Tooba: So I’m curious,
what motivated you to take the Tree Tenders Course?
Sammy: I got the pleasure of taking Tree
Tenders last June as part of LEAF’s Young Urban Forest Leaders Program! About
two years prior I went on my first LEAF Tree Tour in Christie Pits park. At the
time I knew very little about LEAF or about trees. The walk really opened my
eyes and got me excited to learn about the trees I had passed by all my life
without taking much notice. After that tour I did my best to learn about the
trees in my neighbourhood, but I knew I had so much more to learn! Tree
Tenders was an exciting way to build on my existing tree knowledge.
A display of samples used during the tree identification portion of the Tree Tenders program
Tooba: What were some key messages you took away from the course?
Sammy: I think the main message I took away was that city trees are SO VALUABLE, but also so stressed out, and often need our care and attention so they can live up to all their potential.
Tree Tenders participants learn to identify tree stresses and how they can provide proper care
Tooba: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Sammy: I think my favourite part of the class was the hands-on tree walk with instructor Mark Sherman, who led us around Riverdale Park East and the surrounding neighbourhood, pointing out examples of tree stress. It helped solidify some new things learned in the class, such as the issues with double leaders or epicormic shoots (when the tree is stressed it will put out all these extra shoots, often from its base or trunk).
Mark Sherman, course instructor, shows students how to identify a pine tree
Tooba: Since taking the course, how have you used any of the knowledge and skills gained from the course?
Sammy: I have taken this knowledge with me on every walk through the city and I now feel more connected to trees. I am more enthusiastic and more knowledgeable about trees. Since Tree Tenders, I have run some small tree walks at Ryerson. I have also continued to volunteer with LEAF. I feel passionate about the urban forest so I did a big project on Tree Protection Policy for school, inspired by what I had learned at Tree Tenders.
Sammy’s photograph of a LEAF Tree Tour in the east end of Toronto
Tooba: What would you want to say to someone who is thinking about taking the Tree Tenders course?
Sammy: I would want them to know that they will get something out of it. There is always more to know about trees, and Tree Tenders gives you the opportunity to learn more, improve your skills, and practice them if you already feel like you know a little. The class provides such a useful and fun knowledge base and changes the way you look at trees! We need as many people as possible to act as stewards for the urban forest and Tree Tenders is one great way to build a community of those people!
Sammy leading a tree walk at Allan Gardens
A very special thank you to Sammy for sharing your experiences and stories with me! I really enjoyed learning more about our awesome graduates, Lillian and Sammy, and I look forward to seeing where their passion for trees take them in the future.
I am also looking forward to meeting more inspiring people at our Tree Tenders sessions this fall. You can learn more about the Tree Tenders Volunteer Training Program and register today to reserve a spot!
Upcoming Tree Tenders Volunteer Training Sessions:
RICHMOND HILL COURSE (Register here)
Oak Ridges Community
Center
12895 Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 3G2
Saturday, Sept 10, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept 14, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept 17, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
MISSISSAUGA COURSE (Register here)
Lorne Park Library
1474 Truscott Dr, Mississauga, ON, L5H 2B5
Clarkson Community Centre
2475 Truscott Dr, Mississauga, ON, L5J 2B5
Monday, September 26,
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Lorne Park Library
Thursday, September 29, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Lorne Park Library
Saturday, October 1, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Clarkson Community Centre
Wednesday, October 5, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Lorne Park Library
Tree Tenders Volunteer Training program is supported by Ontario Power Generation, York Region, The Town of Richmond Hill and The City of Mississauga.
Tooba Shakeel is LEAF’s Education and Outreach Coordinator.
Read Sammy’s blog about the work of her and her Young Urban Forest Leaders’ team in Regent Park
Photographs were taken by David Slaughter, Jackie Winkler, Lillian Natalizio, Sammy Tangir and Tooba Shakeel.