FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

The Richmond Tree Steward organization educates and trains people who wish to volunteer to work with the city's trees.
During 2012, the Richmond Tree Stewards accomplished:

• Completion of a tree inventory for Battery Park and presentation of the information to the Friends of Battery Park for future planning.
• Stop sign pruning in the Fan District, ensuring each stop sign was visible to drivers.
• Watering approximately 200 newly planted trees in Byrd Park, Forest Hill Park, and Gillies Creek Park from May through September. Each tree was watered every two weeks unless there was at least an inch of rain during the previous week. Watering young trees is critical to their survival and good health.
• Developmental pruning of young street trees. This pruning technique is necessary in order for some urban trees to develop a stronger and safer branching structure.
• A planting project in Chimborozo Park that put approximately 200 trees in the ground. This project was lead by two tree stewards, supported by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. It was accomplished with the assistance of other volunteer groups.
• As of mid-October 2012, approximately 2,250 volunteer hours have been recorded for the year.

To join this growing organization, register for classes.