Friends of Trees
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April 30, 2012
I have volunteered for Friends of Trees since 2006, first as a Crew Leader helping teams of other volunteers plant street trees in our neighborhoods, then as a Neighborhood Coordinator, planning my own neighborhood's annual tree planting. I keep coming back because the work feels so beneficial--to have more trees in our urban environment. But mostly I keep coming back because Friends of Trees makes volunteering so enjoyable--the staff sets a fun, upbeat, lively tone to every event. We get important work done AND we have fun doing it, which makes continuing the work easy.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
having more trees in our neighborhoods; meeting & volunteering with many of my neighbors.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
It helped strengthen my confidence in being a leader and a teacher. It connected me with many people in my neighborhood who I wouldn't have met otherwise.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Grateful, happy, proud, playful, satisfied, committed
April 19, 2012
I bought two (very reasonably priced) trees from FOT for my parking strip. This involved some special steps, and the organization helped me all along the way to get them done! FOT arrived on time on the day designated and planted my trees. I volunteered afterward in the kitchen at the site where volunteers met for lunch. I met some great neighbors I didn't even know I had. My trees are blooming now. It was a great experiene over all!
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
April 19, 2011
Wow! Adding green to my neighborhood and condo complex was easy with Friends of Trees! A true grass roots organization helping to add nature back to the city. They make it affordable so that everyone can enjoy some more nature, more wildlife and better air.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
A beautiful tree to look at
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
get the the word out to more people
March 23, 2011
First I ordered trees for my own house and helped plant them along with neighbors. Then I became a crew leader on plantings. Now I'm a neighborhood coordinator and it's been rewarding every step of the way. Friends of Trees (FOT) builds community is many ways, not only in improving the canopy of trees along our streets, but connecting neighbors and volunteers with their own places of living.
You can't plant a tree and not think about them a little differently afterwards. The hands on aspect is key.
FOT's mission is growing, and keeping up with that is the biggest challenge of all.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing new and mature trees in my city.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have one in every town and city.
March 22, 2011
I started volunteering for Friends of Trees around 15 years ago, but I have had such a positive experience that I keep coming back every year! They are always well organized, positive and dedicated to increasing the tree canopy in the greater Portland metropolitan region. They are constantly challenging themselves to improve their processes and they also work hard to connect with all of the communities in the region. Thanks to Friends of Trees, the Portland/Vancouver area is gaining tree cover instead of losing it! I will be back for as long as they keep it going!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
... it's ability to connect with every community in the region and bring their enthusiasm and professionalism to the table. They've managed to recruit 2000+ volunteers every year to work on Saturday mornings in any weather to achieve these goals.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I haven't been able to think of any changes I would make, except to maybe start at 10am instead of 9am on a weekend.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Start 1 hour later (I'm not a morning person)
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Yes, leadership skills, knowledge of tree planting, knowledge of plants in general, knowledge of diverse neighborhoods.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
I always feel like I made a difference when I volunteer with Friends of Trees.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
March 22, 2011
I am a crew leader for the Neighborhood Trees program. This means I spend four or five Saturdays planting about a dozen trees. This experience never fails to make me happy. You would think the focus would be on the trees, greening the city and reducing global warming. But actually, the best part is getting to know the folks I am planting with, finding out why they decided to volunteer and what their life is about. Portland, Oregon is a big city, but this is the greatest way I have found to find new connections with others. I love to see neighbors who didn't know each other, become friends by the end of the planting. Then we go back to where we started and have a great lunch, prepared by other volunteers. In the end, the trees get in the ground, and everyone is excited to watch how they grow.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Planting trees and seeing how they grow
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have more money to be able to do more
March 22, 2011
I really love what Friends of Trees does. I gave my brother a gift tree for Christmas this year and I enjoy all the wonderful trees all over Portland that Friends of Trees and their hard working volunteers have planted. Having more trees makes my bike ride along the I-5 multi-use path so much more enjoyable, and my neighborhood has trees filling in dead space, with the Friends of Trees tags fluttering in the wind! They are a great, hard working bunch, thank you Friends of Trees, thank you for making my air more breathable and our communities more beautiful.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The multi-use path along I-5 is far more enjoyable to ride along thanks to Friends of Trees, their hard working volunteers and all the new shrubs and trees they planted!!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make them more green, but I'm not sure if that's possible!! They do such a great job already... maybe they could get bio-diesel trucks?
March 22, 2011
I've been involved with Friends of Trees, off and on, since its founding in 1989. I still volunteer once or twice a year, despite my advancing age and physical limitations. I'm always impressed with how well organized the planting events are. Planting of trees is the most visible benefit of their work, but the bringing together of people in the neighborhood is even more important.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My neighbor added trees to her yard.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
None.
More feedback...
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
March 19, 2011
I couldn't wait to request that Friends of Trees plant a tree in my yard. I loved the idea that there is a group who would do that. As I was welcomed into the process, I found out that I myself, and my neighbors, are that group! When you connect with F.O.T you become part of something larger: a community effort where you meet new friends and neighbors, enjoy part of the day working outside in the fresh air. There is a wonderful satisfaction in having joined together to plant hundreds of trees.
Friends of Trees staff are friendly, capable stewards who are passionate about planting trees in Portland neighborhoods. As soon as I made my inquiry, my local representative connected me with the beautiful F.O.T. website, where I learned about many new varieties of trees, and easily select the one I wanted. The price was extremely reasonable.
F.O.T. communicated the timeline clearly, giving me lots of notice to reserve that day for volunteering. They gave clear instructions on where and when to meet, and which task I was requested to volunteer with. I saw that they could use snacks, so I was happy to contribute.
I was really struck by the overall spirit of cooperation fostered by this amazing organization. I see new trees frequently in my area and they dramatically improve the quality of the area.
I'm happy to have been part of the planting. I may volunteer for another day in someone else's neighborhood. This group does such important work!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my neighborhood! Right in front of my house. I have a beautiful, healthy tree planted by a cooperative effort.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
nothing to add here
March 17, 2011
I ordered two trees from Friends of Trees and honestly had an amazing experience throughout the process. From the great website, to the volunteer who came to our house to tell us what trees would go good where and the emails reminding us what to expect made it a very positive experience! The day of the plant I was unable to volunteer because of a lack of childcare BUT when the volunteers showed up to plant our trees I was able to help out and everyone seemed to be having a great time! One mother brought her 6 year old whose job it was to "stomp the dirt in"! I was able to meet two neighbors whom I had seen around but it gave us a chance to actually talk and create community. I know wave and say hi every time I walk the dogs past their homes. Now a month later both my trees are doing great, and are daily reminders of such a great experience. I can't wait until they come back to our neighborhood! I am going to order some more fruit trees.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
North Portland.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing! Really smooth process and well organized.
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