Forest Steward

Certified Volunteer Training: Forest Stewardship

The Forest Stewardship Training Program is a series of four classes held on Saturdays in October. The goal of the Forest Stewardship program is to introduce practical concepts for identifying native species versus invasive species, basic science of its environmental impact, and methods for controlling invasive or aggressive species for the everyday community steward.

Volunteers who complete the training program and meet the minimum (optional) service hours as project leaders and assist Trees Atlanta staff at forest restoration projects become Certified Volunteer Forest Stewards.

This program occurs annually in October, but you don’t need to wait for the next class to get started. Forest restoration volunteer projects are regularly scheduled throughout the year. Please view our calendar of events for upcoming volunteer and learning opportunties. It’s a great way to learn and improve forested spaces across metro Atlanta.

Become a Forest Steward

When is the next Forest Stewardship Training Class?

Classes meet in person or online on Saturdays from 9 am to noon in October. Attendance at the first three classes are required to receive the webinar link for the fourth class for your “Certificate of Completion” and to continue onto volunteer duties to become a Certified Forest Stewardship Volunteer.

Find the next scheduled Forest Stewardship class in October events. If no event is found, registration is not yet open or is closed until the next year.

Find the Next Class

Forest Stewardship Training Program

What’s covered? The curriculum includes virtual and onsite events. Students have virtual assignments (via webinars) prior to each in-person class. Each Saturday is conducted at a different outdoor locations. Program curriculum covers:

  • Identifying Native and Invasive Plant Species: Anatomy, Phytogeography, Phenology
  • Invasive Plant Species: Why and How to Remove Invasive Plant Species
  • Replanting with Natives: Understanding Ecological Interactions While Developing a Reforestation Plan
  • Certified Volunteer Webinar and how to apply your Forest Stewardship experience

Is there is fee? Yes. However we offer a limited number of need-based scholarships each year.

Need-based scholarships are available for community residents who are working in collaboration with their neighborhood associations or other conservation group. Requirements include organizing and/or leading one or more invasive removal projects in their community. Please contact restoration@treesatlanta.org if you wish to inquire about receiving a scholarship.

Where are the classes? Our classes are a blend of online and in-person sessions depending upon the topic or demonstration. All offsite locations are nearby our headquarters (in southwest Atlanta) or otherwise specified ahead of time.

Optional: Project Leadership Service

After completing this Forest Stewardship, you will be eligible to earn “Certified Volunteer” designation. Volunteers must complete service leadership requirements.

Certified Volunteer (CV) represents significant volunteer achievement for specific areas of expertise or leadership. Details for Certified Volunteer status will be covered in the webinar, including how CVs may organize projects within their neighborhood in partnership with Trees Atlanta.

Read this blog post about some of our stellar Certified Volunteers.

Have more questions? Please email volunteer@treesatlanta.org

See all Volunteer Pathways, including all Certified Volunteer training programs.