Take the lead in volunteer community tree projects as a trained Missouri TreeKeeper.
The Heartland Tree Alliance is offering a condensed TreeKeepers course that is designed for Master Gardeners, students, retirees and city employees. The goal is to provide a corps of trained volunteers as a resource for local municipalities, school districts and neighborhood associations. TreeKeepers lead community volunteer tree planting, pruning and maintenance projects.
Participants will learn about the environmental, economic and social benefits of trees. The course will include an introduction to tree identification, tree biology and diseases, urban soils and planting/pruning sessions.
Chuck Conner, an urban forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation, will teach the classes. All tools will be provided. Course dates are:
Monday, April 18: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Topics: Introduction to trees and urban soils and basic tree biology
Monday, April 25: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Topics: Tree ID field day and planting
Monday, May 2: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Topics: Pruning, tree problems and planting field day
TreeKeepers who volunteer 24 hours with the Heartland Tree Alliance will become designated as Tree Stewards.
The classes will be held at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO. The cost is $50 per person for three sessions, including the manual and handouts. For more information, including registration and course description, visit www.bridgingthegap.org.
