Portland Community College's landscape tech program has been a launching pad for Joseph Nontanovan, a former catering chef whose career was disrupted by the pandemic, according to an article from the City of Portland's official website. A serendipitous meeting with a tree care manager from the Portland Fruit Tree Project blossomed into an opportunity that not only greened his thumb but also the city's urban orchards.
After stepping into the world of arboriculture, Nontanovan excelled and eventually shifted gears to join the Portland Fruit Tree Project team. According to the City of Portland, the experience garnered there planted the seeds for his own business specializing in ornamental and fruit tree pruning. This career metamorphosis has enabled Nontanovan to spread his roots into the community, imparting his expertise while stewarding the local environment.
"Joseph has a talent for bringing people together around a common goal," Heather Keisler Fornes, executive director of the Portland Fruit Tree Project, said in a statement obtained by the City of Portland. She further noted his drive to ensure "that fresh fruit reaches every neighborhood in Portland."
But it's not just about pruning and harvesting – the Portland Fruit Tree Project, with backing from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), has cultivated a comprehensive initiative. PCEF's support enables the nonprofit to streamline its operations with electric vehicles and manage a fruit tree index that benefits the local ecosystem and the community, according to the City of Portland's announcement. "Our partnership brings real change to neighborhoods that need it most," Mika Barrett, Project Manager at PCEF, remarked, highlighting the dual benefits of reducing food waste while bolstering local food supply.
The success of this partnership reflects a broader goal embodied by PCEF, which aims to spearhead projects that simultaneously reduce carbon emissions, foster economic opportunities, and fortify Portland against the threats of climate change. By intertwining workforce development with environmental sustainability, the Portland Fruit Tree Project shows that nurturing talent like Nontanovan's is as critical to the community as the fruit-laden trees he tends.
