One of the great things about living in Seattle is that people here dig trees. There are door-to-door tree volunteers who do things like inventory street trees. Old trees can be designated and protected as heritage trees. The “Lovely Ladies with Loppers” tend unloved fruit trees and restore them to productiveness.
The City of Seattle even has an official “ReLeaf” program, established to protect and expand our urban forest. Its admirable goal is to reach 30% tree cover by 2037. There is a lovely (truly – filled with gorgeous tree photos) report published last year outlining the city’s Urban Forest Stewardship Plan that’s worth a peek if you care about that quality of life on our city – it’s amazing how much trees contribute to that. (You can also play with this great interactive map that I discovered tonight, which lets you examine our neighborhood with various filters applied – tree cover, transit corridors, wildlife, known slide areas, you name it. It’s more fun that Pinterest!)
If you click on the photo, you’ll see that Wallingford is only slightly better than halfway to the 30% tree cover goal. To help our neighborhood reach its goal, tree ambassadors are needed! You can the person who helps ensure that every Seattle resident has a tree to hug! Katie Gibbons of ReLeaf wrote to invite any and all neighbors (no previous experience necessary) to join the urban forest cause:
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 and Saturday, March 15 (attend both)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 and Saturday, April 5 (attend both)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: May 17Tree 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.
If you become a tree ambassador, make sure you write-in to let neighbors know about the tree walks that you are offering or cool volunteer projects for the trees are going on in the ‘hood!