As it’s my first year here at LEAF, the course last week at the Northern District Library in Toronto was my first Tree Tenders experience. I was looking forward to learning alongside participants in the courses – but I was surprised to find out just how much I had to learn about trees from Philip and Wendy!
I was especially excited to learn how to identify different species of trees. And after just one session, I’m much more comfortable with names of the trees as I walk down the street. Trees are our neighbours, after all, so I appreciate being able to greet the tulip trees and red oaks by name.
I had already started to learn a little about “the right tree in the right place” while planning the tree plantings for the upcoming courses. As part of this process, I had a chance to visit and chat with experts at each location to discuss what trees we would plant, and where.
During the next course, Tree Tenders will plant a silver maple at Oak Ridges Community Centre in Richmond Hill. I’m thrilled to be part of teaching people how to plant a tree and to watch these trees grow and become part of the urban forest over the years to come!
I enjoyed meeting the folks in the Toronto course last week, and I’m eager to meet the group that has signed up for the Richmond Hill course (will you be one?) It is inspiring to connect with all these folks who want to learn more about tree care and our urban forest.
I’ve been enjoying reading the recent profiles of past Tree Tender graduates on LEAF’s blog. The projects they’ve been working onare so inspiring and they are obviously putting their learning to good use. I’m looking forward to watching all of the exciting things this year’s batch of Tree Tenders get up to!
Do you want to be part of this amazing group? Sign up to take a Tree Tenders course, and become a tree steward in your community!
Robyn is the Education and Outreach Coordinator at LEAF and coordinates the Tree Tenders Volunteer Training Program. She holds a Master of Science degree in Learning, Teaching, and Social Policy from Cornell University. Her interests include environmental education, sustainable agriculture, and community engagement. Prior to joining LEAF she worked with Greenest City, doing environmental food education programs for youth. Robyn enjoys sailing, knitting, gardening, and good food.