January 11, 2008

Our City Forest seeks volunteers

Make a difference in your community while giving back to the environment! Our City Forest is a local nonprofit dedicated to inspiring citizens in the planting, caring and appreciation of the urban forest. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available:

Volunteer Orientation
(11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Jan. 19)
This orientation is highly recommended for all new volunteers. The session will cover the history and mission of Our City Forest and provide a foundation of knowledge about urban forestry.

Tree Amigo Course
(begins Feb. 6)
This is a free 18-hour course designed to educate and empower individuals to coach volunteers, conduct planting demonstrations, coordinate tree plantings and become familiar with the tree species and services that Our City Forest provides. The course consists of four classroom sessions (held at the Our City Forest Office on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m.) and three field sessions (held on Saturdays at various locations).

Environmental Education
Volunteers needed to join our "Planet Tree" education program. Lead short presentations in local classrooms with free training in urban forestry and educational presenting techniques.

We also offer:

Free Monthly Tree Tours
(1-3:30 p.m., Jan. 19)
This is an opportunity to lead or attend free downtown tours where you will get to know San Jose's street trees. You will be amazed at all the trees you will learn to identify! Open to all, feel free to invite family and friends.
Free Trees for San Jose
residents, schools, parks
and public spaces

Just fill out our Tree Grant application to receive a free tree for your parking strip, local school or park! You must attend one of our Saturday Tree Planting demonstrations. You can request an application by going online to OurCityForest.org or by calling 99-TREES.

For more information on any of these opportunities please contact Our City Forest at education@ourcityforest.org or call (408) 99-TREES x123. Flexible time requirements and short-term involvement accepted. No experience required but please come with a passion for community involvement. Bi-lingual individuals highly encouraged to reply!