Openlands TreeKeeper Chapters are dedicated groups of TreeKeepers organized around a specific area – a neighborhood, ward, town, or park. TreeKeepers Chapters often partner with their local municipality, park district, or similar entity, to focus the group’s stewardship activities on specific forestry goals. By partnering with local government organizations and Openlands, TreeKeeper Chapters can help address local tree stewardship needs, increase tree canopy, and educate and build community between volunteers, government officials, and residents.
How Do Chapters Work?
A TreeKeeper Chapter coordinates with Openlands, their partner government agency, and among themselves to plan their own workdays according to their own interests, abilities, and schedules. Many TreeKeeper Chapters engage in pruning as their primary activity. In fact, TreeKeepers pruned over 5,000 trees in 2021, more than the 4,100 trees pruned in 2020, and nearly double the number pruned in 2019! The pruning of young trees is critical in helping them live a long time and provide benefits to communities. Some Chapters set up regularly scheduled events, such as the second Wednesdays and last Fridays of each month. Beyond pruning, TreeKeepers can also mulch and plant trees, conduct inventories, lead tree walks and educational & outreach efforts and engage in local advocacy efforts.
Join or Start a Chapter
Fill out this form to sign up to join a chapter or inquire about how to start a chapter in your own neighborhood.