Solving Urban Tree Musteries by Training Better Detectives

The goals of this project are directly aligned with the overall goals of the Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program. Creating a focused, “train-the-trainer” education program will: • Result in improved understanding of the benefits of preserving existing tree cover in urban areas and communities, • Encourage owners of private residences and commercial properties to maintain trees and expand forest cover on their properties, and most importantly, • Provide educational programs and technical assistance to state and local organizations. In order to attain these goals, our program addresses the following objectives: 1) Develop and implement a series of focused training sessions for county Extension agents, regional foresters, and other plant health specialists so that they can better execute local programs in their local areas, and, 2) Improve urban and forest tree health by providing better educational resources to both forest health educators (trainers) and stakeholders (trainees). 1. Develop and implement a series of focused training sessions for county Extension agents, regional foresters, and other plant health educators so that they can strengthen programs in their local locations. Our first objective will focus on training those who typically train other plant health professionals. For example, county Extension agents and managers of public forests will be the primary participants for this portion of the program.