TREE STEWARDS PROGRAM
The Tree Steward Program is an expansive educational opportunity designed for people who love trees, love their community, and want to support the healthy growth of both.
Over a 12-week period, you will explore the many facets of urban forestry in a collaborative volunteer training program taught by experts in the field. Instruction begins the first week of August and runs through the end of October. During this time, you will meet others like you who appreciate the benefits of a healthy urban forest, and you will build supportive collegial relationships with them. Tree Stewards learn to identify the many different trees that grow in our state and how to care for them and encourage each one to live a long and healthy life. They learn to share what they know and understand about trees with others.
During and especially after completing the training, there are numerous and diverse volunteer opportunities where each steward can share what they know about trees. And because what we know and understand about trees is constantly growing and sometimes changing, each steward will be encouraged to participate in the continuing education the program provides.
New Mexico Tree Stewards
This is a course in “Urban Forestry”. Participants working through the program are eager to become a NM Tree Steward. These volunteers work to increase the tree canopy in their community and the health of the trees providing it. Whether you live in a city, town or village, the trees need your help.
There are four requirements for becoming a tree steward.
- You must have a love of trees and a desire to know more about them and how best to care for them.
- You must be willing to learn from and partner with other tree advocates in your community, especially those who are largely responsible for the community’s trees.
- You must be willing to share what you are learning and know about trees with others in your community.
- Because this program is a hybrid and relies on technology for a significant portion of the curriculum, you will need adequate internet and an up-to-date computer.
Overall, the program is comprised of both online and in-person classes, workshops, and field trips. Tree planting, maintenance and how to better educate the public about trees will be covered during this program. Participants can expect to expand their tree knowledge and experience as they discover and begin to participate in a statewide network of tree people.
After completing the training, Tree Steward volunteers are equipped to partner with Extension Master Gardeners, educational institutions, government organizations, local businesses and homeowners as they work to expand and care for their community’s urban forest. Volunteer opportunities include planting, pruning, maintaining and monitoring new trees. It will also include educating others about trees.
For any questions outside of the curriculum and that are not included on our website, please email education@treenm.org.
Applications for this year’s program will be available on this website on May 1. Applications will be received from May 1 to July 1, 2024. The cost is $125.
To see the 2024 course syllabus click on the button below.
2022 ABC Tree Stewards