Neighborhood Forester classes build your comfort, confidence, and skills engaging with and caring for your local trees.
The Friends of Grand Rapids Parks Neighborhood Forester certification builds your knowledge and skill in interacting with trees—caring for, planting, and advocating for trees in our community. Neighborhood Forester tree classes are also a great way to build comfort and confidence around tasks like pruning and long-term care.
Neighborhood Forester classes are great for anyone who:
If you attend all four classes and a tree planting event, you earn your Neighborhood Forester certificate—and a Neighborhoodie!
Taught by our Certified Arborists, Neighborhood Forester classes are always free. To earn your Neighborhood Forester certification, you must attend all four classes and participate in a tree-planting event. We also welcome anyone who wants to attend only one or two classes—we’re always happy to share tree knowledge!
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.
Learn to identify common tree species using primary characteristics. In this class, which is held outdoors at West Michigan’s first accredited arboretum, participants will know how to use terminology and a field guide to identify any tree.
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.
A science-backed approach to tree pruning and care. This class also covers tree physiology—the science of how trees grow and how to manipulate growth for human interaction. This class is an ideal compliment for those with a Master Gardener certification.
— Hannah, Neighborhood Forester
There are currently no upcoming Classes or Workshops. Please check back later!
