Become a TreeKeeper and make a difference in your community!
Join Trees Forever for our Eastern Iowa and Des Moines area class series and gain the knowledge to become an effective environmental volunteer. These sessions will each include multiple classes and volunteer/field day events to help you become an expert tree-planting volunteer. Attend as many courses as you can to become a true TreeKeeper! Click the session information drop-downs below for more information and registration links.
Eastern Iowa Fall 2023 Course Info:
Session One – Sunday, August 20, 4:00 to 7:00p.m.
Big Grove Brewery. 1225 S Gilbert Street. Iowa City, Iowa.
Join Nick McGrath and Iowa DNR District Forester Mark Vitosh for our 2023 TreeKeepers kickoff! We will be talking about the history and work of Trees Forever and take a deep dive into tree biology. There is no fee but registration is preferred so our hosts at Big Grove know how many to expect. Food is not provided but will be available to order on an individual basis.
Register for the session at this link!
Session Two – Saturday, September 23, 1:00 to 3:00p.m.
University of Iowa Campus. Meet at the Old Capitol Senate Chambers, 21 North Clinton Street, Iowa City.
Join Nick McGrath and Andy Dahl, University of Iowa Campus Arborist for a classroom lesson all about tree identification. We will then enjoy a guided tree walk across the beautiful campus to practice our new identification skills.
Register for the session at this link!
Session Three – Information coming soon
Check back for session details and registration link soon.
Session Four – Information coming soon
Check back for session details and registration link soon.
Session Five – Information coming soon
Check back for session details and registration link soon.
Des Moines Area Fall 2023 Course Info:
Session One – Tuesday, October 3, 4:00 to 6:00p.m.
Join us for a lesson on tree identification and then test your new skills on a fall color hike through Union Park!
Meet at the Union Park Shelter. 2009 Saylor Road, Des Moines, IA 50313.
Register for the session at this link!
Session Two – Tuesday, October 17, 5:30 to 7:30p.m.
Join us to learn about the benefits of trees and about Trees Forever’s work! We will have a lesson on tree planting and will then head outdoors for a planting.
Trees Forever office. 1901 Bell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315. Enter through door 101 located on the side of the building.
Register for the session at this link!
Session Three – Wednesday, November 8, 1:00 to 3:00p.m.
Join us for a lesson about pruning! Learn the benefits of pruning, how to prune, and then head outdoors to practice your skills hands-on! We’ll enjoy smores and some fun tree time.
Trees Forever office. 1901 Bell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315. Enter through door 101 located on the side of the building.
Register for the session at this link!
Session Four – Tuesday, December 5, 6:00 to 8:00pm.
Join us to learn all about nut growing trees and other foods you can source from trees! We will enjoy a variety of nut samples to go along with the lesson.
Trees Forever office. 1901 Bell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315. Enter through door 101 located on the side of the building.
Register for the session at this link!
About the Course
The Trees Forever TreeKeepers program is designed for people who want to become more knowledgeable about urban tree planting and care and who wish to become a stronger voice for trees in their neighborhoods and communities.
What to Expect
Participants in TreeKeepers will take part in classroom presentations and hands-on training led by experienced Trees Forever staff members and other invited tree experts. All training will incorporate opportunities for practicing skills learned at relevant volunteer days. After completion of the TreeKeepers program, participants will be equipped with the knowledge of how to maintain our urban trees and plant trees for future generations.
Specifically, TreeKeepers will participate in a variety of training sessions, learning about:
- Tree Identification & Biology
- Proper Planting & Maintenance
- Benefits of Trees
- Urban & Community Tree Issues
- Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement
Benefits of the Program
TreeKeepers graduates will:
- Gain knowledge that will help them understand and better enjoy their time in nature.
- Actively participate in tree plantings in their neighborhood and the community.
- Get hands-on experience caring for street trees and park trees.
- Learn to care for their personal trees and understand right plant, right place when choosing what to plant on their property.
- Protect community trees and be a tree ambassador.
TreeKeeper graduates are encouraged to perform volunteer service in their area. Help the trees in your community thrive by becoming a Trees Forever Treekeeper!