For the first time ever Evanstonians will have TreeKeeping classes in our own town. Beginning on Saturday Sept. 14 from 9:30 am to 12:30 there will be eight Saturday classes for certification as an Openlands TreeKeeper. Participants will learn how to care for trees in our area and then go out and perform tasks like mulching, scouting problems with parkway trees, and planting trees in woodlands.
The course meets every Saturday at the Levy Center. The cost is $120, and financial assistance is available by calling Openlands at 312-863-6259. Jim DeHorn is the overall educator, but well-known tree experts from various fields will give talks. Practice sessions will be held to demo the actual work.
Some of the topics that will be covered are tree biology, tree ID, soils, and tree selection. Participants must pass a written exam and complete practical exams in tree planting, pruning, and mulching. A badge and certification will be given to all those who successfully complete the course. Twenty-four volunteer hours in the first year are expected of each person receiving a certificate.
For more info contact trees@openlands.org
This is a special opportunity as the course will not be given again in Evanston for some time. The classes will also be given at the Morton Arboretum. People have noted that Sept 14 is the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur, and for those who wish the material for that date will be handed out at another time.
