SALEM, Ore. -- Seven cities across Oregon have received grants from the non-profit group Oregon Community Trees to help support their Arbor Week celebrations. The recipients are Oregon City, Hood River, Lincoln City, Seaside, Falls City, Sweet Home and Talent.

Although Arbor Week is the first week in April, the tree-related events the cities are holding are scheduled from late March through the month of April. They include tree plantings, tree and watering bag give-aways, and a month-long art contest among others.

Oregon Community Trees promotes healthy urban and community forests. The organization assists community groups, local governments and schools throughout the state with expertise and grants that support leadership, education, awareness and advocacy for urban and community forestry. One criteria for receiving an Arbor Week grant is being a Tree City USA, a status all seven recipient cities hold.

Oregon Community Trees Chair Eric DeBord said, "Oregon Community Trees is committed to supporting Tree Cities in a variety of ways, including these grants. Any Oregon community that has been a Tree City USA for at least one year is eligible to apply."
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