Community Forester

The Park People's Community-based work: adult-ed workshops, tree adoptions, connectors, climate ambassadors, rain barrels, and irrigation kits

En español

In our harsh Denver climate, healthy trees require proper care. Our urban forest spreads across backyards, front yards, street scapes, parks, businesses, places of worship, schools, and open spaces. It takes us all to plant and care for this precious resource, our trees. To do that we team up with neighborhood leaders who are passionate about the health of their communities to grow a green healthy forest that will cool, calm, clean, and even feed us into the future.

Become a Community Forester to learn how to tend trees in your neighborhood. Join a team that’s passionate about rolling up our sleeves and greening our communities.

Registration for 2025 Community Forester classes are now CLOSED.

Please go HERE to be notified when registration opens for 2026.

Thank you!

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Community Forester is an engaging five-part workshop series, a joint program of The Park People and Denver Parks & Recreation. When you become a Community Forester, you’ll connect with tree lovers throughout the city, learn from our experts, hear diverse viewpoints, and roll your sleeves up as a new member of the Park People crew.

Registration for 2026 workshops will open in early February 2026.

Pricing Options:

Community Forester Volunteer Track: $25 per workshop for volunteers, or $100 for all five workshops, including the fifth workshop free.
Community Forester Volunteer - Scholarship Track: The Community Forester program is actively seeking to expand and diversify in every neighborhood in Denver. We don't want cost to be a barrier. If you're committed to volunteering in your neighborhood, please just tell us why becoming a Community Forester is important to you. Then pay what you can, including $0.😀
Professional Development or Personal Enrichment Track: $65 each workshop for professional development, non-volunteers, and personal enrichment, or $300 for all five workshops.

Language: All workshop instruction is in English. English/Spanish interpretation will be available for all workshops.

Trees 101: In-Person and Virtual options in March

*prerequisite for all other workshops.

**$25 for volunteers, $65 for non-volunteers

In-Person workshop offered on a March Saturday, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Virtual workshop offered on a March Thursday, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Trees 101 teaches the important basics from which other workshops will draw. Hence, you must attend this workshop before all other workshops. We will cover tree biology and the environmental factors that impact tree growth as well as discuss the benefits of trees and common myths. You will also learn what it means to be a Community Forester or a Tree Steward. You'll find out what the program entails and about the various activities that require highly-skilled volunteers and team leaders.

Tree Planting & Health: a Saturday in April, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

**$25 for volunteers, $65 for non-volunteers

In this class, you'll learn to properly plant balled and burlapped, bare root, and container trees in a safe manner using the concepts of Right Tree, Right Place, Right Way. You'll also become familiar with common tree health issues, disease and pest management, and tree health resources. Field component included.

Tree Pruning: a Saturday in May, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

**$25 for volunteers, $65 for non-volunteers

By the end of Tree Pruning, you'll know why, what, when, and how to properly prune a young tree to promote right-of-way clearance, strong structure, and long-term health. We will also address pruning safety and specialized, outcome-oriented pruning techniques. Field component included.

Tree Identification and Inventory: a Saturday in June, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

**$25 for volunteers, $65 for non-volunteers

This workshop will provide a brief historic context of Denver's forest, familiarize you with tree classification and identification methods, and introduce common trees in Denver. You will also learn about these trees' characteristics, requirements, and uses. Field component included.

Volunteer Leadership & Community Engagement: a Saturday in July, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

**$25 for volunteers, $65 for non-volunteers (discounted price with advance registration for all five workshops)

Take your volunteerism to the next level... Build your leadership and management skills... Learn how to work across difference... After attending this workshop, you will be able to engage meaningfully with community members and other volunteers in activities in which you've been trained during organized Park People and City events. You'll also be empowered to lead and facilitate effective urban forestry activities in your own community.

Additional Program Information to Be Aware of:

*Attendance in Trees 101 is required prior to participation in other workshops. To become a Community Forester, you must complete all five workshops and commit to 10 hours/yr of volunteering, course descriptions below. Those wishing to receive training with no volunteer commitment may also enroll.

You will receive a badge in Urban Forestry. Those who do not attend the full workshop series receive the title "Tree Steward" and are able to volunteer in support roles.

Scholarships are available on a "Pay What You Can" basis. To receive a Community Forester scholarship, simply check the SCHOLARSHIP volunteer track on the registration form, share with us why you would like to become a Community Forester, and then pay what you can afford.

Earn your Badge in Urban Forestry: $300 for all 5 workshops, with an individual workshop cost of $65. No scholarships are available at this time for this track.

Those who do not fulfill their volunteer commitment will be charged full price (equivalent to the Badge in Urban Forestry).

The Community Forester Program supported by:

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