Tree Tender Trainings

Posted by on August 27, 2010

Become a Tree Tender!

Become part of the “growing” TreeVitalize initiative, an effort led by Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to increase tree cover and the many benefits that trees offer us in Pennsylvania’s communities by taking part in the Tree Tenders® experience.

Trees not only improve air quality, but studies show greening can serve as an economic stimulus tool and increase nearby property values by up to 30 percent. Properly placed trees help to moderate indoor/outdoor temperatures, and can reduce energy costs, noise pollution and crime rates, among many other environmental, social and health benefits.

Tree Tenders is a training program that empowers concerned residents to make dramatic strides towards restoring and caring for their local tree canopy. Join us for eight hours of hands-on training that covers tree biology, identification, planting, proper care, and working with your community. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) in collaboration with Penn State Cooperative Extension developed this course for citizens and experts alike. Since 1993, over 3000 community volunteers from 200 Pennsylvania neighborhoods have become trained Tree Tenders.

Please note these following classes are the only Tree Tenders training scheduled within Pennsylvania at this time. The next trainings will not be scheduled until spring 2011.

Registration is required. For more information or the registration brochure, contact:

(Philadelphia County) Mindy Maslin at 215-988-8844, mmaslin@pennhort.org

(Bucks, Chester, Delaware county) Barley Van Clief at 215-988-8793, bvanclief@pennhort.org

Chester County: Tuesdays – September 14, 21, 28 • 6 – 9 pm No cost
Kennett Area Senior Center
427 South Walnut Street
Kennett Square, PA 19348

Bucks County: Thursdays – September 23, 30, and October 14 • 6 – 9 pm No cost
(THERE IS INTENTIONALLY A WEEK OFF BETWEEN CLASS 2 AND CLASS 3!
Newtown Township Municipal Complex
Administrative Building, 100 Municipal Drive (off Rte. 413)
Newtown, PA  18940

Center County Training Info:
Friday, October 1, 2010, 9 am-5 pm, State College, Tree Tenders® training (this workshop is required for TreeVitalize applicants).
Saturday, October 2, 2010, 9 am-12 pm, State College, Assessing Tree Risk and Tree Management Workshop (this workshop is optional and not required for TreeVitalize applicants).

The $15 fee for Oct 1 and 2 each includes food, materials and publications. Registration is required. The course offers ISA, PA LA, PLNA and Act 48 ceus.

For more information about the Tree Tenders program above, email the DCNR Bureau of Forestry at treevitalize@state.pa.us  or to register, contact David Harry, 814-865-7541 or dwh8@psu.edu. Registration forms and questions can be directed to David Harry at the Penn State School of Forest Resources, The Pennsylvania State University, 117 Forest Resources Building, University Park, PA 16802; phone (814) 865-7541; email dwh8@psu.edu.  Registration deadline is Sept 24, 2010.

Transportation is available from the Harrisburg area for the Oct 1 date.  Seats are limited, so reserve today! For transportation information, please contact, Christine Ticehurst at 717-346-9583 or c-cticehur@state.pa.us

Tree Tenders® is a registered trademark of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society