Community Tree Management Institute

Posted by on April 19, 2010

Community Tree Management Institute Offered by Penn State

Today as we see the trend of migration away from our cities and boroughs beginning to reverse, communities that offer best quality of life will prosper. Beautiful and well maintained public trees are an indispensable contributor to the quality of life.  Healthy and sustainable urban forests provide many environmental benefits to our communities.  They intercept millions of gallons or rainwater, reduce energy costs, attract businesses, tourists and residents, increase real estate values and have even been shown to reduce crime and violence.

But the urban forest, like the rest of our community infrastructure, requires protection and care to provide the maximum benefit. Having a knowledgeable and committed group of residents serving on a municipal tree commission is the best way to assure that public trees receive proper maintenance, and are not indiscriminately damaged or removed. To provide the training required to be an effective tree commission member, Penn State Cooperative Extension, along with cooperating organizations, will be offering the Community Tree Management Institute this spring a the Penn State New Kensington Campus on May 21st and 22nd. Topics include:  Enacting a Municipal Tree Ordinance, Contracting Tree Work, Working With the Media, and Planning for Trees.

Registration is required by May 10th. The registration fee is $85 which includes lunch, breaks and materials (including Landscape Tree Factsheets, a $30 value). For more information or to register contact Mark Remcheck at Penn State Cooperative Extension, 412-473-2540 or mar15@psu.edu.

Mark Remcheck
Allegheny County Cooperative Extension
400 North Lexington Street
Pittsburgh, PA  15208-2521
412-473-2754
412-473-2768 (fax)
mar15@psu.edu