Many cities in Idaho are tapping this population to help with planting and maintaining their public trees in healthy condition. Young people, too, often seek ways to productively contribute and they not only can help, but at the same time learn about the benefits of trees and the care they need.

Community Forestry offers many opportunities for volunteerism. Lay people can plant trees and shrubs, spread mulch, water, prune young trees, distribute doorknob hangers, staff information booths, help with inventories and provide a number of other valuable services.

Twenty years ago, Boise Parks and Recreation launched their Tree Steward program, and the program is stronger than ever today. For the past two decades dedicated tree enthusiasts have volunteered their time to help maintain trees in Boise’s rights-of-way. The volunteers are trained by professional arborists from Boise Community Forestry to prune and train Boise’s young trees and do other maintenance activities. Stewards with more experience mentor new people in the program. In 2017, Boise’s Tree Stewards worked 697 hours and pruned 1,297 trees. The service they provide is invaluable in helping to grow strong healthy trees that reduce maintenance costs later and contribute to the Treasure Valley’s tree canopy for years to come.

If you are not currently using volunteers in your tree program, please consider initiating a program like Boise’s or one of the other communities that are doing this effectively. Contact one of IDL’s community forestry assistants for contact information or assistance in setting up a new program. If you already use volunteers, don’t forget to thank them! Take time to recognize your volunteers and let them know how much they are appreciated. People working in your community don’t expect much in return, just don’t waste their time and do find ways to provide recognition and thanks. This can be as simple as being mentioned during a city council meeting, or something more elaborate like a BBQ or an annual article in the local newspaper.