Rita is a leader and inspiration to others. She is a passionate advocate for protecting our environment, including our urban forest. She is a graduate of our Tree Tenders Volunteer Training Program and became an EAB Ambassador in 2012 to help us spread the word about the devastating effects of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Rita attended LEAF-organized canvassing events and planned many of her own with the help of her local community group Green 13. She has been an advocate for treating healthy ash trees as well as planting new trees to replace those that have been or will be lost due to infestation. Through perseverance and dedication, Rita delivered informational postcards to over 2,500 houses and spoke with over 500 residents directly at their door, helping LEAF surpass our goal of reaching 6,000 houses in Ward 13!
Tim has been a volunteer since 2011 and is also a graduate of the Tree Tenders program. Like Rita, Tim became an EAB Ambassador in 2012, and has since attended LEAF-organized EAB canvassing events as well as arranging several of his own. He has already reached out to over 2,000 houses in Ward 21 and expects to reach up to 5,000 more! Tim is also active in our Urban Forest Demonstration Gardens and is a regular steward at the LEAF Learning Garden, which he helps maintain by mulching, weeding and watering. To round out his volunteering experience, Tim is also a valued member of the Outreach Team, a dedicated group of individuals that attends events and festivals to speak with the public about LEAF’s programs and the importance of the urban forest.
I once read that those who can do, do, and that those who can do more, volunteer. And sometimes when it seems that no more can be done, our volunteers go the extra mile and amaze us with their commitment and drive to protect and improve the urban forest! Way to go, Rita and Tim!
What more can you do to help our urban forest? Learn more about volunteering at LEAF and join our team for 2014!
