Learn the skills essential to urban and community forestry and become tree stewards in your community at Tower Hill Botanic Garden on Tuesday nights, October 2 – 30, from 6 – 9. Topics covered include basic pruning techniques and safety, tree identification and biology, proper tree planting and care, tree pests and diseases, tree health assessment, and urban soil challenges. To complete this program, participants must commit to at volunteering for at least 20 hours in the urban forest of Worcester or at Tower Hill Botanic Garden.

Coordinated by Worcester Tree Initiative

Session 1:
Introduction to the program/Welcome
Basic Pruning Techniques & Safety in the Field – Classroom Training
The Value of Urban Trees
Hands-on Indoor Pruning
Field Tree ID

Session 2:
Hands-on Outdoor Tree Pruning
Tree Biology
Tree Diseases/Fungi
Tree ID

Session 3:
How to Properly Plant a Tree
Tree Establishment and Ongoing Tree Care
Tree Health Assessment Intro
Identifying Common Urban Trees

Session 4:
Community Pests/Diseases: How to Identify & What to do.
Soil, Plant Nutrition & Urban Soil Challenges
Tree Identification: Shapes of Leaves, Texture of Bark, Leaf Scars, etc.
Identifying Common Urban Trees

Session 5:
Evolving Forest – Migration of Pests and Change in Agricultural Zones
Tree Care Leadership in your Community
Test
Certificates/Volunteer Sign Up

SKILL LEVEL: ALL LEVELS. THBG members $120, nonmembers $140. Register online at www.towerhillbg.org.