Portland Urban Forestry Commission created the annual Bill Naito award in honor of the late builder and community leader who did so much to beautify Portland with trees.  Bill was especially devoted to Portland's trees. He rarely missed an Urban Forestry Commission meeting, which he founded in 1974 and chaired until his death. No one in Portland has been more tenacious than Bill Naito at encouraging the planting of trees. Through his humor, persistence and imaginative approach to projects, he inspired many individuals to recognize the beauty trees bring to our city.

The Bill Naito Award was created to honor the stories of individuals, organizations or projects that have continued Bill's work and reflect his dedication. Together, these stories weave a picture of our community's dedication to Portland's urban forest heritage.

2019 Bill Naito Group Award Recipients with Portland City Forester Jenn Cairo