Preserving Seattle’s tree canopy is a goal of both the city (Mayor Mike McGinn spoke about it here) and the Maple Leaf Community Council, which shared a Seattle Audubon Society award for preserving the trees at the old Waldo Hospital.
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David Miller of the community council reminds us that the city is actively looking for tree ambassadors. According to Jana of the city’s Office of Sustainability:
Seattle’s urban forest needs your help! Seattle has a goal to reach 30% canopy cover by 2037, growing from our current 23%. To meet that goal, we need to plant and care for 200,000 net new trees in residential areas; residential areas make up 67% of Seattle. To help meet this goal, we are recruiting Tree Ambassadors who can serve as local neighborhood advocates for our urban trees.
You will work in teams of 2-3 people to develop projects for your neighborhood which could include tree walks, invasive species removal workdays, and/or tree plantings. No previous tree experience necessary, only a desire to learn and a passion for urban greenery. You may apply individually or as a group.
Tree ambassadors are volunteers who, after being trained, work 5-10 hours a month, according to the city.
There’s an individual application here, and a team application here. You can also find them on the city’s Tree Portal page.
