Would You Like to Become a Tree Keeper?
by Larry Hamilton

The Charlotte roadside tree restoration program, funded by the Rutter Family Charlotte Beautification Fund, is initiating a hands-on training program for residents who would like to become Tree Keepers. Care to join in? All you need is an interest in trees and a desire to be a good tree steward.
The project will provide training that will enable you to better care for your own trees, as well as (some of you) to take responsibility for monitoring the trees that the Rutter Tree Committee has been planting around Charlotte along our roads.
Sign-ups for this training will begin at the Town Party on July 12, or in advance if you are ready to commit (see e-mail address below).
The training sessions will be carried out over the next year, beginning this summer. Topics include:
• How to identify common tree species.
• How to prune ornamental trees and shrubs.
• Tree care: mulching, fertilizing, watering, staking.
• Identifying health and condition problems.
• Proper planting of trees (bare-root, balled-in
burlap or in pots).
Instructional leaflets and booklets will be provided. Instruction will be a balance of presentations and hands-on activities. Expert presenters include:
Dale Bergdahl (emeritus professor of forest pathology), Norman Pellett (emeritus professor of ornamental horticulture), Annemie Curlin (graduate of Vermont Tree Steward Leadership Program), Robin Coleburn (experienced gardener and nurserywoman), Gary Pittman (tree planter and forest steward), Warren Spinner (Burlington City Arborist) and Prof. Larry Hamilton (emeritus professor of forest ecology).
This project is made possible through the award of a competitive grant to Charlotte from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, through the Urban and Community Forestry Program.
For more information, and to register for Tree Keeper training, contact Annemie Curlin at annemie@accessvt.com or come to the Rutter Fund table at Town Party. Learn, have fun and help care for Charlotte’s trees – your own or the town’s.