Established through a grant from the Georgia Forestry Commission, the program is designed to educate individuals or groups with diverse interests in nature, hiking, gardening, the outdoors, and our local environment about the importance of trees and the conservation of our historic urban forest.

Each two hour session includes a classroom component with training materials and a hands?on field experience at different locations in Savannah and Chatham County such as Wormsloe Plantation, the Bamboo Farm, and Forsyth Park.

Sessions will feature a variety of topics including how to identify trees in natural habitats and urban settings, tree planting, mulching and pruning, preventing pests and diseases, root system care, tree ordinances and legal guidelines, and advocacy and management issues. Participants also learn how to identify coastal cultivars from invasive species, how to care for, nurture and prune root systems, and how to prevent and correct root girdling. In addition, topics will cover Savannah Tree Foundation projects and goals, trees in the built environment, and homeowner’s concerns such as where to plant trees for optimal benefits.

Upon completion of the program series participants will have an increased awareness of and appreciation for Savannah’s urban forest and broad knowledge to better understand the important role of trees for human health and happiness.

Community members who attend five of the eight planned Forest Steward classes from February to September and who have volunteered 20 or more hours with the Savannah Tree Foundation are eligible to become certified Forest Stewards. Certified Forest Stewards receive an official Forest Steward hat, invitations to special events, and a signed certificate when they have completed program requirements. They will also have special opportunities to lead tree walk tours, help with trail blazing in Bacon Park Forest, and assist with popular tree planting events for the public.

For a complete schedule visit the Savannah Tree Foundation at http://www.savannahtreefoundation.com.