Our TreeMAK (TreeMaster, TreeAmbassador, TreeKeeper) programs offer amazing opportunities for the serious tree enthusiast. Graduates of our TreeMAK trainings become certified protectors of our Tree Canopy and help TreesCharlotte with our core programming, including our tree adoptions, plantings, tree care work, outreach, and education.
We currently offer TreeMAK trainings several times a year. Please contact us about how to get involved if you have questions.
Fall 2024 TreeMAK Trainings:
- TreeMaster & TreeKeeper Classroom Training: Thursday, September 19th, 2024
- TreeMaster Training: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
- TreeKeeper Training: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
- TreeMaster Field Training: Saturday, September 21st, 2024 at 9am – 11:30am
- TreeKeeper Field Training: Thursday, September 26th at 10am – 12pm
Winter 2025 TreeMAK Trainings:
- TreeMaster & TreeKeeper Classroom Training: Wednesday,January 15th, 2025
- TreeMaster Training: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
- TreeKeeper Training: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
- TreeKeeper Field Training: Thursday, January 16th at 10am
- TreeMaster Field Training: Saturday, January 18th at 9am
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.
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 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.
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 is a TreeKeeper?
A TreeKeeper is a specially trained TreeMaster who has gone through additional training to learn how to properly prune young trees. TreeKeepers accompany the TreesCharlotte team to our TreeCare and TreeKeeper events, where we conduct structural pruning at previously planted sites, re-mulch with volunteers, and remove stakes, tags, and guards as needed. TreeKeepers are asked to volunteer at a minimum of 3 TreeCare and/or TreeKeeper events annually (each about 3 hours).
How do I become a TreeMAK?
Candidates attend a free classroom style workshop where they will learn key talking points about TreesCharlotte and how to prepare for events. The workshop features online and in person instruction. You are provided with presentations and hands-on demonstrations. Training is suited for all levels of arboricultural knowledge.
Upon completion of the TreeMaster and TreeKeeper classroom training, graduates will be provided opportunities to put their knowledge into action by doing an additional training onsite, called “field training.” This is a hands-on experience for our volunteers to put what they learned in the classroom into action.
From there, TreeMAKs will use our GivePulse volunteer portal to sign up to serve at our various programming events. You must be at least 18 years of age and complete the application below. If you are under 18 years of age, please register with a parent or guardian.
How do I use your volunteer portal to make a profile and sign up for events?
TreesCharlotte uses a volunteer portal called GivePulse for all of our volunteer events, including volunteering as a TreeMAK. Check out this Quick Guide for Users from GivePulse to begin your portal training.