Get Involved

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…

TreeKeepers Course

See dates and locations below.
This course is a comprehensive 16-hour training class offered in both Kansas and Missouri. The course includes the following classes:

• Tree Benefits, Tree Identification and Tree Advocacy
• Urban Soils and Basic Tree Biology
• Tree Selection and Planting
• Tree Pruning
• Common Tree Problems
• Hazard Trees

In addition to classroom instruction, the Tree Identification and Pruning classes also have outdoor field sessions for hands-on learning. The Pruning class focuses on structural pruning for young trees.
Classes are taught by trained, certified and experienced foresters and arborists, including staff members from the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Kansas Forest Service, the Extension services of the University of Missouri and Kansas State University, local counties and municipalities and local tree care services. Although it presents a great deal of in depth information, TreeKeepers is not intended to be a substitute for professional certification.
Graduates are asked to volunteer 24 hours to HTA, primarily in the care for young trees on public property in the Kansas City region. Those who donate 24 hours become designated as Tree Stewards. 
We are planning on offering five complete courses in 2010, but only have two scheduled at this time.

Course 1:  Where: Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell, Overland Park, Kansas

Saturday, May 8, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Tree Benefits, Tree Identification and Advocacy (both classroom and field portions)
Thursday, May 13, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Urban Soils and Basic Tree Biology
Thursday, May 20, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tree Selection and Planting
Thursday, May 27, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Tree Pruning (both classroom and field portions)
Thursday, June 3, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Common Tree Problems
Thursday, June 10, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Hazard Trees and More

Course 2: Burr Oak Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs, Missouri

Tuesday, May 25, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Tree Benefits, Tree Identification and Advocacy (classroom portion only)
Tuesday, June 1, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Urban Soils and Basic Tree Biology
Saturday, June 5, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Tree Identification (field portion)
Tuesday, June 8, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Tree Selection and Planting
Tuesday, June 15, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Tree Pruning (classroom portion only)
Saturday, June 19, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Tree Pruning (field portion only)
Tuesday, June 22, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Common Tree Problems
Tuesday, June 29, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Hazard Trees and More

Fee: $75 per person (covers all materials)

Space is limited. To register or if you have questions, please contact Heartland Tree Alliance at (816) 561-1061 ext. 110 or at treemail@bridgingthegap.org.

Trees 101

HTA can provide a speaker and PowerPoint presentation for your next meeting! Trees 101 is designed for neighborhood associations, businesses and other groups in the Kansas City region.

It provides information on:

• The benefits of trees
• The impacts of trees on the urban environment
• Tree and site selection
• Proper planting techniques
• Early tree care

To learn more or to schedule a speaker, contact Heartland Tree Alliance at 816-561-1061, ext. 110 or via e-mail at treemail@bridgingthegap.org. There is no charge for this entertaining and informative presentation.

2. Volunteer with Heartland Tree Alliance

Volunteer Opportunities

HTA offers volunteer opportunities across the Kansas City metropolitan region, from Pruning Days open only to trained volunteers to planting, mulching and watering events open to all. We help organize large planting events in the spring for Arbor Day and the fall. These can be great family and group volunteer opportunities. If you or your group or business is looking for a fun and important work day, please contact us at 816-561-1061, ext. 110 or via e-mail at treemail@bridgingthegap.org.

Here’s what we have coming up:

Special Volunteer Opportunity: Kansas City, Missouri Climate Change Initiative

Be part of the solution to climate change! The City of Kansas City, Missouri is undertaking a climate protection plan that includes the goal of planting 120,000 additional trees over the next 10 years. This first stage requires identification of available planting sites. Heartland Tree Alliance offers a wonderful opportunity to be part of this ambitious, important effort. Click here for more information and to learn how you can get involved.

For more information or to sign up for opportunities with Heartland Tree Alliance, contact us at 816-561-1061, ext. 110 or treemail@bridgingthegap.org.

3. Become a Tree Advocate

Despite the amazing work they do, trees are often taken for granted. Their value is often overlooked by homeowners, businesses and governments. They need advocates to make sure they are chosen, planted and cared for properly. For some ideas to get you started, click here.