Tree steward training coming to Springfield

In the world of Dr. Seuss, it is the Lorax who speaks for the trees. But here in Vermont we have the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program, which trains tree stewards to, metaphorically, speak for the trees in their communities.

Are you interested in learning more about trees, tree care, and local stewardship of trees?

Do you want to make a difference in your community?

The Stewardship of the Urban Landscape (SOUL) Tree Steward Program trains stewards and advocates for the trees, forests, and green spaces in which we live, work, and play. This fall the program will be offered in Springfield, VT at the UVM Extension Office.

The course will cover tree health, identification, planting and maintenance, Vermont tree laws and policies, public speaking and management of roadside vegetation and town forests, among other topics. Participants are expected to attend all classes and to design and complete a volunteer project in their community, such as reviewing or creating a town tree ordinance or policy, conducting a town shade tree inventory or organizing an Arbor Day tree planting event with a local school.

The fall 2015 SOUL course dates:

Saturday, October 3, 9am-4pm
Wednesday, October 7, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Wednesday, October 14, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Saturday, October 24, 9am-4pm

Participants must pre-register. The course cost is $50 before September 25th, $60 afterwards.  Registration is limited to 25 participants. Learn more about the SOUL Tree Steward Program. Questions or to register, contact Gwen Kozlowski at gwen.kozlowski@uvm.edu or (802) 656-6646. To request a disability-related accommodation to attend, please call by Sept. 18.

http://digital.vpr.net/post/tree-steward-training-coming-springfield

Tree Steward Training Coming To Springfield By AMY KOLB NOYES • SEP 17, 2015 SHARE Twitter Facebook Google+ Email The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program will offer a tree steward training program this fall in Springfield. The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program will offer a tree steward training program this fall in Springfield. HERB SWANSON WWW.SWANPIX.COM In the world of Dr. Seuss, it is the Lorax who speaks for the trees. But here in Vermont we have the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program, which trains tree stewards to, metaphorically, speak for the trees in their communities. In October, a tree forest training course will be held in Springfield. "The Stewardship of the Urban Landscape (SOUL) Tree Steward Program trains stewards and advocates for the trees, forests, and green spaces in which we live, work, and play," the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program website states. "With 15 years of course offerings and more than 400 program participants, this educational and community leadership training is a great opportunity for Vermont citizens." The dates for the October SOUL Tree Stewards Program in Springfield are: Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The course will be held at the Springfield UVM Extension Office, in the Howard Dean Educational Center. The website states the program is intended for individuals who are interested in: Enhancing their understanding of trees and proper tree care. Understanding urban forestry as a field and in the context of Vermont. Being part of a cohort of regional citizens who are committed to improving their community's environmental, social and economic quality through trees. To be named a Vermont Tree Steward, candidates must complete the multi-class SOUL Tree Steward Program and commit to completing a project to enhance their community's urban and community trees and forests. SOUL Program classes cover the following topics: Tree identification Tree biology Tree planting Tree maintenance and pruning Tree health Threats to urban and community forests Species and site selection: right tree for the right place Trees and public policies Tools for assessing and understanding trees in communities Communicating the benefits and value of trees Funding sources for urban and community forestry Working effectively at the local level Course participants must pre-register and there is a registration fee.