Garden & Nature News August 2025
Treekeepers of Washington County programs
We work to protect and advocate for trees in urban unincorporated Washington County. Don’t miss our upcoming events! All of them are free. Visit the Treekeepers website to learn more.
Read our August newsletter to learn about big trees—why they matter, where to visit them locally, and more.
Summer Watering for Suffering Trees
Saturday, August 16 (additional dates coming), 9-11 am, Vose Elementary School, 11350 SW Denney Rd., Beaverton, register here, free
Trees are struggling in the summer drought. Give them a boost by helping to water young trees in our pilot program at Vose Elementary School in Beaverton. Watering is simple but essential. We’ll make a big push to weed, water and mulch trees.
In addition, we will make weekly watering trips with buckets to water trees and shrubs after school hours through September 30. Each tree or shrub needs about 3–5 gallons of slow watering, which takes roughly an hour per week. We’ll also be spreading mulch to retain moisture and improve soil health. All supplies and training will be provided when you arrive. Of course, you don’t need to commit every week. Just let us know which days you’re available to lend a hand.
Tree Walk: Cooper Mountain
Thursday, August 14, 7-8:30 p.m.
Join Grant and Elaine for an evening tree walk in Cooper Mountain Nature Park, a 230-acre park with forests, prairies, and oak woodlands. We will take a short walk as the day cools off, looking at a variety of trees on the upper trails in the park including the Little Prairie Loop, Overlook Trail and part of Cooper Mountain Loop. Sign up here.
Washington County Master Gardener Association events
There are ample opportunities to advance your gardening knowledge and skills right here in Washington County. OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers and the Washington County Master Gardener Association (WCMGA) offer a lineup of classes, lectures, and family friendly events year round. All events and details can be found on the WCMGA events calendar.
Herbs for Sun and Shade
Saturday, August 23, 10 am-12 pm, The Gazebo at WCMGA Learning Garden at Jenkins Estate, 8005 SW Grabhorn Rd., Beaverton, no registration required, free
Join the Herb class in the Learning Garden at Jenkins Estate. Tour the Herb Spiral featuring more than forty herbs which do well in our Northwest climate. We will share how herbs can add beauty and fragrance to your garden. The class will discuss what to plant, where to plant, and how to harvest, use, and store, including growing in containers when you have limited space.
Please visit the event page for more information.
Growing Onions and Garlic in the PNW Webinar
Tuesday, September 2, 7-8 pm, Zoom, free, pre-registration required
The Washington County Master Gardener Association invites you to learn about growing garlic and onions in the Pacific Northwest. The webinar will be led by Douglas County Master Gardener Bruce Gravens who will discuss soil preparation, seeding, planting, harvest, curing, and storage of garlic, onions, shallots, and leeks. Please visit the event page for registration.
Introduction to Nature Journaling
Saturday, September 6, 10 am-12 pm, The Gazebo at WCMGA Learning Garden at Jenkins Estate, 8005 SW Grabhorn Rd., Beaverton, no registration required, free
Join Washington County Master Gardeners for an introduction to nature journaling led by OSU Extension MG Volunteer and Artist, Terri Rottman. Please visit the event page for more information.
