The pages were jam-packed with writing and it was obvious that I had written down almost everything the teachers had said (I was a “keener” even then!). It seems so long ago that I had first learned what a “stomata” was. Unbeknownst to me at the time, taking the Tree Tenders course was a big turning point in my life -- one that showed me that a career in forestry was a possibility.
I first encountered LEAF when I stumbled upon a tree tour back in 2008. It sparked my interest and opened my eyes to the urban forest, but I wanted to know more about these miraculous creatures called trees: how to identify them, what makes them stressed, what maintenance they need…so Tree Tenders was a perfect fit.
Fourteen hours of learning, both inside and outdoors, taught me everything from tree biology (the best biology!) to the hands-on skills of tree planting (which we did in Riverdale Park!). It was great having a variety of teachers talk to us about each topic. Not only did you get multiple perspectives on the urban forest, but you also knew you were being taught by experts. I learned a lot in a short span of time: it was like a one-year arboriculture program condensed into three days! Everything you wanted to know about trees was touched upon, even urban soil and municipal tree by-laws.
LEAF told us the objective was to create a city full of active, engaged Tree Tenders. So with the knowledge I gained from the course, I decided to start a Backyard Tree Planting Program through my local residents association in the Annex, with a grant from the Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation. I walked around my neighborhood looking for spaces for trees and conducted a mini-inventory of “plantable” spaces, both in front and back yards. Next came a door-to-door campaign talking to neighbors, then recruiting volunteers for planting day. In total, we helped get over 20 trees planted in my neighborhood!
Tree Tenders was such an enjoyable experience that after the course, I decided to enroll in a Forestry class at the University of Toronto. One thing led to the next and I eventually switched my major from Cinema Studies to Forest Conservation. I then went to Fleming College for their Urban Forestry program. But I never forgot my Tree Tender roots and am so happy to now be working with the organization that got me interested in the first place! There were many steps on my path to becoming an arborist, but attending the LEAF Tree Tenders course was one of the first big ones that got me started. I would highly recommend the experience for anyone who wants to know more about trees.
LEAF is offering two Tree Tenders sessions this fall – one in Richmond Hill (starting September 12) and one in Ajax (starting September 29). To learn more about the program or to sign up, click here!
The Tree Tenders Volunteer Training Program is supported by Ontario Power Generation's Biodiversity Program, York Region, City of Mississauga, Town of Ajax, Durham Region, and Toronto and Region Conservation.
Michael Marcucci is an arborist with LEAF.