A new self-paced course for tree wardens and community decision-makers provides information relating to the updated state tree warden statutes as well as offers opportunities for tree wardens to connect and learn from each other.
Relevance
Vermont's tree wardens play a critical role in maintaining the health of public green spaces in our communities. They are on the front line of a host of environmental issues, managing the impacts of the invasive emerald ash borer, the decline of aging urban trees, regional climate changes, effects of natural disasters and other environmental stressors, and weaknesses in past municipal planning initiatives. In 2020, the Vermont Tree Warden Statutes, first adopted in 1904, were amended and updated to reflect the changing nature of the official duties and responsibilities of today's tree wardens. These changes resulted in an opportunity to better connect tree wardens across Vermont for education, collaboration, and networking.
Response
The Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program responded by establishing the Vermont Tree Warden School to provide direct educational assistance and elevate the role of the tree warden. This new course offering was designed to help both veteran and newly appointed state tree wardens and community decision-makers learn how to manage their public tree resources more effectively. It focused on such topics as understanding the role and responsibilities of the tree warden, identifying trees as a public resource, and strategies for connecting with local stakeholders. Information was presented through video presentations, resources, and activities. Four live discussions focused on statutes changes, outreach, and tree risk management, among other topics.
Results
While many tree wardens are trained arborists, foresters, or natural resources professionals, others are municipal employees in public works departments, parks departments, or highway road crews, all with varying levels of expertise and experience. The Vermont Tree Warden School helped fulfill a critical need for these appointed positions by increasing awareness of the legal changes of the newly amended statutes, sharing resources to help participants further develop their tree care technical skills, and providing a much-welcomed opportunity for networking. Forty tree wardens participated in this inaugural self-paced course offered in spring 2021. Feedback was positive with several participants commenting that they felt that the training was well-organized and thorough. A tree warden from a northwestern Vermont town noted, "The course work is extensive, and the presentations are great. I think novices as well as seasoned tree wardens will really benefit from the course. Another amazing service from the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program!" Many echoed the sentiments of a fellow participant who summed it up by saying, "I hope that you are able to offer Tree Warden School annually (or biannually). Online format is very convenient and accessible. Networking and education are invaluable for any public volunteer position."
Public Value Statement
Tree wardens have a unique legal responsibility to protect and celebrate a natural resource within their community. They consult with residents and their local highway department on specific tree issues and handle environmental issues that can impact individual tree health and the overall health of an ecosystem by managing invasive pests, assessing potential hazards related to dead or diseased trees, and making decisions to ensure the health of trees along public roadways and in municipal spaces--all for the benefit of the residents and visitors.