Providence Community Tree Keepers
About the Program
Providence Community Tree Keepers (est. 2016), is a community training program which provides technical training on pruning and stewardship of young trees to residents who already have a basic understanding of gardening, landscaping, or plant biology. Volunteers who complete the program are authorized to prune and maintain young trees in parks and on the streets of Providence, in accordance with PCTK policies and guidelines. When you complete the program, you also become part of our network of tree keepers from around the city, where you can coordinate tree pruning days, ask for advice, and get to know others who care for the trees in our city!
The program is run jointly by PNPP and the City’s of Providence’s Forestry Division.
PNPP also works with youth-focused organizations to hold PCTK trainings tailored to high-school or college-age youth. Reach out to us to learn more about these programs!
Interested in becoming a Providence Community Tree Keeper?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis! Training takes place approximately every 6-8 weeks during the Spring, Summer & Fall (or as demand/interest dictates).
After you complete the application form, we’ll reach once our next training is scheduled. In the meantime, read the FAQs below, and consider applying to participate!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to become a tree keeper?
To join our program, we ask that you have at least one of the following:
- Completed the Rhode Island Tree Council’s Tree Steward Program (or a comparable program in another municipality or state)
- Worked in the field of Landscaping, Arboriculture, or Forestry
- Completed a Master Gardeners Certification Program
- Participated as a PNPP Neighborhood Tree Leader 3 times or more in the last 5 years
- Demonstrated a level of knowledge & experience equivalent to the above (to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
What if I don’t have any of those experiences?
We recommend participating in the Rhode Island Tree Council’s Tree Steward Program – it’s a great introduction to all things tree-related! You can also volunteer in our neighborhood planting events to begin your engagement with Providence’s urban forest!
What does the training involve?
Successfully completing a two-hour hands-on field training session. Trainings will take place in selected neighborhoods throughout the city, and will cover the issues and challenges facing urban trees, tree pit care, mulching & watering, and basic pruning techniques for young trees.
Once certified, Tree Keepers receive a badge, which authorizes them to conduct maintenance of young city street & park trees, participate in urban forestry projects, and act as a community liaison, resource, and advocate for a healthy urban forest!
Why do we need community tree keepers?
Young and newly planted trees require care in order to thrive. Approximately 700+ new trees are planted each year along the City’s streets and in its parks and while City tree crews do all they can to keep up with the maintenance of our urban forest, the young trees often do not get enough care in the first 3 – 5 years of growth, a critical stage in their development.
Through PNPP and other urban environmental partners and networks, a robust community of dedicated and engaged advocates for our city “treescape” already exists. The Tree Keeper program allows this community to grow and engage further with our City’s forestry program and with the urban forest in general.
How do I apply?!
CLICK HERE for the online application form! (If you would like to submit a paper application, download HERE, and mail completed form to: PVD Community Tree Keepers – C/O Providence Neighborhood Planting Program – P.O. Box 5897, Providence, RI 02903
For questions or more information about Providence Tree Keepers, please contact PNPP at info@pnpp.org.
The Providence Community Tree Keeper program is made possible through the City of Providence and the Raleigh-Providence Tree Care Trust of the Rhode Island Foundation