- especially since taking up trail … Read more