formerly vacant right-of-way lot that the City
was perpetually mowing. It was established as
an arboretum in 2013 and provides commu-
nity gathering space, pollinator-friendly plants,
and inspiration for residents to integrate more
native plants into their home landscapes. You
can see a terrific slide show about the step-
by-step creation of Wonderland here.
Spencer Homestead Arboretum came about
in 2019 when Lane got permission to use a
non-buildable plot of public land as a testing
ground for potentially climate-resilient tree
species not yet used in Beaverton's inventory. He
worked with Friends of Trees to draw up plans
for the site, and they collaborated on planting
test species like 'Skyrocket' English oak (Quercus
robur), 'Vanderwolf's Pyramid' limber pine
(Pinus flexilis), vine maple (Acer circinatum), sev-
en-son flower (Heptacodium miconioides) and
Oregon white oak (Quercus garryanna). The site
also hosts a Peace Tree, a Japanese persimmon
(Diospyros kaki) propagated from a tree that
survived the bombing of Hiroshima. Beaverton
planted the Peace Tree in April, 2020 in remem-
brance of the 75
th
anniversary of the bombing.
Jered Lane has big plans for Beaverton's urban
forest. "Beaverton has this history of storied and
passionate city arborists—and residents who care
deeply about trees," Lane says. "I'm committed
to building on their legacy. UCFS Accreditation
is one way to convey our strengths and pro-
fessionalism internally, and to the world."
ucfsociety.org 19
One of the spring 2023 Beaverton-Friends of Trees planting
events took place in a working class neighborhood where
the homeowner (center of photo, giving the "thumbs up") was
thrilled to receive a new tree. Next to her, in the yellow safety
vest, is Public Works Supervisor and City Arborist Jered Lane.
"Our goal is not only
to increase the urban
canopy but also to
bring communities
together and empower
neighbors to take part
in their urban forest."
