Citizen Forestry
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Citizen Forester TrainingWe offer a series of 12 classes taught by FUF staff and premier guest speakers. Whether you are an experienced FUF volunteer, or are new to FUF's programs, this is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and experience with trees. Become a Citizen Forester, and become a leader in the FUF community! Our next Citizen Forester Program begins on February 22, 2012. |
What is a Citizen Forester?
Simply put, Citizen Foresters are FUF's elite "Tree Corps". With their experience in the field, and premier training in many areas of San Francisco Urban Forestry, Citizen Foresters are leaders in the FUF volunteer community.
How do I become a Citizen Forester?
Sign up for our upcoming Citizen Forester training! Each year,Taught by premier guest speakers and our own FUF staff members, the training consists of six Wednesday night lectures, each followed by a Saturday morning field day.
How much will it cost?
FUF will entirely sponsor any volunteer who commits to spending 50 hours (about one day per month for a year) volunteering in a leadership position with FUF- we want you to put your new skills to work!
Otherwise, if you just want to take an individual class (Wednesday/ Saturday combo) the cost is $35, and the entire series (without a volunteer commitment) costs $200.
Individual Section
(Wed. & Sat. combo)...... $35 (space permitting)
Entire Series..................... $200
SPONSOR ME! ............. FREE!
How do I register?
Call: (415) 268-0774
E-mail: heather@fuf.net
Class Descriptions
Following are descriptions of the classes.
Urban Forestry in SF and Community Coordination
Lecture: Introduction to Friends of the Urban Forest, including topics in community organizing, the importance of trees in our urban environment, developing leadership skills and working with volunteer groups. Wednesday, February 22, 6:30-8:30pm
Lab: City transect- Starting at the ocean and ending at the bay, Heather and Chris will discuss the natural and cultural history of San Francisco, with a focus on urban forestry and tree species selection. Saturday, February 25, 9am-1pm
Basic Tree Biology and Tree Pruning
Lecture: Introduction to the basics of tree biology and pruning, with a focus on young tree training and root pruning. We will learn reasons for pruning, how to make a proper cut, how to decide what to prune, and how to properly use pruning tools. Wednesday, February 29, 6:30-8:30pm
Lab: We will put our new pruning skills to work in the Outer Sunset, caring for trees in the neighborhood, and practicing group leadership skills. Saturday, March 3, 9am-1pm
Principles of Planting
Lecture: Introduction to the process of choosing the right tree for the right place, nursery stock selection, planting in urban settings, and how to water and establish new trees. Wednesday, March 7, 6:30-8:30pm
Lab: We will head out into the city to get some hands-on practice planting trees. We will meet at the site for our Sunset Planting Day, spend some time planting trees, and will return in time to enjoy the post-planting festivities! Saturday, March 10, 9am-1pm
San Francisco Street Tree ID
Lecture: Using pictures and live samples, Heather will introduce us to the top 25 trees planted in San Francisco. We will look at how to ID trees, using leaves, flowers, bark and form. Wednesday, March 14, 6:30-8:30pm
Lab: On this Tree ID walk, we will get up close and personal with the trees from Heather's lecture. Be sure to bring good walking shoes! Saturday, March 17, 9am-1pm
Tree Diseases & Pest Management
Lecture: Identifying insect pests and diseases is an important part of urban tree care. This class will take us through the problems you are most likely to encounter in San Francsico, discuss how to identify the pest or disease, and steps that can be taken to remedy a sick tree. Wednesday, March 21, 6:30-8:30pm
Lab: For our field day, we will visit the FUF tree yard at the Alice Griffith Garden in the Bayview, getting hands-on experience in identifying pest and disease issues, discussing treatment options, treating plant material where possible, and making recommendations to the garden's caretaker. Saturday, March 24, 9am-1pm
Advanced Pruning Techniques
Lecture: We will talk about species-specific pruning techniques, and take us a step beyond the basics. This will be a chance to learn new techniques and approaches to pruning, and to broaden your skill set. Wednesday, March 28, 6:30-8:30pm
Lab: For our final field day, we will help lead our second Outer Sunset tree care day. This will be a chance to put all of our new tree care skills to the test, as we work in small groups caring for trees in the neighborhood. Saturday, March 31, 9am-1pm
