June 21, 2006VCE Advanced Master Gardener Tree Steward Advanced Master Gardener Tree Stewards Introduction Frank Reilly

June 21, 2006 VCE Advanced Master Gardener Tree Steward

Advanced Master GardenerTree Stewards

Introduction

Frank Reilly


Advanced Master Gardener Programs

Tree Stewards

Water

Land care

Wildlife/Habitat

Others



Sponsored by Virginia Department of Forestry through the Urban & Community Assistance Grant Program

Developed by Department of Horticulture– 10 years of effort– 2 years of final preparation and review



Open to Master Gardeners

Technical Training

Programmatic Training

Internship period

Project

Service



Technical Training– Unit 1 Overview – Benefits of Trees to the Community– Unit 2 Tree Biology and Soil/Site Limitations– Unit 3 Urban Tree Problems & Diagnosis– Unit 4 Basic Tree Selection– Unit 5 Trees for Various Sites– Unit 6 Optimal Tree Planting– Unit 7 Pruning and Training Trees– Unit 8 Street Tree Inventories



Unit 1 Overview– OBJECTIVES:– Know why trees are important to our communities

• Economically• Non-Economically

– Understand the purpose and organization of Advanced Master Gardener Tree Steward

– Learn the essentials of a well-rounded MGTS program– Complete and return volunteer agreement form.– Understanding Trees

• Benefits of trees to the Community?• What is the place of Advanced Master Gardener Tree Stewards in the

community?– Becoming an Advanced Master Gardener Tree Steward– Introduction to the program– Creating a lasting impact through education



Unit 2 Tree Biology and Urban Soils– Objectives:

• Understand tree root spread & Distribution and its implications.

• Learn basic tree biology including transpiration, formation of bark & function of cambium, & physiological requirements of roots.

• Understand water and nutrient relations in urban soils and their influence on urban trees.

– Understanding Trees• Tree Biology• Assessing Urban Soils and site limitations



Unit 3 Urban Tree Problems and Their Diagnosis– OBJECTIVES:

• Become familiar with typical environmental stresses experienced by urban and community shade trees

• Learn the basics of diagnosing shade tree problems and steps to remedy them

– Understanding Trees• The Urban Environment• Plant Management• Diseases and Pests• Construction Impacts



Unit 4 Basic Tree Selection– OBJECTIVES:

• Be familiar with the following factors in tree selection:– Achieving species diversity– Choosing cultivars– Choosing native or exotic species

• Understand tree morphology as an aid to tree identification• Learn to identify trees

– Understanding Trees• Background information for plant identification• Considerations for species and cultivar selection• Identification List #1



Unit 5 Trees for various sites– Objectives:

• Learn Trees on Identification list• Increase knowledge of trees recommended for

various site conditions

– Understanding Trees• Specific uses of trees• Trees for various sites• Identification List #2



Unit 6 Optimal Tree Planting– Objectives:

• Learn characteristics of high quality trees • Learn optimum planting and initial maintenance practices for

shade trees

– Understanding Trees• Characteristics of quality trees• Trees care:

– Planting– Staking– Wrapping– Mulching; and– Watering



Unit 7 Pruning & Training Trees– Objectives:

• Learn the training & pruning requirements of shade trees

• Understand tree wound compartmentalization• Understand the importance of initial maintenance

in tree survival• Understanding Trees• Mechanisms of wound closure• Tree hazard prevention



Unit 8 Identifying Tree Problems– Objectives:

• Be able to identify tree problems

– Understanding Trees• Conducting tree inventories• Tour of community – discussion of Social,

Technical, and Management issues in Urban Forestry



Unit 10 Project and Presentation of Project– Objectives:

In conjunction with your home Unit!• Identify Community needs• Propose programs to meet those needs• Present program plan• Set schedule for year’s programming• Report to State Master Gardener Coordinator


The Manual

Manual organization– Outline– Suggested readings– Other resources

Some programmatic materials


Unit 1 OverviewOBJECTIVES: Know why trees are important to our communities in

both Economic and non-Economic terms

Why are trees important?


Trees play a vital role in our community

Reduce heating and cooling costs

Stimulate economic development

Improve tax base

Attract new families


Trees play a vital role in our community

Help clean air and water

Reduce erosion and flooding

Moderate temperature

Lessen energy demands


Where would you like to live, work, and play?


Some Non-economic benefits of trees

Trees provide color, shade, fragrance

Studies show trees relieve stress and shorten recovery times

Trees lower health risks, crime, & violence


Some Non-economic benefits of trees

Trees enhance roadwaysThey buffer noise and headlight glareHelp drivers cope with stress


Trees are essential to the environment

Trap rainfall

Roots prevent erosion

Replenish groundwater

Reduce flooding

Reduce flooding damage


Trees affect the hydrologic cycle


Q

T

Developed Condition, Conventional CN(Higher Peak, More Volume, and Earlier Peak Time)

Existing Condition

Hydrograph


Trees affect the hydrologic cycle


Trees save communities money


Trees save energyDeciduous tress planted on the south and west sides of a house can reduce air conditioning needs

Evergreens planted on the north side of a house can reduce winter heating costs by up to 10 per cent.

Savings can easily exceed $250/year/home!


Trees increase property value

Mature trees can add 10% to 20% to a homes value

Wooded lots bring more than “skint” ones


Top 10 Reasons why we need trees!

1. Trees help purify the air we breathe by absorbing pollutants.2. Trees increase property values and improve the tax base in communities.3. Trees improve neighborhood appeal, attracting businesses, shoppers, and homeowners.4. Trees cool our cities and towns by reducing heat generated by buildings and paved surfaces.5. Tree shade, properly placed, can save an average household up to $250 annually in energy costs.

6. Trees reduce the amount of pollutants in sewer systems, saving communities millions of dollars in water treatment costs.7. Trees soften harsh building lines and large expanses of pavement, making urban environments much more pleasant.8. Trees provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, maintaining a balance with nature even in urban areas.9. Trees reduce the amount of water-borne pollutants that reach streams and rivers.10. Trees reduce levels of domestic violence and foster safer, more sociable neighborhood environments.


What can you do?

Fund programs for tree care, planting; and maintenance

Hire a community forester

Support volunteer organizations


What can you do?

Plant the right tree in the right place

Replant when you remove trees

Join your local tree committee or start one

Become an Advanced Master Gardener Tree Steward and facilitate all of the above!


Unit 1 OverviewOBJECTIVES: Gain an understanding of the purpose and organization

of Advanced Master Gardener Tree Steward

Purpose– Volunteer Programmers & Educators– Extend VCE’s reach– Develop Community-based Programs– Learn, Teach, & Manage Good Urban Forest

and Tree Management



Complete and return volunteer agreement form

Advanced Master Gardener—Tree StewardTraining and Volunteer Agreement Form

Name:___________________________________________________________________________Mailing Address:__________________________________________________________________City:_____________________ County:_________________ State:___________ Zipcode: _______Street Address (if different from above): _______________________________________________City:_____________________ County: ________________ State: __________ Zipcode: _______Daytime telephone: ( ) Evening telephone: ( ) This form constitutes an agreement between _____________________ Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and the Master Gardener—Tree Steward trainee listed above. The trainee agrees to complete the entire VCE MGTS course which consists of two parts, _____ hours of classroom training and _____ hours of field internship in the community under the auspice of VCE during the period __________________________________ to ________________________. At that time, if volunteer training work has been satisfactorily completed, the trainee listed above shall become a Master Gardener—Tree Steward entitled to fully participate in the Master Gardener—Tree Steward program. In support of this contract, VCE will provide the training, assist in identifying and approving the community internship experience, and provide supervisory expertise to fulfill this experience. VCE will also provide an official nametag and certificate of achievement for program completion. The MGTS, as a trainee, intern, and volunteer educator, will receive the same liability insurance as the Extension agent when working on authorized programs.I, _______________________, the MGTS trainee, understand the above agreement and further understand that the Extension agent may require specific types of internship work to satisfy this agreement. I also understand that to maintain Master Gardener—Tree Steward status, I will conduct additional educational programming in the amount of 20 hours each year to reach goals agreed on by the local MGTS. These activities must be approved by the Extension agent.I further agree that the title of Advanced Master Gardener—Tree Steward will only be used for non-profit volunteer education purposes associated with the VCE Advanced Master Gardener—Tree Steward program and will not be used in any business advertising or other for-profit activity.

Trainee Signature: ________________________________________________________________Extension Office:_______________________________ E-Mail address _____________________Date:________________ Agent signature: _____________________________________________(Xerox 2 copies: original to coordinator’s files, copy to OCH, copy to MGTS trainee.)


Requirements

Complete and return volunteer agreement formComplete Technical TrainingComplete Programmatic TrainingPrepare a projectReport on the projectComplete InternshipContinued volunteer activity


Questions & Feedback

Do you understand what is entailed?

Is this introduction thorough?

Any suggestions?

Any criticisms?

Documents

June 21, 2006VCE Advanced Master Gardener Tree Steward Advanced Master Gardener Tree Stewards Introduction Frank Reilly