Become a TreeMAK

TreeMAK
/trē/ /māk/
noun
plural noun: TreeMAKs
1. a group of specialty trained TreesCharlotte volunteers comprised of TreeMasters, TreeAmbassadors, and TreeKeepers. 

 

Our TreeMAK programs offer amazing opportunities for the serious tree enthusiast. Graduates of the TreeMAK programs become certified protectors of our Tree Canopy and are eligible to help guide future projects. We currently offer TreeMAK trainings twice a year – once in the Fall and once in the Winter. Please contact us about how to get involved if you have questions. 

 

Upcoming TreeMAK Trainings:

TreeMaster Training:

  • Winter Classroom Training: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (Landscape Management), 5:30pm – 6:30pm

  • Winter TreeMaster Field Training: Saturday, January 27, 2024 (Selwyn Village TreeDay), 10am – 12:30pm
    • Field training is open for all who have registered for the Classroom Training on 1/24. After your successful registration for the classroom training, please email Christian for the lock code for this event.

TreeAmbassador Training:

TreeKeeper Training:

  • Winter Classroom Training: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (Landscape Management), 6:30pm – 7:30pm

  • Winter TreeKeeper Field Training: Thursday, January 25, 2024 (Oakdale ES TreeCare), 9:30am – 12:00pm
    • Field training is open for all who have registered for the Classroom Training on 1/24. After your successful registration for the classroom training, please email Christian for the lock code for this event. 

FAQ

What is a TreeMaster?

A TreeMaster is a volunteer who has received training on volunteer management, proper planting techniques, and maintenance of trees. TreeMasters serve as volunteer leaders at events and are vital to the success of all of our events throughout the Charlotte area. 

What is a TreeAmbassador?

A TreeAmbassador is a volunteer who is enthusiastic about TreesCharlotte and can deliver a positive and clear message about our mission. TreeAmbassadors represent TreesCharlotte at various outreach events. Candidates should be comfortable both talking to an audience and listening to their comments and concerns. It will be your job to help educate the public about our beautiful canopy and how to get involved with TreesCharlotte. 

What is a TreeKeeper?

A TreeKeeper is a specially trained TreeMaster who helps steward past planting sites through train pruning, mulching, stake removal, and other various aspects of general tree care. TreesCharlotte returns to planting sites every two years to ensure that the trees planted receive proper tree care. Tree care events may involve volunteers, which TreeKeepers will help lead. Or TreeKeepers may be sent out to a former planting site with just the direction of our Community Arborist & Educator.

What do TreeMasters do?

TreeMasters help at events with set up, tree distribution, volunteer management and event breakdown. They are asked to volunteer at a minimum of 3 events annually (each event lasting approximately 5 hours). The TreesCharlotte planting season runs from late September to end of March.

What are TreeAmbassadors expected to do? 

TreeAmbassadors are asked to volunteer at a minimum of 3 outreach events annually (each about 3 hours). Typical events include tabling at festivals or speaking in front of a school class. As public-facing opportunities arise, we will equip you with an event box complete with key facts, fun stuff to give away, important literature, and whatever else is required!

What are TreeKeepers expected to do? 

TreeKeepers are asked to received their TreeMaster certification by completing the TreeMaster training sessions before they become TreeKeepers. TreeKeepers are asked to attend a minimum of 3 TreeCare and/or TreeKeeper events annually (each about 2-3 hours). TreeKeepers are asked to attend annual trainings in order to refresh proper train pruning skills. 

How do I become a TreeMAK?

Candidates attend one or more free 90-minute TreeMAK workshops (listed above) where they will learn key talking points about TreesCharlotte and how to prepare for events. The workshops are in person. You are provided with presentations and hands-on demonstrations. Training is suited for all levels of arboricultural knowledge. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be provided opportunities to put their knowledge into action by signing up to serve at planting events and/or outreach events. Any volunteers under the age of 18 will be required to submit parental authorization. TreeMAKs ages 14-16 require parental supervision at events and trainings.

 

 

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