Growing deep roots in our communities: PGE celebrates Friends of Trees’ millionth tree milestone

For more than three decades, Portland General Electric’s longtime community partner, Friends of Trees has brought people together to grow healthy communities through planting and caring for trees and natural areas.

On Sunday, April 27, PGE joined Friends of Trees in celebrating an incredible milestone.

To a roar of cheers, Friends of Trees planted its one millionth tree at its headquarters in Northeast Portland. It was a touching moment for the organization and the more than thousands of volunteers over the past 36 years who have helped Friends of Trees reach this landmark moment, many of them PGE employees.

“How did we get here? Through the power of 75,000 volunteers. Our mission is to build community through tree planting, and the community part is so important. This is what makes the magic happen, and I'm feeling it today,” said Friends of Trees executive director, Yashar Vasef.

In true Friends of Trees fashion, Vasef and PGE CEO, Maria Pope gave celebratory remarks – looking back on this successful partnership – from the bed of a Friends of Trees’ pickup truck.

Since 1989, PGE has supported Friends of Trees’ mission with the shared belief of investing in the environmental health and success of our communities by planting native trees and shrubs. As Portland General Electric pursues its own clean energy goals, the company recognizes trees and plants as a key part of a comprehensive climate strategy.

“This achievement is the result of decades of partnership, thousands of volunteers and a shared belief in the power of community to shape a healthier, more resilient future,” said Pope. "Thank you to Friends of Trees for more than 30 years of leadership—and to every volunteer who helped get us here.”

As PGE and Friends of Trees are dedicated to growing community greenery, both organizations are committed to thoughtful tree selection and planting education. PGE’s “right tree, right place” initiative provides guidance on where trees can grow and thrive for decades without interfering with powerlines or other utility equipment.

With one million trees planted as far north as Vancouver, Washington and as far south as Eugene, Oregon, Friends of Trees’ work isn’t close to finished. The organization is now plotting where its next million trees will be planted.

To learn more about Friends of Trees, head to FriendsofTrees.org .

Two Friends of Trees’ staff members carry Friends of Trees’ millionth tree to its planting location.

PGE CEO, Maria Pope gives remarks ahead of Friends of Trees’ millionth tree planting.

Before planting their millionth tree, PGE employees and other volunteers gather for a photo.

A poster celebrating Friends of Trees millionth tree planting hangs high over the event.

Portland General Electric CEO, Maria Pope helps Friends of Trees’ Execitve Director, Yashar Vasef, plant the organization’s millionth tree.

Portland General Electric CEO, Maria Pope helps Friends of Trees’ Execitve Director, Yashar Vasef, plant the organization’s millionth tree.

About Portland General Electric

Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is an integrated energy company that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to over 950,000 customers serving an area of 1.9 million Oregonians. Since 1889, Portland General Electric (PGE) has been powering social progress, delivering safe, affordable, reliable and increasingly clean electricity while working to transform energy systems to meet evolving customer needs. PGE customers have set the standard for prioritizing clean energy with the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the country. PGE was ranked the No. 1 utility in the 2024 Forrester U.S. Customer Experience Index and is committed to reducing emissions from its retail power supply by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. In 2024, PGE employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $5.5 million and volunteered nearly 23,000 hours to more than 480 nonprofit organizations. For more information visit www.PortlandGeneral.com/news