According to the 2005 City of Pittsburgh Street Tree Inventory, the city has approximately 30,000 street trees, and over 3,000 of those trees have been removed due to disease, vandalism or neglect. Thousands more trees are at risk of being removed if they do not receive much needed care. Tree Pittsburgh and the City Forestry Division are working to improve the urban forest, but residents can play an important role in increasing its health and reversing its decline. Tree Pittsburgh tells us —
Tree Pittsburgh is excited to announce the return of their popular Tree Tender Course, with six opportunities to learn more about urban forestry in 2011! Tree Pittsburgh is an environmental non-profit organization protecting and growing our urban forest through tree maintenance, planting, education and advocacy.
Tree Tenders is returning with a full slate of courses, designed to equip you with needed skills in preserving Pittsburgh’s Urban Forest. Several individuals on Polish Hill’s Green Team have already taken the courses and stand ready to do their part in keeping our neighborhood’s trees healthy. There is always room for more, though. There is an overview of what you can expect to be covered in the classes, along with registration for the upcoming courses. Dates and times are below —
Saturday February 26th, 9am-4pm Downtown, Gateway Towers on Ft. Duquesne Boulevard
Wednesdays March 23rd, 30th, April 6th, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh :: 10 Children’s Way, Allegheny Center, North Side
Tuesdays May 10th, 17th, 24th, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh :: 10 Children’s Way, Allegheny Center, North Side
Saturday June 18th, 9am-4pm
Rothschild Doyno Collaborative :: 2847 Penn Ave, Strip District
Saturday July 16th, 9am-4pm
Rothschild Doyno Collaborative :: 2847 Penn Ave, Strip District
Thursdays, Sept. 8th, 15th, 22nd, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh :: 10 Children’s Way, Allegheny Center, North Side
Registration is open now. The cost of the course is $40 and includes materials, a meal at each session, and a t-shirt upon completion. A reduced rate option is available for those on a limited income—Contact Caitlin Lenahan for details at Caitlin@treepittsburgh.org or call 412-362-6360 for more information.
Tree Pittsburgh is partnering with Rothschild Doyno Collaborative and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and all of 2011’s course offerings will be at these locations, with the exception of the first course being held downtown.
