In addition to having park staff work on the trails this weekend, we also had a TreeKeeper volunteer project at Westwinds Park. In addition to helping plant trees, prune existing trees and begin some honeysuckle removal, volunteers also assisted with the rebuilding of the Westwinds Trail.
What are TreeKeepers? The TreeKeeper program trains volunteers in proper care and maintenance of trees in exchange for the donation of at least 36 volunteer hours for City of Columbia tree care projects. All projects are scheduled on Saturday mornings. Training includes the following subjects, with Saturday labs:
- Tree identification
- Exotic & Vegetation Management
- Insects
- Disease and Soils
- Right Tree, Right Place
- Pruning Trees
Not only will you gain book knowledge, but you also will receive field training and experience to reinforce what you have learned. After completion of the course, you will be provided with opportunities to put your new knowledge into action in very visible ways, making a difference in your city.
TreeKeepers receive an official TreeKeeper polo shirt, a coupon for a large ball & burlap tree, and a signed certificate when they have fulfilled 36 hours of volunteer service to tree projects.
The 2009 class will be held Thursday, January 22, 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, January 24, 8 a.m. to noon and Tuesday, January 27, 6 to 8 p.m.
TreeKeepers applications are available here: 2009 TK Application Form
No comments:
Post a Comment