​In 2010, the City of Phoenix adopted the ​Tree and Shade Master Plan that laid out the vision of a healthier, more livable and prosperous Phoenix through investment in the urban forest. The Tree and Shade Master Plan is an integral piece of infrastructure that contains critical components for achieving 25% shade canopy coverage for the entire City. City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department facilitates the Citizen Forester group. Citizen Foresters serve the community by helping City staff properly plant and care for urban trees. They help lead tree plantings, teaching volunteers how to plant and maintain trees as well as spread the word about the value of the urban forest.
Michelle Litwin, Volunteer Phoenix facilitator, and Elizabeth Planas, ResilientPHX VISTA, teamed up with Richard Atkins, Parks and Recreation Department's forestry supervisor, to revitalize the Citizen Forester Program. The program allows for community members interested in tree plantings to become trained volunteers. As a Certified Citizen Forester, you can assist neighborhoods and communities throughout Phoenix with tree planting and basic maintenance activities. Although a general background in horticulture and/or forestry is helpful, the City will provide a workshop to learn about the benefits and value of a healthy urban forest, proper species selection, basic tree biology, tree installation and initial care, and pruning best practices. Each workshop includes classroom discussion and a hands-on planting demonstration.
A pilot training event is scheduled at 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, September 22nd at Rio Salado Habitat Restoration. The goal of the pilot is to obtain volunteer input and determine what community members require for successful tree plantings and maintenance. For more information, contact michelle.litwin@phoenix.gov.
