Washington, Virginia, and Maryland have lost roughly 2.5 percent of tree canopy every decade since 1950. According to Casey Trees, only 35 percent of Virginia is tree canopy. Trees need advocates, and the TreeStewards, together with Casey Trees, the Park Service, and county officials, function as local advocates.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 Class of TreeStewards. The TreeStewards of Arlington and Alexandria are volunteers dedicated to improving the health of urban trees through educational programs, tree planting and care, demonstrations and tree maintenance throughout the community. In addition to serving as volunteers, those who graduate from the class are better informed about their own gardens and trees, and become effective pruners and native plant connoisseurs. TreeStewards help local churches, schools, temples, and parks maintain their trees and rid the areas of invasive plants.
New volunteer training are held Tuesday evenings, through April 12, with some Saturday mornings. Fun and interactive training is provided by experts in tree care and citizen advocates. Scholarships are available and no one will be turned away due to lack of funds to pay the course fee. TreeStewards especially seeks school and county staff to attend.
For more information and to complete an application, visit the TreeSteward website at www.TreeStewards.org or email info@TreeStewards.org.