Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

The Urban Forestry Program has enjoyed great support from civic and business groups and our students and families in complimenting the tree planting and care practices that Public Works staff routinely perform. The City and Urban Forestry Board are expanding the types of activities volunteers can perform by establishing the Tree Stewards program. 

This is a community-based program that provides training in basic tree planting and maintenance tasks, as well as common tree insect and disease pests. Tree Stewards allow the city staff to focus on higher skilled tasks and act as extra pairs of eyes to monitor public trees.

Tree Stewards can be trained in a variety of topics, including:

  • Proper tree planting and leading others at planting events.
  • Proper pruning of young trees to improve health and structure.
  • Pruning suckers and sprouts from young and old trees to maintain sigh lines for public safety.
  • Installing watering devices for young and newly planted trees.
  • How to identify and report trees of concern.
  • How to identify common tree diseases and pests.

Arbor Day - Spring and Fall

The "Tree Planter's Holiday" is not just for late April. In 2012 the City installed its first Gravel Bed System for enhancing the roots of bare rooted trees (see Tree Planting and Maintenance page for details). The process of heeling in bare root trees in spring and out-planting in fall means we can involve citizens and celebrate Arbor Day in BOTH seasons. Many different skills are needed for a successful Arbor Day event. 

Guided Tree Treks

The five Hudson Tree Treks are designed to be self-guided, but they also present a great opportunity to offer guided treks for small groups led by volunteers skilled in tree identification.

Hudson Urban Forestry Board

Residents who want to make a more significant contribution to the tree program should consider serving on the Urban Forestry Board. Members are appointed by the Mayor and server alternating three year terms. Duties include recommending current and long term needs, management policies, ordinances, and budgets. Meetings are held as needed, usually 6 to 8 monthly meetings per calendar year.