Neighborhood Forester Class: Tree Benefits

Discover how urban trees impact community health while learning city policies and developing skills to advocate for neighborhood green spaces. Want to become a Neighborhood Forester? 🌳 Complete all four Neighborhood Forester classes plus a hands-on volunteer event to become a Certified Neighborhood Forester. Once completed, you’ll be able to lead community tree projects, mentor […]

(FULL!) IMBA Trail School – 2-day event

Registration for this event is full! Check back soon for more opportunities to become part of the trail building crew.   —   The IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) Trail School, in partnership with Friends of GR Parks, is an immersive, hands-on workshop designed to educate trail stewards, land managers, and volunteers on sustainable trail […]

Beneficial and Hazardous Fungus & Insects (with Wise Owl Tree Company)

This hour-long educational event will be held by guest speakers at Wise Owl Tree Company, who will dive into the fungi and insects found throughout our urban forest and how to tell if they are beneficial or harmful. There will be examples of the most common species we see in the area, what trees these insects […]

Tree Maintenance Class (Class Full!)

Registration for this class is full! By signing up, you are joining a waitlist. Join us for a discussion on tree maintenance at the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks office! If you want to learn how to care for trees as they grow properly, attend our Tree Pruning & Maintenance Class! This class discusses the timing of […]

Environmental Justice Class (Class Full!)

Registration for this class is full! By signing up, you are joining a waitlist. Join us for a discussion about our urban forest at the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks office! We’ll be taking a deeper look at the science behind all the benefits trees offer us and our history with tree canopy and maintenance […]

Halloween Tree ID Class

Come get ~spooky~ with our arborists to identify trees and enjoy learning more about the trees in the historic Oakhill Cemetery, West Michigan’s first accredited arboretum! Costumes are encouraged! This class is part of our Neighborhood Forester program. This program is free, and all are welcome.

Tree Maintenance Class

Join us for a discussion on tree maintenance at the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks office! If you want to learn how to care for trees as they grow properly, attend our Tree Pruning & Maintenance Class! This class discusses the timing of maintenance throughout a tree’s life, the tools needed, the importance of mulching, and correct […]

Tree Planting Class

Join us for a discussion on tree planting at the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks office! We’ll cover everything from selecting the perfect site and choosing the right species to planting techniques and ongoing care. Learn tips to make sure your tree thrives and can be enjoyed for generations to come. This class is part […]

Tree ID Class

Join us at the Southeast Area Farmers Market for a tree identification walk hosted by one of our certified arborists. We will cover the identification of different trees and their benefits! The market is held at the west parking lot off of Fuller ave. About our event partner: OUR KITCHEN TABLE A grass-roots, nonprofit organization […]

Invasive Control Work Day in Eastown

Join Friends and Kent Conservation District to learn how to identify and control the invasive species, black swallow-wort! We’ll provide all the necessary supplies and offer an introductory training session on the importance of control and proper techniques. You’re welcome to join us, stay as long as you can, and learn about the best methods […]