POCATELLO — The city of Pocatello is encouraging residents to explore the updated Portneuf Valley Tree Guide, a resource designed to help property owners select plants that thrive in the local climate.

Since 1999, the city has published tree guides to support landscaping decisions in the Portneuf Valley. With funding from the USDA Forest Service through the Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grant, the city has updated the 2012 edition to reflect current conditions and best practices.

The updated guide highlights trees and shrubs that perform well in the valley, while also identifying plants that may struggle due to disease, pests or other challenges.

A limited number of printed copies are available at local nurseries and at city Hall, 911 N. 7th Ave. The guide is also available online, along with additional landscaping resources, at pocatello.gov/442/Landscaping-Resources.

Want to see the featured trees around town? The guide highlights locations where you can view specific tree species and get an idea of how they’ll look throughout the community.

Looking for a fun challenge? Some trees in the guide have blank “Where to See” locations. If you spot one of those trees in the community (must be located on or visible from public property) and submit it by July 31, you’ll be entered to win a swag bag with a gift card and city T-shirt inside. The more trees you submit, the more chances you have to win. Happy tree hunting.

To submit a photo, visit pocatello.seamlessdocs.com/f/POCphotograph.

The Portneuf Valley Tree Guide aligns with the mayor and City Council’s priorities of community beautification, walkable community, and environmental health and safety and contributes to the goals and strategies of Pocatello Comprehensive Plan 2040, including those identified in the "Environmentally Resilient, Connected, Safe & Accessible, and Creative Community" vision elements.