Our curriculum covers all aspects of urban forestry, including tree biology, planting techniques, maintenance, and sustainability practices.
We prioritize training for individuals from marginalized communities, including BIPOC, women, and opportunity youth, to ensure diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
Collaborations with industry leaders, municipal authorities, and community organizations enhance the training program and provide additional resources and opportunities for participants.
Through community-industry partnerships, this initiative offers paid learning opportunities and paid internships in Spanish and in English for people interested in green jobs that sustain our urban tree and shade canopy. This comprehensive Urban Nature vocational program will include experiential courses, field training, stackable learning experiences, internships, and pre-apprenticeships that can bridge into long-term positions.
| Unlimited Potential and Bartlett Tree Experts | Tree Care, Tree Climbing, Tree Maintenance | |
| Orchard Community Learning Center | Landscape & Irrigation Design, Water Conservation, Care of Shade and Food Trees | |
| Spaces of Opportunity | Landscape Design, Care of Shade and Food Trees, Tree Maintenance | |
| Arizona Conservation Corps | Tree Monitoring, Tree Maintenance | |
| City of Tempe | Tree Stewardship | |
| ASU Seed Start Center | Tree Starts and Nursery Operations |
Our comprehensive programs are designed to foster growth, learning, and development within the urban forestry sector. We offer a variety of initiatives that cater to different aspects of workforce development, from educational workshops and training sessions to hands-on internships and volunteer opportunities. Each program aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to excel in urban forestry careers.
Through our programs, participants will learn about tree care, sustainable landscaping, environmental stewardship, and more. We collaborate with local communities, educational institutions, and industry experts to ensure our programs are impactful and relevant. Join us in cultivating a greener, healthier urban environment while advancing your career in urban forestry.
American Forests Career Pathways: This initiative provides comprehensive resources for workforce development in urban forestry, including the Tree Equity Workforce Network and the Arboriculture Pre-Employment Curriculum. These programs focus on building a diverse and skilled tree care workforce through training, peer learning, and networking opportunities.
American Forests Career Pathways
Vibrant Cities Lab: This toolkit offers a range of resources for urban forestry, including guides on career pathways, academic impacts, and case studies from successful programs across the United States. It is a valuable resource for both professionals and students looking to enter the field.
US Forest Service Urban Forestry: The Forest Service provides extensive support for urban forestry through research, funding, and educational programs. Their investments aim to enhance the quality of life in urban areas by improving green infrastructure and creating job opportunities.
US Forest Service Urban Forestry
Friends of the Urban Forest: This organization offers workforce development programs, such as the Green Teens program, which provides vocational skills training and mentorship for youth interested in environmental careers.
Our Procurement Opportunities program aims to create a thriving market for urban forestry products and services. By connecting local businesses, contractors, and service providers with municipal and community projects, we ensure the sustainable growth and maintenance of urban forests. This initiative supports a range of activities, from tree planting and maintenance to innovative green infrastructure projects.
We invite vendors and service providers to participate in our procurement process, which emphasizes fair competition, transparency, and sustainability. Whether you specialize in landscaping, arboriculture, or environmental consulting, there are numerous opportunities to contribute to the greening of our urban spaces. Join us in fostering a vibrant urban forest that benefits our communities, environment, and economy.
Our Pilot Programs & Partnerships initiative is dedicated to pioneering innovative approaches and fostering collaborative efforts to enhance urban forestry. By partnering with local governments, non-profits, educational institutions, and private enterprises, we develop and implement pilot programs that serve as models for sustainable urban forestry practices.
These pilot programs explore new techniques in tree planting, maintenance, and green infrastructure, while also addressing community-specific needs and challenges. Through our partnerships, we leverage expertise, resources, and shared goals to create impactful projects that promote environmental stewardship, economic development, and community engagement.
Join us in these groundbreaking efforts to transform our urban landscapes and create healthier, more resilient communities. Together, we can pave the way for a greener future through innovative solutions and strong partnerships.
Classes begin the week of January 20, 2025
The initial application deadline is December 20, 2024. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Days and times for each course will be determined by the best availability of initial applicants. You will be asked about preferred days and times later in the application. Days and times for each course will be announced no later than January 3, 2025.
Landscape Design & Irrigation Design with Urban Shade and Food Trees
The class will be taught primarily in English. The staff is bilingual in English/Spanish. Some understanding of English is recommended.
Accepted Applicants will Receive:
Pay at $20/hour for up to 60 hours of expert instruction and fieldwork (up to $1,200 per participant) Personal tree equipment valued up to $625 per participant
For more information, please email: lbutler@urbanforestryeducator.gmail.com
Landscape Design and Implementation with Urban Shade and Food Trees
The class will be taught primarily in English. The staff is bilingual in English/Spanish. Some understanding of English is recommended.
Accepted Applicants will Receive:
Pay at $20/hour for up to 60 hours of expert instruction and fieldwork (up to $1,200 per participant). Personal tree equipment valued up to $625 per participant
For more information, please email: efergus4@asu.edu
Treework
The class will be taught primarily in English with Spanish translators. Some field labs will be taught by bilingual Spanish/English staff. Some understanding of English is recommended.
Accepted Applicants will Receive:
Pay at $20/hour for up to 120 hours of expert instruction and fieldwork (up to $2,400 per participant). Personal tree equipment valued at up to $625 per participant
For more information, please email Chris Geldis: cgeldis@unlimitedpotentialaz.org
Developing a skilled workforce is essential for the success of urban forestry initiatives. By training individuals, we not only create job opportunities but also ensure that urban forestry projects are implemented effectively and sustainably. This program addresses the need for skilled labor in the green industry and helps to foster economic resilience and environmental stewardship in our communities.
Urban Nature is a $5 million Justice40 Initiative funded by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Led by the ASU Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service (RMWSSS), it has launched the creation of customized community forestry plans through a series of neighborhood-based workshops that put residents at the forefront of the planning process.
