Citizen Forester Class 2006
Thirty-two Rochester community members showed up to learn more about trees.
An enthusiastic group of individuals, including about 10 youth, and several neighborhood association representatives took part in the recent Citizen Forester classes. On the second day of classes, members of the class planted two trees on East Center Street.
NeighborWoods in Rochester offered the Citizen Forester classes as part of National NeighborWoods month.
Classes took place on Wednesday, October 4 and Thursday, October 5, from 4-6 pm, at the Park and Recreation Shop, 403 East Center Street. These free classes were led by Jacob Ryg, the Rochester City Forester and a Certified Arborist. Topics covered included proper hands-on planting experience; benefits of trees; urban forestry; and community tree issues.
The Citizen Forester program presents a hands-on opportunity for you to learn how to plant, prune, and maintain trees. It also provides a chance to get involved and help our community take care of its public trees. Since 2004, this program has now trained over 100 community members as Citizen Foresters.
The graduates of this class will lead the NeighborWoods tree planting event on October 21. This event will plant 225 trees on three boulevards, 75 at each spot. All planters will receive a free utility belt and the satisfaction of knowing that they’ve assisted in planting trees for current and future generations to enjoy.
The NeighborWoods in Rochester Tree Planting will take place rain or shine on Saturday, October 21, at 10 am. Volunteers should wear work clothes (rain gear if needed) and bring their own shovels. NeighborWoods t-shirts will be available for $15. Print and post the attached flyer to attract Rochester neighbors to help plant trees.
Planting locations include:
- Boulevard #1
20th Street SE
(meet in Ben Franklin Elementary parking lot, 1801 9th Avenue SE) - Boulevard #2
50th Avenue and 55th Street NW
(meet at White Oaks Park, 4597 55th Street NW) - Boulevard #3
Elton Hills Drive West
(meet at Riverview West Park, 2600 block on West River Parkway)
For more information about NeighborWoods in Rochester please check the website. For information on how volunteers can assist with the October 21 NeighborWoods tree planting, please email René Lafflam at RNeighbors. You may also call to register, (507) 529-4150. Please leave a daytime phone number if you leave a message.
Have a comment? Join us on Facebook!