Description

Are you interested in trees? Do you feel drawn to make a difference in your community? If so, the Minnesota Tree Care Advisor Program could be the place for you! 

Tree Care Advisors are dedicated to volunteerism and improving the urban and community forests of Minnesota. Once trained and certified, Tree Care Advisor volunteers are encouraged to fulfill roles as educators, advocates, and facilitators to more effectively help others help themselves. They may choose to assist community or neighborhood forestry planning groups by conducting workshops, helping them prepare proposals, and reviewing their plans. They may also help the public with tree-related questions by providing information or directing them to resources. 

The 9-part Core Course provides research- and science-based training in a variety of tree-centered theories and practices. Participants build a strong foundation of knowledge through a mixture of presentations, discussions, assignments, and hands-on learning opportunities. Online classes will be held over Zoom.

Volunteers commit to 25 hours of volunteerism and 4 hours of continuing education each calendar year. (Note that the same hours are not able to "double dip" with other UMN programs like Master Gardeners or Master Naturalists.)

Learn more at https://mntca.umn.edu/tree-care-advisor/become-tca

Questions? Email Marissa at endre059@umn.edu

Registration:

• $200 
• If you are an AmeriCorps member or the cost is a barrier for you, please contact Marissa at endre059@umn.edu for information on discounted registration. 
• (Note: Volunteers must view all classes and complete the assignments in order to become certified. Each online class will be recorded and posted to the Course website if you cannot attend live or wish to view it again.)

Outline

2024 MNTCA Core Course Schedule

Dates: Classes weekly from March 26 - May 14

• Tuesday, March 26 @ 5:00 - 7:00pm: Intro to the Core Course, Tree Care Advisor program, and Tree Benefits (online)
• Tuesday, April 2 @ 5:00 - 7:00pm: Tree Biology, Soils, and Site Elements (sunlight, moisture, etc.) (online)
• Tuesday, April 9 @ 5:00 - 7:00pm: Tree Morphology and Tree ID (online)
• Tuesday, April 16 @ 5:00 - 7:00pm: Tree Troubles Part 1 (Invasive Plants, Insect Pests, Pathogens, Abiotic Stresses) (online)
• Tuesday, April 23 @ 5:00 - 7:00pm: Tree Troubles Part 2 (Invasive Plants, Insect Pests, Pathogens, Abiotic Stresses) (online)
• Tuesday, April 30 @ 5:00 - 7:00pm: Climate Change and Tree Selection (online)
• Tuesday, May 7 @ 5:00 - 7:00pm: Best Planting and Pruning Practices (online)
• Saturday, May 11 @  8:30am - 12:00pm: Tree ID, Best Planting Practices, Pruning Trees, Gravel Beds (in-person on the UMN St. Paul Campus) — Alternate/weather day is Saturday, May 18
• Tuesday, May 14 @ 5:00 - 7:00pm: Applied Volunteerism & Course Wrap-up (online)

Objectives