Meet Linda and Dave Gobberdiel: True Transplants
Linda and Dave Gobberdiel with the pride of a freshly planted tree
Linda and Dave have been ready with a camera and a set of pruning shears since they arrived on the scene with the Tree Team. We feel lucky that they, with their knowledge and their engagement for neighborhood trees, found us.
How long have you lived in the Concordia neighborhood?
Dave and I moved to Portland (and the Concordia neighborhood) in June 2024. We moved from Des Moines, Iowa where we had been living for 34 years. We are both retired, and we have visited Portland several times. During our visits, we often commented how Portland reminded us of times we had spent in Europe, where we walked or used public transportation most of the time. Our goal is to remain active, and walking versus driving everywhere certainly helps. We were very lucky to find a house in the Concordia neighborhood.
How did you find the Concordia Tree Team?
My first introduction to the Tree Team was through Mallory. I had reached out to her as Dave and I had been very active planting trees with Trees Forever in Iowa. We were interested in volunteering and the Tree Team seemed like a good fit. Mallory met me in the Ainsworth Linear Arboretum where we walked and talked about the Tree Team’s history and opportunities to become involved.
Why do you care about trees?
Dave and I have always loved trees. In Iowa, we planted over twenty trees in our yard as soon as we moved in. Here, we have planted six trees so far and are learning all about the Pacific Northwest climate. It is very different than the Midwest, and interesting with microclimates, etc. We love the greenness of the PNW, and that there always seems to be something blooming! We are learning to landscape and garden at our home. Dave focuses more on the overall design, flowers, and plantings, and I focus more on gardening vegetables and fruits. We planted 3 espalier fruit trees (pear, apple, and plum) and have already had two apples the first season! We are so excited to experience the many new varieties of fruits and vegetables here in Oregon.
Tell us more about volunteering for trees — has it been rewarding?
A few weekends ago, we volunteered to plant trees with Friends of Trees. It was a great experience! We are signed up to help again in another week. We were very impressed with the number of volunteers and the overall organization of the event. I have also volunteered a few times with the Portland Fruit Tree Project where I helped to make jam during our first winter here. There are so many opportunities to volunteer in Portland and to be involved.
Final question: do you have a favorite tree?
Favorite trees in the neighborhood would include Douglas Firs, Pines, Ginkgos, and Magnolias.
