All TreeVitalize community planting projects require at least one certified Tree Tender for every 10 trees planted. Tree Tenders are trained volunteers who are certified to help plant and maintain small trees. This special group of volunteers participates in an all-day course organized by Tree Pittsburgh that equips them with the skills necessary to plant and care for trees. Local tree experts provide instruction, and the course covers everything from tree biology to planting and pruning. 

2012 Tree tender course opportunities are below:

Tree Pittsburgh

http://treepittsburgh.org/become-tree-tender

All courses will be held on Saturdays, and cost $40, which includes registration, materials, lunch, and instruction. Scholarships are available, contact Caitlin@treepittsburgh.org or call 412-362-6360 for more information. Again, a light breakfast and lunch is included in the course.

• Saturday March 10th, 9am-4pm Carlow University Tiernan Hall (click for campus map), Oakland
• Saturday June 16th, 9am-4pm, Rothschild Doyno Collaborative, 2847 Penn Avenue, Strip District
• Saturday September 15th, 9am-4pm, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, 800 Waterfront Drive, Washington's Landing

Nine Mile Run Watershed Assciation

http://www.ninemilerun.org/tree-tenders-course/

Tree Tender Training is offered at a special discounted fee of $10 for Nine Mile Run watershed residents and $20 for residents outside the watershed. To register, please fill out the form at the link above. For more information, please contact Alicia Donner, GreenLinks Coordinator, by calling 412-371-8779, ext. 116 or emailing alicia@ninemilerun.org.

• Saturday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South Ave United Methodist Church, 733 South Ave, Wilkinsburg