Our Town: Climate Action | Emerald Ash Borer | Fall Leaves | Recycling
New Ways to Explore Beaverton Climate Action
After updating Beaverton’s Climate Action Plan (BCAP: 2035) earlier this year, the Sustainability Program has been busy creating new digital resources to explore and track climate action in Beaverton.
We are excited to share the first of these, the BCAP: 2035 Navigator.
The BCAP: 2035 Navigator is the best way to learn about and explore the goals and strategies of the Beaverton Climate Action Plan. The BCAP: 2035 Navigator also highlights resources that show how we can work together to move climate action forward across our community.
Find the BCAP: 2035 Navigator at www.BeavertonOregon.gov/bcap2035.
Reach out anytime to Sustainability@BeavertonOregon.gov with any questions or ideas.
Emerald Ash Borer Detected in New Locations, Including Beaverton
Emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that harms and eventually kills ash and olive trees, has now been confirmed inside Beaverton for the first time. The beetle was detected after monitoring traps placed in the spring were checked in July.
Emerald ash borer has continued moving through the region since it was first identified in Forest Grove in 2022. It has since been found in multiple counties across the Willamette Valley, as well as in locations west of Beaverton, where it reappeared again this summer.
Our Response
Beaverton has been preparing for this moment. A one-year grant from the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District, awarded in October 2024, helped Beaverton’s Urban Forestry team treat 600 of the city’s 2,000 inventoried ash street trees during the 2025 season. Volunteers and Friends of Trees also assisted in planting 60 new street trees to strengthen long-term canopy diversity.
“In response to the threat of emerald ash borer, in 2026, we have so far treated 22 city-maintained natural area trees 20 inches in diameter and larger and planted over 2,000 native trees and shrubs,” said Beaverton City Arborist and Public Works Supervisor Jered Lane. “We are continuing regular inspections, responding to community reports, and educating residents about emerald ash borer.”
What You Can Do
Check your ash trees for signs of decline, such as thinning or yellowing leaves, bark splitting, D-shaped exit holes, or shoots emerging from the trunk.
To protect healthy ash trees, consider the same insecticide injections used by cities. Licensed applicators apply these treatments every two to three years. Replace trees planted in unsuitable locations, such as under power lines, with species not susceptible to emerald ash borer. Consider replacing young ash trees early to help create a more resilient future canopy.
For more information, including a map of emerald ash borer detections, visit www.oregonEAB.com .
Help Us Keep Our Storm Drains Clear with Our Leaf Disposal Events
Ever finish your yard cleanup, stare at that giant pile of leaves, and wonder what you are supposed to do with it all? Bring them to us.
- Drop off your leaves every Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Sunday, Nov. 1, through Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Public Works Operations Facility at 9600 SW Allen Blvd.
When you collect and bag leaves on your property, you keep them from entering the street and clogging catch basins, restricting stormwater flow, and raising the risk of flooding during fall and winter rains. Leaf piles also slow down street sweeping because crews must stop to clear blockages. By bringing your bagged leaves to us, you keep roads safer, support our crews, and help the stormwater system run smoothly.
Our events also give you an easy way to support neighbors in need by donating food. Last year, residents delivered 147 tons of leaves, about the weight of an adult blue whale, and 3,200 pounds of food, which is enough to feed more than 640 people.
What to know:
- Leaves and pine needles accepted
- Bring debris loose or in paper bags only
- Limit debris to 50 pounds per bag
- Residential loads only
- Staff may not be able to assist with unloading
- Food donations encouraged and appreciated
Your effort at home, paired with our drop-off service, keeps the city clean and ready for the season. When everyone participates, the whole community benefits.
For more information, contact Donald Dearden at 503-350-3646. Learn more at www.BeavertonOregon.gov/LeafDisposal.
Recycling is Getting Better in Beaverton
Meet Billie the Beaver and Beak the Great Blue Heron, Your Fearless Beaverton Recycling Duo!
Billie and Beak are on a mission to keep plastic bags, batteries, and other non-recyclable items out of our recycling system. Join them as they learn how to properly recycle and dispose of common household items.
Keep an eye out for Billie and Beak in your community.
Follow along on Facebook and Instagram (@cityofbeaverton) and visit www.BeavertonOregon.gov/Recycling for more of Billie and Beak’s recycling tips.
