Meet Autumn Voirol: Concordia neighbor and Tree Team member

You may have seen Autumn renovating the medians of the Ainsworth Linear Arboretum, dishing food at the Concordia Neighborhood Association events, helping relocate trees to keep them out of construction zones, or snapping photos of trees.

How long have you lived in Concordia?

I’ve been in Concordia for 17 years. I live with my husband, two teens and two cats. When we moved here we were looking for a house that would be big enough for a family, had a yard and was walkable to some things. We loved the mature trees and gardens in the neighborhood and proximity to Alberta and Fernhill Park. My family enjoys walking, running, and cycling in the neighborhood. Going up to Alberta St for food and shops, strolling around UO.

Why do you invest your time in the Concordia neighborhood urban forest?

Years ago I starting seeing articles in the Concordia News from Tree Team members. I had a neighbor who advocated for large trees to be saved. We had trees planted on our front strip by Friends of Trees. When my kids were little I didn’t give the trees much care. Over time I’ve enjoyed working in my yard and learning things through trial and error. I've gotten interested in native plants and more aware of trees. Since Climate Change is happening I’ve realized taking care of trees and plants is something I can do to help. As well as composting. Digging in the dirt and planting things fills my cup. So does observing trees and plants and noticing things like the changes throughout out the year. I like to take pictures of nature.

How did you come to be a part of the Concordia Tree Team?

I reached out to them via email. I wasn’t sure if the Tree Team was for me, because I didn’t have much tree knowledge. But, I am learning about trees from other members, books, talks..I’m learning how to prune small trees and what young trees need to survive.  It feels good to be involved. You start to notice things more once you start looking at trees. Where they aren’t. Which ones look healthy and which ones might be struggling. You appreciate what we live in a relatively green city, but realize we need to do more to keep them growing, for shade, for air quality, quality of life. That we need to advocate for trees.

What do you want to share with others about the Tree Team?

I tell friends and family that I’m learning how to prune trees and care for them in their young years in community with other tree lovers

I am trying to give some care to the Native Habitats along Ainsworth between 22-25th if anyone wants to help. I’ll be helping at CLL. Maybe working on outreach and sharing of information with neighbors. I’m hoping Friends of Trees will be able to start working in our neighborhood again, because more trees get planted when they are involved.

What do you love best about the neighborhood? Do you have a favorite tree?

I suppose I like fall and spring the best. But all the seasons have their high points. There is a huge Sequoia tree near my house that I love. I like the symmetrical shape of the tree and the interesting pine cones. They look a bit prehistoric. The trunk keeps getting wider and it was breaking the fence so they moved the fence to the other side. Now the tree can keep growing.  There is also a Japanese Maple nearby that has incredible color in the fall. Every year I have to get a selfie with or without my kids in front of that tree.