TreeKeepers

The Office of
Volunteer Services
links citizens with opportunities to share their time with city government. The office recruits, places, tracks and recognizes volunteers for their efforts.

TreeKeepers

What is the TreeKeepers Program?

TreeKeepers is a six-week, one night per week, training class to teach proper care and maintenance of trees.

TreeKeepers begins each year in late January, and continues for six consecutive evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There are also field labs and a graduation project that follow the training sessions.

TreeKeeper graduates agree to donate at least 36 volunteer hours for City of Columbia tree care projects. All projects are scheduled on Saturday mornings. Training includes the following subjects, with two Saturday morning on-hands labs:

TreeKeeper Classes

Tree identification
Exotic & Vegetation Management
Insects
Disease and Soils
Right Tree, Right Place
Pruning Trees

Not only will you gain book knowledge, but you also will receive field training and experience to reinforce what you have learned. After completion of the course, you will be provided with opportunities to put your new knowledge into action in very visible ways, making a difference in your city.

TreeKeepers receive an official TreeKeeper polo shirt, a coupon for a large ball & burlap tree, and a signed certificate when they have fulfilled 36 hours of volunteer service to tree projects.

If you are interested in 2009 TreeKeepers sessions, you are welcome to email us at: volunteer@GoColumbiaMO.com or call 874-7499 to be put on the interest list. We will contact you later this year to ask if you wish to register.

TreeKeeper volunteers:

Complete a six-week TreeKeeper course.
Agree to assist the City in organized tree care projects when available, donating at least 36 hours of volunteer time. Projects take place on Saturday mornings.
Help maintain Adopt A Spot projects, the MKT Nature Fitness Trail, and other City Parks (plant, prune, weed, water, mulch & general upkeep) under supervision of City Forester.
Use standard hand tools and equipment to plant, prune, remove, water fertilize, and mulch trees.
Perform manual labor, including bending, stooping, digging, reaching, and lifting.
Work cooperatively with City staff, volunteers, and general public.
Work outdoors, often during varied weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.)

TreeKeepers 2008 Graduating Class
TreeKeepers 2008 Graduation Class

How can I participate?

Class size is limited to 35 people; applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Return the completed application to: The Office of Volunteer Services at P.O. Box 6015, Columbia, MO 65205 or fax to 442-8828. Questions? E-mail us at volunteer@GoColumbiaMO.com .

Updated 3-11-2008