WILMINGTON — Anyone who wants to learn more about properly planting and caring for trees have an opportunity to sign up for a training program through an area nonprofit.
READ MORE: Wilmington moving forward with 400+ tree-planting despite stacked odds
The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees is recruiting new tree stewards community-wide. Four classes will be held in October that will educate volunteers on tools and information needed on newly planted trees, from mulching to staking to watering and more.
“Tree Stewards are the heart and hands of our organization,” Isabelle Shepherd, executive director of ACFT, said in a press release. “These volunteers don’t just learn about trees, they care for them, protect them, and in doing so, transform our neighborhoods one root at a time.”
ACFT’s goal is to help restore Wilmington’s tree canopy, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. in an update last fall, the City of Wilmington assessed its tree canopy has decreased from 48.1% to 41.4% from 2016 to 2022.
In an effort to build back up trees across the city, the government entity — along with community partners like the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees — have led planting initiatives, resulting in 3,000 trees being planted from 2020 to 2021.
The Saturday classes held this fall take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25; the first will be held at the New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Dr., with the other locations to be determined. The classes are free and taught by certified arborists from Bartlett Tree Experts.
Program graduates will commit to at least four to six volunteer hours every month. Volunteers help ACFT lead tree-planting events in fall and winter and oversee maintenance in spring and summer.
No prior tree knowledge or experience is necessary. Sign up here.
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
