Have you noticed that the trees around your neighborhood could use a little work? Many of us can tell when a tree doesn’t look right, far fewer can put their finger on exactly what’s wrong, why, or what to do about it. Tower Hill and Worcester Tree Initiative want to change that; we want you to be able to see trees the way that we do.
The Master Tree Stewards Training Program has been created to teach people about trees, how they grow, whether they are sick or damaged, and how to care for them. People who participate in this program will become Master Tree Stewards, able to lead Tree Pruning Outings in their neighborhoods, assess tree health, and offer recommendations for improvements to the urban forest.
The Master Tree Stewards program will cost $100 for Tower Hill Members ($120 for non-members) and will also require the completion of 20 volunteer hours with Worcester Tree Initiative. The cost of the program will allow us to provide materials and bring in professionals in the field to help teach. The time spent volunteering with WTI will give you the practice you need to master the skills you learn in class.
Classes will be held on 4 consecutive Tuesdays starting January 23rd, 2018. Classes will go from 6-9pm. Because each session will cover multiple topics and there are only 4 sessions attendance to every session is mandatory for the completion of the class. Volunteer hours may be completed at your convenience at our numerous Tree Pruning Outings but must be completed by 3/30/2018. Interested individuals can register online on Tower Hill’s Events Page using the button below. Registration closes December 31st.
Tuesday, Jan 23rd 2018, 6-9:15pm Intro - Grace Elton, CEO Tower Hill & Ruth Seward Exec Director, WTI Cut it Out: Basic Tree Pruning Techniques - Derek Lirange, Community Forester, WTI
Tuesday, Jan 30th 2018, 6-9:15pm Tree Biology: Dr Kelly Bellin, College of the Holy Cross Tree Planting & Establishment Care - Kathryn Aroian, Deputy Liaison MA ALB Eradication Team USDA, APHIS. Soil & Plant Nutrition: Derek Lirange, Community Forester, WTI
Tuesday, Feb 6th 2018, 6-9:15pm Community & tree Pests - A.J. Elton, Forester Tree Health Assessments - Rick Harper, UMASS Amherst
Tuesday, Feb 13th 2018, 6-9:15pm Tree Identification - Grace Elton, CEO Tower Hill Botanic Garden Fungal Diseases - Derek Lirange
