Become a Tree Keeper

Welcome to Greenscape of Jacksonville’s Tree Keepers Maintenance Program! We are thrilled to have you join this important initiative, which is designed to empower passionate volunteers like you to play an active role in caring for our urban forest. Through this program, you will help maintain the health, beauty, and safety of Jacksonville’s trees, ensuring they continue to thrive as a vital part of our community. By working together, we can protect and enhance the city’s tree canopy, creating a greener, more sustainable environment for current and future generations. Let’s nurture our urban forest and make a lasting impact on Jacksonville’s natural landscape!

APPLY NOW

Become a Tree Keeper

Welcome to Greenscape of Jacksonville’s Tree Keepers Maintenance Program! This initiative is designed to empower volunteers to care for our urban forest by maintaining the health, beauty, and safety of Jacksonville’s trees. Together, we can ensure a thriving canopy for generations to come.

APPLY NOW

Become a Tree Keeper

Welcome to Greenscape of Jacksonville’s Tree Keepers Maintenance Program! We are thrilled to have you join this important initiative which is designed to empower passionate volunteers like you to play an active role in caring for our urban forest.

Through this program, you will help maintain the health, beauty, and safety of Jacksonville’s trees, ensuring they continue to thrive as a vital part of our community. By working together, we can protect and enhance the city’s tree canopy, creating a greener, more sustainable environment for current and future generations. Let’s nurture our urban forest and make a lasting impact on Jacksonville’s natural landscape!

APPLY NOW

About the Program

Trees provide numerous benefits, playing a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in our communities. They improve air quality by filtering pollutants, help reduce the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling, mitigate flooding by absorbing excess rainwater, and contribute to the natural beauty and biodiversity of our city. However, to maximize these benefits, proper care and maintenance of trees are essential. Pruning, in particular, is a critical practice to ensure the long-term health, structural integrity, and resilience of trees, enabling them to thrive in urban environments.

Recognizing the importance of community involvement in urban forestry, the Tree Keepers Maintenance Program offers an excellent opportunity for volunteers to actively participate in the care of our city’s trees. Through this program, participants receive comprehensive training and hands-on experience in pruning techniques, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in their neighborhoods. Volunteers will:

» Learn the basics of tree biology and proper pruning techniques from an ISA Certified Arborist.

» Conduct routine maintenance pruning to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.

» Support young tree growth through structural pruning.

» Conduct other essential maintenance responsibilities such as mulching, weeding, staking, and irrigating.

» Enhance public spaces by caring for trees in parks, schools, and other community areas.

» Remove invasive species to help protect and restore the health of native trees. 

» Actively assist with tree planting events hosted by Greenscape.

Who Can Volunteer?

We welcome all individuals who share a passion for trees, nature, and community service! Whether you are an experienced gardener with years of expertise or someone just starting to explore the joys of working with plants and trees, this program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, training, and tools you need to make a meaningful and lasting impact on your community. By joining us, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a greener, healthier environment while connecting with like-minded individuals who care deeply about making a difference. Volunteers must:

» Be at least 18 years old.

» Complete the Tree Keepers training workshop.

» Commit to participating in at least one volunteer event per month.

Training Workshops

All volunteers must attend a training workshop before participating in pruning activities. Training workshops cover things like tree anatomy and growth habits, pruning tools and their safe use, best practices for pruning young and mature trees, and identifying and addressing common tree health issues.

Maintenance Events

Once trained, Tree Keepers will have the opportunity to join scheduled maintenance events throughout each month. These events focus on young tree maintenance to promote proper structure, removal of dead or damaged branches for safety, beautification of community spaces, and conducting additional maintenance such as mulching, weeding, and irrigating.

How to Join

1. SIGN UP

Complete our online volunteer application form here: Apply Now

No prior experience is necessary! If you’re interested in the program but are new to tree maintenance, you will learn everything in the mandatory training workshop once you’re accepted.

2. ATTEND TRAINING

Attend the mandatory Tree Keepers training workshop. This will give you a chance to meet Greenscape staff, get to know your fellow Tree Keepers, and learn more about what you’ll be doing in the program. 

3. ATTEND Events

Participate in scheduled pruning events to put your training into action. Once you’re accepted into the program, you will get a calendar with all the events for the year. There will be 1-2 pruning events each month, but there will also be opportunities to attend tree planting events! 

4. Spread the Word

Encourage friends and family to apply to the program and help expand Jacksonville’s tree care efforts!

Why Volunteer with Greenscape of Jacksonville?

As a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing Jacksonville’s urban forest, Greenscape of Jacksonville relies on passionate volunteers like you. By participating in the Tree Keepers Maintenance Pruning Program, you will contribute to a healthier and greener community, gain valuable knowledge about tree care, and enjoy the satisfaction of making a lasting impact. Together, we can grow a greener Jacksonville. Join the Tree Keepers Maintenance Program today!

For more information about the Tree Keepers Program or other volunteer opportunities, please contact us:

» Email: info@greenscapeofjax.org

» Phone: (904) 398 – 5757 

» Mail: 1468 Hendrick’s Ave, Jacksonville, Florida 32207