The cities of Becker, Big Lake, Clear Lake, Elk River, Princeton and Zimmerman are partnering with the Sherburne Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Minnesota Tree Care Advocate Program at the U. of M. on a pilot program that will increase local arboreal capacity by engaging citizens in community forestry.

 

“Citizen Pruner” volunteers are trained in tree identification, biology, and pruning techniques.  Tree pruning requires not only an understanding of how to prune, but also knowledge of tree biology to ensure that the spread of certain diseases is prevented, according to SWCD Resource Conservationist Gina Hugo.

 

Volunteers have gathered at several parks and public facility landscapes to assist with basic tree pruning since the local program began in 2014.

 

Well maintained trees in our communities repay us with green infrastructure benefits like, reduced stormwater runoff and improved air quality.  Scientific research also ties trees to several other public health benefits relating to roads and traffic, business, climate change, property values and energy savings.  Pruners have a vital role to play in safeguarding the health of our community forests and preserving the many environmental benefits that result from the presence of healthy trees.

 

A training session has been scheduled for Sat., Jan. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Zimmerman City Hall, 12980 Fremont Avenue, Zimmerman, MN 55398.  The cost of the eight-hour class is $25, and the course material will be presented by U. of M. Urban Forestry Department staff members, Hugo said.

 

To register, visit http://www.mntca.org/mcp-sherburne/.   For more information about the program, contact Gina Hugo by phone at 763-241-1170 ext. 101, or via e-mail at ghugo@sherburneswcd.org.