Volunteers are the life-support of every organization.  They bring about enthusiasm, diverse talents and experiences, and provide an “in” to many communities.  Trees Atlanta says their volunteers are the reason they exist.  In order to keep volunteers, organizations must learn to listen to the volunteers’ views and goals.

Steps to Gain (and keep) Volunteers:

• Planning- Know why you need the volunteers and have a job description and space/supplies ready for them.
• Recruitment- Know the kind of volunteer who will work best on the type of job you have.  Put ads in the newspaper or on the radio to attract volunteers but also invite them in person.
•  Orientation and Training- This helps the volunteer feel connected to the organization and lets them know what exactly they will be doing.
• Supervision and Evaluation- Help develop the volunteers’ skills by discussing their performance and making sure they are not tired of their placement.  Move them to a new task if needed.
• Recognition- Say “thank you” often and sincerely and maybe provide an incentive for their work.

Read the full article in Shade.

Social networking site encourages citizens in all states, U.S. territories to engage in sustainable living and protect the nation’s urban tree canopy

ATLANTA, Jan. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The Grove ( www.AmericanGrove.org ), an online community that brings together nature enthusiasts to plant trees and protect the urban tree canopy, is now open to residents across the country, including all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.

The Grove provides a nationwide community for citizens engaged in preserving and positively contributing to the United States’ urban forest. The site enables members to share their interests, knowledge and experiences in planting trees with other like-minded nature enthusiasts and to document and commemorate life moments online with family, friends and their communities.

Members on The Grove community can join their state group and connect with foresters, arborists and other environmentally conscious citizens in their area. Similar to other social networking sites, members on The Grove can upload pictures, videos and captions of their tree planting experiences, discuss tree-related issues and get updates on local planting events.

The Grove offers a tree match tool to assist members in choosing the right tree to plant their legacy or to commemorate a special event, such as an anniversary, birth, wedding or other life moment. The site also provides general planting information and care tips for those new to planting.

“On The Grove, forestry discussions are open to everyone, from state foresters and non-profits, to corporations and landscape architects, to hobbyists and everyday nature lovers. The Grove fosters communication among these different groups and encourages collaboration under the shared goal of greater environmental awareness and sustainable action,” said Ed Macie, the Southern Region Urban Forestry Program Manager for the USDA Forest Service.

Created by the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) and the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) through a grant from the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, The Grove online community was beta tested in the Southeast in 2009 and 2010 before its national launch in 2011. In its beta stage, The Grove gained more than 1,400 members and almost 19,000 online visitors. Today, membership has nearly doubled and the community averages approximately 90 visitors per day.

“The regional beta test helped us to discover that sustainability-minded individuals and families are often as social media savvy as they are environmentally savvy,” said Susan Granbery, urban and community forestry coordinator for the GFC. “By combining these two interests, we were able to open up the forestry discussion from local organizations and niche groups to a national community of collaboration, inspiration and activation. The Grove inspires people on a national level to take action on the local level.”

In addition to discussions of broader forestry issues, The Grove also acts as a resource for families, providing planting tips and information on local activities to help parents engage their children in creating their own green legacies.

“Parents can find information on The Grove to help them raise environmentally conscious children,” said Mary Lynne Beckley, executive director of GUFC. “From highlighting the benefits of planting trees locally, to identifying planting events, to addressing grief through planting trees in memory of relatives or pets, the online community provides tools and information pertinent to everyday families that are trying to incorporate sustainable living into their daily lives.”

To become a member, create a profile at www.AmericanGrove.org/TheGrove.

About Georgia Urban Forest Council The Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of community forests and the importance of managing and protecting Georgia’s tree canopy. Its mission is to sustain Georgia’s green legacy by helping communities grow healthy trees. For more information, visit www.gufc.org.

About Georgia Forestry Commission The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is a state agency responsible for providing leadership, service and education in the protection and conservation of Georgia’s forest resources. Georgia Forestry Commission foresters help community leaders recognize the value of trees and plan with them in mind, which translates into cleaner air and water and healthier, safer, more attractive places to live, work and play. For more information, visit www.GaTrees.org.

USDA Forest Service The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of National Forest System land, provides stewardship assistance to non-federal forest landowners and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. For more information on the Urban and Community Forestry Program, visit: www.fs.fed.us/ucf.

SOURCE Georgia Forestry Commission

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Via Atlanta Daybook Network at http://atlanta.daybooknetwork.com/story/2011/12/30/43650ga-newyearshikes.shtml

All across the country, State Parks are inviting families to start the New Year with a “First Day Hike” and a commitment to healthy living. In Georgia, a dozen state parks have planned guided hikes where families can connect with nature and even re-connect with each other. The nationwide event is sponsored by America’s State Parks, with New Year’s Day hikes being led in all 50 states.

“Winter is a great time to go hiking because you’ll see vistas normally hidden by foliage,” said Georgia State Parks Director Becky Kelley. “You can really appreciate the magnificent shapes of trees, and you’ll see rocks and streams that are normally out of sight. Plus, winter is a good time to look for wildlife like fox and turkey.”

Kicking off the New Year with an invigorating hike fits into the mission of the Georgia State Parks Tons of Fun Initiative: to encourage citizens to lead healthier lifestyles through outdoor recreation. The TonsofFun.org website includes exercise ideas, healthy recipes, nutritionist and personal trainer advice, and more.

A list of all ranger-led hikes on New Year’s Day is below, and the entire calendar of events can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org/Events. Families may want to call ahead to make sure hikes are suitable for the youngest family members.

First-Day Hikes in Georgia’s State Parks

All held on New Year’s Day 2012

North Georgia Mountains:

Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen, GA

First Day Hike on Unicoi Lake Trail

Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Enjoy a guided hike on our 2.5-mile Lake Trail with a park naturalist. Hikers can also learn about our “Tons of Fun” Fitness Challenge in Georgia State Parks. Afterwards, sign up for the challenge on site. $5 parking. 706-878-2201 ext. 305.

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville, GA

New Year’s Day Hike at Amicalola Falls

Sunday, Jan 1, 2012

10:30 a.m.

Start 2012 off with a brisk walk full of winter views to the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Hike .6 mile roundtrip, then continue on your own if you want to climb the 604-steps up the waterfall. Meet at the West Ridge Falls Access Trailhead. $5 parking. 706-265-1969.

Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA

First Day Hike at Cloudland Canyon

Sunday, Jan 1, 2012

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Did you make a resolution to be healthier and happier in 2012? Join a guided hike to see Cherokee and Hemlock falls. This naturalist-led hike will take you by unique geology of the canyon. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.

Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA

First Day Hike at Smithgall Woods

Sunday, Jan 1, 2012

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Hike with Smithgall’s Manager and Interpretive Ranger to the beautiful Smithgall cottage facility where hot cider will be waiting. Let the First Hike be your first step toward good health, then continue through the year with progressively longer hikes. “A Walk in the Park” brochure offers guidance for hike distance and difficulty. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.

Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA

“The First Day” Hike

Sunday, Jan 1, 2012

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

What a great way to start the New Year – Go for a hike! Join a ranger on a moderate 3.5-mile hike along the rim and through the woods. Bring water and snacks. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Metro-Atlanta:

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA

Motivational New Year’s Day Hike

Sunday, Jan 1, 2012

1 p.m.

Hike to the top of Panola Mountain to make a fresh start on the New Year. Join a park ranger on a journey by writing out, then burning, last year’s burdens. Hike to the top of the mountain picturing all the great things you will accomplish in 2012. We will finish around a campfire sharing hot chocolate and our plans for the New Year. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs, GA

Hike Through a Vanishing Habitat

Sunday, Jan 1, 2012

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the Park Manager for this walk that takes visitors to a seldom-seen area of the park, where a trace of the globally imperiled Mountain Longleaf Pine habitat has survived. We will discuss the trees that share this habitat, plans to restore areas of this habitat, and take in some beautiful vistas from the ridge tops of this incredible area. Meet at the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

Fort Yargo State Park – Winder, GA

First Day Hike at Fort Yargo

Sunday, Jan 1, 2012

1 p.m.

Join us on a moderate 3.5-mile excursion along the lake. Bring water and snacks. $5 parking. 770-867-3489.

Middle & Southern Georgia:

F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA

First Day Hike on the Pine Mountain Trail

Sunday, Jan 1, 2012

1 p.m.

Join members of the Pine Mountain Trail Association for a 3.4-mile Overlook Loop hike on New Year’s Day. Meet at the Country Store Parking Lot and explore Gardens Overlook Crossing and the Chestnut Oak Trail. The PMTA will provide a shuttle at the Gardens Overlook for those who prefer a shorter 1.4-mile hike. 706-663-4858.

Reed Bingham State Park – Adel, GA

First Day Hike with the Park Naturalist

Sunday, Jan 1, 2012

1 p.m.

Start off the New Year with a guided hike down our trails. Wear appropriate shoes and bring water. Meet at the trail head. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.

Coastal Georgia:

Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo, GA

First Day Hike in the Okefenokee Swamp

Sunday, Jan 1, 2012

9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Take a guided hike on the Trembling Earth Nature Trail. See some of the effects from the Honey Priarie Fire. Learn why fire is a vital process of the unique Okefenokee ecosystem. As you hike, learn about the plants and animals found in the beautiful Okefenokee Swamp. This is an easy 3/4 mile trail. $2 plus $5 parking. (912) 637-5274.

Laura S. Walker State Park – Waycross, GA

Hike with a Ranger in Waycross

Sunday, Jan 1, 2012

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Hike with a ranger on Big Creek Nature Trail to start the New Year off right by getting fit. Meet at the park office by 9:45 a.m. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. $5 parking. 912-287-4900.

Crooked River State Park – St. Marys, GA

First Day Hike

Sunday, Jan 1, 2012

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Greet 2012 with a 1½ hour naturalist-led hike along the “Ever Living” Trail. Route includes a birding platform and mudflats of Crooked River at low tide. Winter birds, native plants and native animals such as the gopher tortoise, Indian shell middens and marsh ecology will be discussed. Meet at the Sempervirens Trailhead. Pedometers available. $1 plus $5 parking. 912-882-5256.

The Municipal Forestry Institute (MFI) can take you there! MFI is an innovative, high-level training opportunity focusing professionals on the leadership and managerial aspects of urban forestry. This week-long intensive educational program delivers a challenging opportunity to grow a more successful community tree program. Master leadership and management tools including program administration, coalition building, strategic thinking, program planning, and public relations by investing a week in your personal growth and development. Sign up now for MFI 2012, being held February 19-24, 2012 in Nebraska City, NE.

Why should you attend?

This is a unique leadership and professional development opportunity you won’t find elsewhere.

A team of dedicated urban forestry professionals from across North America will help you gain insights into how you can move from a good urban forestry program to a great one. You will have the opportunity to learn from and network with urban forestry professionals from large cities and small towns, state and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations. MFI is an investment in your professional future – one that could pay great dividends to you and your city.

What does MFI cover??

The Institute curriculum was developed by a team of urban forestry professionals and educators with dozens of years experience in leading urban forestry programs at the local, state, federal and non-profit levels. There are four major components of the MFI curriculum:

• Developing A Leadership Approach To Your Position
• Thinking and Planning Strategically to Advance Urban Forestry Programs
• Working Effectively with Boards, Coalitions, and Non-Profit Organizations
• Managing the Relationship Between People and Trees

The curriculum is presented in a variety of formats including lectures, multimedia presentations,

panel discussions, group exercises, and real-life scenarios.

What past participants have to say about MFI:

“MFI delivers on its promise to mold leaders in urban forestry.” – John McNeil, Oakville, ON, Canada

“The MFI experience was truly a significant learning opportunity which has been transformational for me personally and career-wise.” – Dena Kirtley, Sacramento, CA, USA

“The greatest benefits of MFI comes not from what you learn during the week, but from how you apply what you’ve learned to everyday following. For me, MFI was about forging new relationships, setting better goals, and seeing things differently.” – Ben Thompson, Olympia, WA, USA

“Find a way to be a part of this educational experience! It is the most practical (and fun) training I have had as an urban forester.” – C. David Grant, Monroe, NC, USA

Who should attend?

People who plan, manage, and administer urban forestry programs and who want to become more effective leaders and managers. Past MFI classes have included over 250:

City Foresters & City Arborists, Urban Foresters, Municipal Arborists. Planners, Tree Wardens

State Urban Forestry Staffs, Municipal Tree Advocates

Registration Details (All inclusive fee covers the following:)

• All course materials
• Five nights hotel and lodging (Sunday through Thursday)
• All meals from Sunday dinner through Friday lunch
• CEUs available

ISA BCMA & Municipal Specialist

SAF Certified Forester

APA/AICP Certified Planner

To Apply

To apply for MFI 2012, visit

www.urban‐forestry.com

Registration closes November 15, 2011 or when full.

If you have any questions,

Contact SMA

(706) 769-7412

Additional Details About MFI 2012

Location

The 2012 MFI will be held at the Lied Lodge & Conference Center at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, NE, about one hour south of Omaha, NE. For additional details, visit the Arbor Day Farm website at www.liedlodge.org. Please note that you may NOT reserve a lodging room for MFI through that website.

Travel

Please do not make any airline travel arrangements for MFI 2012 until you have received your acceptance email, probably in late November 2011. This acceptance email will contain travel guidance for you, including letting you know about group transportation arrangements from the Omaha airport to the Arbor Day Farm.

Organizers and Sponsors

The MFI 2012 is a program of the Society of Municipal Arborists, and is organized in cooperation with other groups such as the Arbor Day Foundation and the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program. Sponsorship opportunities for MFI 2012 are available by contacting Jerri LaHaie at urbanforestry@prodigy.net.

MFI 2012: What to Expect

Required Institute Pre-Work

Part of the MFI experience involves mandatory readings and online discussions that will be held during January and early February, 2012. If you’re accepted into MFI 2012, you’ll need a valid email address and internet access from work or home. Plan on spending about 2 hours a week for 5 to 7 weeks on the Institute Pre-Work.

Instructors

The MFI 2012 instructional staff comes with decades of experience in all phases of urban forestry, at the municipal, state, federal, private, and non-profit levels. Most MFI teaching teams have more than 100 years combined urban forestry experience.

MFI Week Schedule

MFI is an intensive learning experience. You must be able to attend from 4 pm on Sunday until 1 pm on Friday. There are numerous breaks and a little free time, but the event involves a rather demanding and time-intensive schedule. Though there are sights to see in the area, plan to see them before or after, not during MFI. Your full attendance will be required at every session – partial attendance is not possible. Sorry, but pets, spouses, and children or guests cannot be accommodated at MFI.

The meetings will help the college gather public input for their official 10 year strategic plan.

“In times of limited resources, strategic planning is even more important,” said Jean Bertrand, co-chair of the committee and CAES associate dean for academic affairs. “Having a plan is essential so you can focus what resources you do have on the programs and areas where you are best positioned to have maximum impact.”

Meeting Schedule:

Six regional meetings have been set from 8:30 a.m. until noon on the following dates:

January 12 – Tifton- Tifton Campus Conference Center

January 25 – Griffin – Stuckey Auditorium

January 31 – Eatonton – Rock Eagle 4-H Center

February 15 – Gainesville – Georgia Mountain Center

February 21 – Acworth – North Metro Campus of Chattahoochee Tech

February 29 – Lyons – Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center

Click here for more information.

2012 Sustainable Cities Design Academy- Deadline December 30, 2011

American Architectural Foundation is awarding interactive design workshops, helping project teams advance their green infrastructure and community development goals. http://www.archfoundation.org/

NEEF’s Every Day Grants– Deadline January 13, 2012

Intended for Grassroots /Friends groups to do work on public lands (not just federal lands, could be a city park, etc). Everyday Grants from Toyota, there will be a second round opportunity again in the spring. http://www.neefusa.org/grants/every_day_grants.htm

EPA Urban Waters Small Grants—Deadline January 23, 2012

http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding/

USDA Expands People’s Garden Initiative- Deadline January 31, 2012

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2011/11/0484.xml People’s Garden Mini Grants for Urban Fruit and Nut Trees http://actrees.org/site/ resources/events/actrees_peoples_garden_grants.php#more

Five Star Restoration Grant Program– Deadline February 15, 2012

Supports community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach and training activities.

http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm? Section=Charter_Programs_List&Template=/TaggedPage/ TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=61&ContentID=13554

EPA Announces Solicitation of Applications for $1 Million in Environmental Justice Grants- Deadline February 29, 2012

http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html

US Department of Education Launches Green Ribbon Schools Program http://www.ed.gov/blog/2011/11/green-ribbon-schools-program-has-state-agencies-working-in-new-ways/

The Society of Municipal Arborists’ (SMA) Municipal Forestry Institute (MFI) is fast approaching, but there’s still time to support this unique annual training experience by encouraging urban forestry professionals in your area to attend. We’d like to encourage each state U&CF coordinator and program manager to consider assisting their agency colleagues, local urban forestry professionals and non-profits to attend February 19-24, 2012, at Lied Lodge and Conference Center at Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City, Nebraska. As many of you know, MFI is an intense five day training program designed to help urban forestry professionals and advocates advance their programs and better educate their own constituencies about the important roles that trees play in the economic and physical health of communities across North America. Take advantage of the $200 discount for SMA members, including those who join SMA today! Learn more and register today at www.urban-forestry.com.

The Connally oaks finally may get the showcase that many of their fans say they deserve.

The stand of old trees, surrounded by other species in a nearly 30-acre urban forest in the heart of East Point, usually goes unnoticed. Currently not even an identification sign exists.

But for the tree community, the oaks represent one of toughest preservation fights in metro Atlanta arbor history. One of the trees is recognized by Trees Atlanta as the largest white oak inside I-285. But it’s the number of large oaks that make the stand unusual.

“They were huge trees and I was enamored,” said Greg Levine, chief program officer for Trees Atlanta, about his first visit to the site 12 years ago. “I would go down the trail and I would see one after another and I was mesmerized.”

Read more and view the pictures: http://www.ajc.com/news/huge-east-point-oaks-1258762.html

From the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA):

As ISA Arborists regularly exchange conversation on business websites like LinkedIn and LISTSERV, the issue foremost on their minds concerns arborists/companies competing with those flying “under the radar.”

Verna Mumby of Mumby’s Arboriculture Consulting in Comox, British Columbia, was a 2011 finalist in the ISA True Professionals of Arboriculture program. She says the general public does not know the training, knowledge, and ethical standards required of ISA Certified Arborists and therefore cannot understand the higher value of their work versus that of non-certified tree workers. A tree risk assessment she once conducted for a small community recreation area concluded that the work should be performed by an ISA Certified Arborist. The volunteer board failed to take her advice.

“They did not get an estimate from a qualified person since they had a logger on the board who would do the work,” said Mumby. “The work completed by the logger left the trees more hazardous than before. His bill was three times more than he estimated. I explained to the board that if they would have hired a Certified Arborist to do the work, they would have saved money and the trees would have been properly worked on.”

The goal of the Urban Waters Small Grants program is to fund research, studies, training, and demonstration projects that will advance the restoration of urban waters by improving water quality through activities that also support community revitalization and other local priorities such as public health, social and economic opportunities, general livability and environmental justice for residents. Examples of projects eligible for funding include:

·     Education and training for water quality improvement or green infrastructure jobs

·     Public education about ways to reduce water pollution

·     Local water quality monitoring programs

·     Engaging diverse stakeholders to develop local watershed plans

·     Innovative projects that promote local water quality and community revitalization goals

Information about Urban Waters Small Grants including the Request for Proposal (RFP) and registration links for the webinars is available at http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding. EPA expects to award the grants in Summer 2012.

Note to Applicants: In accordance with EPA’s Assistance Agreement Competition Policy (EPA Order 5700.5A1), EPA staff will not meet with individual applicants to discuss draft proposals, provide informal comments on draft proposals, or provide advice to applicants on how to respond to ranking criteria. Applicants are responsible for the contents of their proposals. However, consistent with the provisions in the announcement, EPA will respond to questions from individual applicants regarding threshold eligibility criteria, administrative issues related to the submission of the proposal, and requests for clarification about the announcement. Questions must be submitted in writing via e-mail to urbanwaters@epa.gov and must be received by the Agency Contact, Ji-Sun Yi, by January 16, 2012 and written responses will be posted on EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding

Dates to Remember:

·     Deadline for submitting proposals: January 23, 2012.

·     Two webinars about this funding opportunity: December 14, 2011 and January 5, 2012.

·     Deadline for submitting questions: January 16, 2012

Related Links:

·     For more information on EPA’s Urban Waters program, visit http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters.

·     EPA’s Urban Waters program supports the goals and principles of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership, a partnership of 11 federal agencies working to reconnect urban communities with their waterways. For more information on the Urban Waters Federal Partnership, visit http://urbanwaters.gov.