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(72) Alabama Urban and Community Forestry Volunteer Program
Michelle Cole, Alabama Cooperative Extension, Auburn University Auburn, Alabama
Session: Concurrent session D5: The Role of Extension in Community and Volunteer Programs – Part II
Volunteers are an essential part of Extension’s Community Forestry Volunteer Program. . They represent all segments of our population and are truly devoted to making their communities better for people through urban trees. Without their efforts, our Community Forestry Program would be drastically reduced.
On July 17th at the Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center, Extension held its first Community Forestry Volunteer Leadership Training and Recognition Program meeting for these state volunteers. Our focus was Community Forestry and You. It was a time to recognize and congratulate our state’s volunteers for their tireless dedication and contribution to our Urban Forestry Program here in Alabama. Various urban forestry companies were sponsors. Over 150 of our constituents were there including city foresters, mayors, tree board members and volunteers.
The training event offered two different educational tracts, one for professionals and the other for urban and community forestry volunteers. We encouraged participation in the Tree City USA Café. Our sessions were filled with speakers from across the state and nation. The information learned from the training proves that the belief that the simple act of volunteering and coming together can be the catalyst for enormous community change.
Michelle Cole
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
602 Duncan Drive
Auburn University, AL 36849
334-844-1078
334-844-7060
coleden@auburn.edu