City tree steward program looking for volunteers

Esther Short — NeighborWoods is looking for volunteers. The city program is an opportunity for community members to learn about trees and get more involved in their neighborhoods. City of Vancouver Urban Forestry is offering a free seven-session course where volunteers can learn about tree identification, tree biology, proper tree care, Vancouver tree regulations, tree planting, native trees and the overall benefits of trees. Stewards will gain the knowledge needed to act as liaisons to their neighborhood, providing tree-related advice, conducting tree plantings and hosting tree-related educational projects in their neighborhoods. The classes will be held on Thursday nights from Sept. 15 through Oct. 13 at City Hall, 415 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. There will be two Saturday field days, on Sept. 24 and Oct. 8. For more information, contact Urban Forestry at urbanforestry@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8308.