Every year we train approximately 100 community members, providing them with the tools and resources to be active leaders and urban forest advocates in their neighbourhoods. This spring, the City of Mississauga made it possible for us to hold our first-ever training in Mississauga! We also held a spring course in Toronto with support from Ontario Power Generation (OPG). Our participants were passionate about trees and ready to learn more about what their tree canopy had to offer!
We invited experts in the field to share their knowledge and experience, and instruct on the basics of arboriculture, including tree biology, tree identification, soils, tree protection and proper planting and care.
Gaspar Horvath, President of the Black Creek Conservation Project, leads a Tree Identification session
Here is what our Tree Tender Graduates had to say about their training this spring!
Tree Tenders is great for even beginners like me. A must-take for anyone who loves to foster a better community! - Amy, Mississauga
The course is good for getting a taste of identifying trees and learning about the issues relevant to the urban forest, and also provides great opportunity to network and learn about how to become more involved in helping the urban forest - [anonymous], Toronto
Comprehensive, well organized program with diverse speakers. Provided lots of insight into the urban forest - David, Mississauga
I really appreciate how much I will take away from this course. Now that I have a better understanding of what trees need I am already starting to see things in my community that can be easily fixed - Dave, Mississauga
The passion for trees exhibited by the presenters was infections (the good kind) and has inspired me to take more notice and care of such a precious resource, our urban forest – John, Toronto
Mark Sherman, Assistant Planner with the City of Toronto, instructing tree care and maintenance. June Tree Tenders 2015
It was amazing and very informational. I feel more confident in being a tree steward - [anonymous], Toronto
I loved the course and learned a lot about how to get involved in my community, when I did not know how before - Taylor, Toronto
This was an excellent, excellent program. In 4 sessions we covered so much ground and it was fascinating and very meaningful. Loved it! Everyone should experience it! - Ellen, Mississauga
Tree Tenders group planting a tree together
This fall, we’ll be holding a course in Richmond Hill with support from Ontario Power Generation, York Region and the Town of Richmond Hill. And, for the first time ever, we’ll be holding a course in Ajax with the support Ontario Power Generation, Town of Ajax, Region of Durham and Toronto and Region Conservation.
We look forward to working with our partners to engage more citizens in urban forest stewardship across the GTA.
Become a leader in protecting and growing the urban forest -- sign up today!
September 2015: Richmond Hill
Saturday, September 12, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 16, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
October 2015: Ajax
Tuesday, September 29, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 1, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 3, 10:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
LEAF’s Tree Tenders Volunteer Training Program is supported by Ontario Power Generation, York Region, City of Mississauga, Town of Ajax, Durham Region, and Toronto and Region Conservation.
Lauren Brown is LEAF’s Education and Outreach Coordinator.