The City of Seattle Seeks Tree Lovers!
Do you dream of living in a tree house? Do you eagerly await the first leaf buds in the spring? Do you love to lie on your back and watch branches dancing in the breeze? Does a stroll down a tree-lined street put a smile on your face? You may be a tree lover!
The City of Seattle’s reLeaf program is looking for new Tree Ambassadors. Tree Ambassadors are a valued part of Seattle’s urban forestry network. Tree Ambassadors nurture Seattle’s trees. Volunteers are trained within a project area and have the opportunity to attend a variety of fun and informative workshops on topics like pruning, tree identification, and community engagement. Tree Ambassadors also get opportunities for unique experiences like learning to climb trees with professional rigging and tours of local botanic treasures. Volunteers who complete a project training get a free t-shirt and name tag.
Seattle reLeaf is currently recruiting new Tree Ambassadors in three project areas:
1. Tree Walks: Show off your favorite trees in your favorite part of Seattle. You’ll learn the basics of making maps, identifying trees, and creating walking routes to engage your neighbors and coworkers in the urban landscape. Check out the tree walks created by current Tree Ambassadors here!
Next training: Wednesday, March 12; 5:30pm-8pm (dinner included) and Saturday, March 15; 9am-1pm (lunch included). Training will be held downtown at Forterra’s office, 901 5th Ave.
2. Landscape Renewal: Does seeing a tree choked by ivy drive you crazy? This project track is for you. This project track will teach you to plan and organize small-scale renovation projects. Renovation work includes removing invasive plants, planting trees and understory plants, and mulching. You’ll learn how to develop a plan, recruit volunteers, and lead work parties.
Next training: Wednesday, April 2; 5:30pm-8pm (dinner included) and Saturday, April 5; 9am-1pm (lunch included)
3. Street Tree Stewardship: Never fear young street trees, the Tree Ambassadors are here! Volunteers in this project area adopt street tree plantings and help the City’s young street trees thrive. Tree Ambassadors learn to plan work parties and recruit volunteers to mulch, weed, and care for the trees that are essential to making Seattle’s neighborhoods walkable, sustainable, beautiful, and healthy.
Next training: Saturday, May 17; 10am-3pm (lunch included)
Tree lovers wanted! No previous tree experience is necessary for any of these project areas. If you are interested in learning more or applying to become a Tree Ambassador, please visit the website at www.seattle.gov/trees. Please contact Seattle reLeaf with any questions about the program or application at [email protected] or (206) 615-1668.
