TreeKeepers Training Program Registration

Through July 23, those who live, work or attend school in Evanston can take advantage of early registration for the fall 2016 Openlands TreeKeepers Training Program, an eight-day course focused on managing and reducing the threats to forest health.

To register, call/text 847-448-4311 or email sustainability@cityofevanston.org. Starting July 25, registration will be open to the general public.

The training course will take place 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays from Sept. 17 through Oct. 13, at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd.

Tuition for the program is $128, with limited scholarships available through Openlands. Tuition includes a one-year membership to Openlands, a TreeKeepers certificate, TreeKeepers badge and a TreeKeepers t-shirt.

Those who would like to learn more about the TreeKeepers Training Program are encouraged to join the Evanston TreeKeepers at Dempster Street Beach House, 1251 Lakeshore Blvd., at 10 a.m. on July 16.

To become a certified TreeKeeper, participants must:

• Attend all eight classes (missed classes may be made up at a subsequent series)• Pass a written exam (60% passing)• Complete practical exams on tree planting, mulching and pruning• Pledge 25 volunteer hours within the year following graduation• Adopt public trees in a park or on a parkway for a long-term project• Have fun while learning about the urban forest.