Neighborhood Forester Tree Planting Class
Learn the scientific approach to choosing an appropriate site to plant your tree based on its species. In this class, we discuss soil, root development, tree growth habits, interaction with utilities, and visibility from high-traffic areas. Class includes information on watering and maintenance. Want to become a Neighborhood Forester? 🌳 Complete all four Neighborhood Forester […]
Neighborhood Conservationist Field Day and Safety Training Class
Our Field day and Safety Training reviews essential information for completing safe, effective conservation volunteer work in Grand Rapids parks. This includes safe use of tools and herbicides, safely handling invasive plants, and injury prevention. This class is held outdoors. Please park in the north lot off Aberdeen. Want to become a Neighborhood Conservationist? 🌱 […]
Neighborhood Conservationist Invasive Species Class
Invasive species are the biggest “pollutant” in natural spaces. Our invasive species class discusses several exotic plant species and how they affect animal and plant habitats in Grand Rapids parks, as well as how we as people use our parks. (Did you know some invasive species harbor ticks that spread Lyme Disease?) This indoor class […]
Neighborhood Conservationist Ecology Class
Welcome to Ecology! In this class, we explore foundational aspects of ecology, including discussing how different species are connected and support each other, threats to biodiversity, and ways to protect and steward biodiversity at home and in Grand Rapids parks. We also explore how people like you can make a difference for the insects, birds, […]
Neighborhood Forester Tree Benefits Class
In this class, we explore the relationship between trees and quality of life indicators, historical context for Grand Rapids’ tree canopy distribution, and how to be better advocates for trees in our community. This class challenges preconceived notions about trees and our relationship to them. Want to become a Neighborhood Forester? Complete all four Neighborhood […]
Neighborhood Conservationist Invasive Species Class
Invasive species are the biggest “pollutant” in natural spaces. Our invasive species class discusses several exotic plant species and how they affect animal and plant habitats in Grand Rapids parks, as well as how we as people use our parks. (Did you know some invasive species harbor ticks that spread Lyme Disease?) This indoor class […]
Tree Watering Workday
Let’s water some young trees! During this tree-watering workday, volunteers will be biking to trees in the neighborhood and waiting for the truck and trailer to pull up with buckets of water. Each bucket weighs about 45 lbs. and each tree receives two buckets of water. The truck will drive to the next tree while one […]
Neighborhood Forester Tree Pruning and Maintenance Class
Our certified arborists will show you the proper techniques for pruning and maintaining trees as part of our Neighborhood Forester Class series. 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, […]
Conservation Weekend Workday at Huff Park
For this shift, we’ll be doing invasive species removal and native tree planting, which will involve the use of hand tools, shovels, herbicide, and PPE. Note: Registration will take you to our third party volunteer management tool—once you’re in our system, you’ll be able to sign up for volunteer shifts with Friends! Just scroll down […]
Conservation Crew at Ball Perkins Park
For this shift, we’ll be doing invasive species removal, which will involve the use of hand tools, herbicide, and PPE. Note: Registration will take you to our third party volunteer management tool—once you’re in our system, you’ll be able to sign up for volunteer shifts with Friends! Just scroll down to browse all shifts or […]