BY TRACY HOUSE
Riding along the scenic Portland coast, past vineyards, and through the majestic Columbia River Gorge, the annual STIHL® Tour des Trees cycling event, benefiting the Tree
Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund), is celebrating its 20th tour this August. Bicycling and tree enthusiasts from around the world will be coming together in Portland, Oregon, for this 585 mile, 5-day event from August 5-11.
Benefiting tree research and education, the TREE Fund has worked to raise awareness and fund researchers from around the world to foster a better understanding of the benefits trees provide, that impact our lives every day.
“It started with a group of tree enthusiasts, people in the business of caring for trees,” said Kate Lewis, spokesperson for the Tour des Trees. “They wanted more research done on things like safety for the industry, keeping the urban trees safe and alive across the country.”
Since its inception in 1992, Tour des Trees has raised over $5.5 million for scientific research and educational programs. Each rider is asked to pledge $3,500 and, this year, they hope to reach their goal of $500,000. “Fundraising goes directly toward tree research. So all of the $3,500 entry fees are directly supporting their grants and education programs,” Lewis said.
Lewis explained that, while the riders are on the tour, they participate in educational events and tree planting along the course. “They have a children’s event every year. They stop at elementary schools and they meet with classes of children. They donate books about trees. They talk about all the reasons that trees are important, and they usually plant trees in significant places.”
Title sponsor STIHL, a chainsaw manufacturer, has been supporting the event for 11 years. Other sponsors have donated money and books for schools, and have sponsored meals for the riders. “Basically, all the costs of riders cycling are covered by the sponsors,” Lewis said.
The ride typically draws between 60 and 80 riders but they are expecting close to 100 participants this year. “The Portland area is a really strong cycling community and the tour draws folks from around the country,” Lewis said.
Registration is now open, and information about the event, donations, sponsors, and the riders is available at stihltourdestrees.org
For information about The TREE Fund visit treefund.org or call (630) 369-8300.
