SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Penn State Schuylkill’s Arboretum and Sustainability Club, in partnership with PA Interfaith Power & Light (PA IPL) and the Schuylkill County Conservancy will host “Roots of Renewal: Schuylkill County Canopy Champions Academy,” a one-day educational tree care training Nov. 21.
The training is designed to equip residents, municipal officials, volunteers, Master Gardeners, conservation groups and community leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to plant, maintain and advocate for healthy community trees throughout Schuylkill County.
Registration is required to attend the training.
PA IPL will be joining to teach tree equity and community tree leadership skills as part of their Roots, Branches, & Hands program, which is taking a multifaith partnership approach to plant 50,000 no-cost, native trees across PA by 2028, resource community tree projects, and educate individuals to be community tree leaders.
Participants will learn the basics of tree biology, identify common trees found throughout Schuylkill County, recognize environmental stresses affecting community trees, properly plant and maintain young trees, perform basic structural pruning and organize community tree projects and volunteer efforts. The training also will help participants develop an action plan for increasing tree canopy in their communities.
The program incorporates topics traditionally covered through the Tree Tenders curriculum, including tree biology, identification, planting, pruning, root care and community forestry.
“Roots of Renewal” comes at a significant time for Penn State Schuylkill, which recently achieved Level 2 Arboretum status. The designation reflects the campus’ ongoing commitment to trees, landscapes, sustainability and environmental education.
The Nov. 21 training will begin with registration and networking at 8 a.m., followed by an introduction to local tree canopy challenges and opportunities. Throughout the day, participants will take part in interactive presentations and hands-on activities covering tree biology, identification, planting, pruning and community forestry.
The training will conclude at 5 p.m. with graduation and certificates. Participants will receive a certificate of completion, Schuylkill Tree Steward pin or sticker, resource guide and community project planning worksheet.
The “Roots of Renewal: Schuylkill County Canopy Champions Academy” is intended to help build a network of informed community members who can contribute to healthier trees and increased tree canopy throughout Schuylkill County.
Registration is required. Additional information about registration and the training is available through Penn State Schuylkill’s Arboretum and Sustainability Club.