Tree Stewards - Class I - Pilot Program - 2027

Become a Tree Steward

The UF/IFAS Florida Tree Steward Program is a volunteer training initiative designed to empower community members with the knowledge and skills needed to care for and advocate for Florida’s urban forests. Through science-based education on tree biology, planting, maintenance, risk awareness, and community engagement, participants become local ambassadors who help expand public understanding of the many environmental, economic, and social benefits that trees provide. The program aims to build a statewide network of informed volunteers who can support healthier, more resilient communities while extending the reach and impact of urban forestry education across Florida.

This program will use expert presentations, online explorations, experiential learning, field experience in urban forestry to foster a greater understanding of the importance of trees and tree care and provide the tools necessary to become stewards of our community trees.

During this eight-session course, participants will explore tree biology, practice tree identification, learn about site assessments and proper species selection, engage with tree planting and pruning demonstrations, and more!

Participants will also plan and implement an individual (or group) stewardship project that makes a difference in the community and explore online resources to learn more about community trees between class sessions.

Each class session will be two hours long and include instructor-led presentations, activities and demonstrations. Classes will also include time for discussions among participants.

This course has limited seating/availability. Register early to reserve your spot. A minimum of 15 participants must be registered one week prior to the course or the course will be rescheduled. A full refund will be issued if this is the case.

Schedule

Session 1 - Tuesday, January 19 (9:00-11:00 a.m.):

• Program Introduction – What is a Florida Urban Tree Steward? Taught by Stephanie Cadaval, Urban Forestry Estension Coordinator, UF/IFAS School of Forests, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences
• Why Trees Matter: Taught by Lara Milligan, Natural Resources Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County

Session 2 - Tuesday, February 2 (9:00-11:00 a.m.):

• Basic Tree Biology - How Trees Work: Taught by Alyssa Vinson, Urban Forestry Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
• How Palms Grow Palms are Not Trees - Biology and Care Differences: Taught by Carolyn Cheatham Rhodes, Environmental Program Manager, Urban Forestry and Landscape Services, Pinellas County Public Works

Session 3 - Tuesday, February 16 (9:00-11:00 a.m.):

• Tree Identification - A Logical, Learnable Process: Taught by Lara Milligan, Natural Resources Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County

Session 4 - Tuesday, March 2 (9:00-11:00 a.m.):

• Site Assessment and Tree-Related Conflicts: Taught by Dr. Andrew Koeser, Arboriculture Research Scientist
• Species Selection: Taught by Theresa Baderek, Urban Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County

Session 5 - Tuesday, March 16 (9:00-11:00 a.m.):

• Tree Planting and Establishment: Taught by Dean Hay, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, Gulfport Environmental Team, Principal

Session 6- Tuesday, March 30 (9:00-11:00 a.m.):

• Pruning and Maintenance: Taught by Matt Hill, Urban Forestry Management Specailist, Urban Forestry and Landscape Services, Pinellas County Public Works

Session 7- Tuesday, April 13 (9:00-11:00 a.m.):

• Storms and Recovery: Taught by Eric Muecke, Urban Forestry Manager, Parks & Recreation, City of Tampa
• Understanding Tree Ordinances: Taught by Calyn Leak, MS, Environmental Division Manager, Building & Development Review Services, Pinellas County and Brian Knox, Senior Forester Examiner, Development and Economic Opportunity, City of Tampa

Session 8- Tuesday, April 27 (9:00-11:00 a.m.):

• Get Involved-Tree Stewardship Activities: Taugh by Lara Milligan, Natural Resources Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County
• GRADUATION!

Before You Register

Please review course requirements should you wish to receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program:

• Attend at least six of the eight sessions, three of which MUST be the first and last ones (Session #1 and Session #8) and the pruning session (#6)
• Complete "homework" between class sessions
• Participate in the online discussions
• Craft and present a 3-minute mock public comment related to trees at the graduation session

Cost: $125

If the cost of the program will prevent you from participating, please complete a scholarship application. Application deadline is Monday, December 7.

Questions?

For more information about this course, please contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan at lara317@ufl.edu or 727-453-6905.