Volunteer Forester

Our Volunteer Forester training program is a fun way to develop your tree planting and management skills—and meet fellow tree lovers!

We aim to plant around 300 trees each planting season using the help of volunteers to accomplish that goal. After you complete one Volunteer Forester session (fall or spring), you’re eligible to lead groups during planting events with your shiny new set of tree skills. You’ll also get an uber-fashionable Trees Knoxville T-shirt after you participate in your first volunteer event.

We are currently offering the Volunteer Forester class to everyone for FREE! Donations are always graciously accepted if you feel so inclined.

Courses:

  • Ecology and Geography of East TN

  • Tree Identification

  • Tree Response to Environmental Factors

  • Outdoor Tree Pruning Experience

Fall Session

The fall session of Volunteer Forester is a hands-on experiential course that focuses on the essentials of urban forestry, tree planting, and tree health. Classes run for three hours on Wednesday evenings over a four-week period. Registration for the next fall session opens in September 2025.

Courses:

  • Introduction to Trees Knoxville & Knoxville’s Urban Forest Master Plan

  • Tree Selection and Proper Tree Planting

  • Tree Health and Invasive Plant Species

  • The Art and Science of Pruning

Spring Session

In spring, Volunteer Forester dives into the wonderful world of tree science and gives you a deeper background in tree function. Classes run for three hours on Wednesday evenings over a four-week period. Registration for the spring session opens in April of 2025.

Stay informed.

If you subscribe to our monthly newsletter, you’ll be the first to know when registration opens for a new session of Volunteer Forester. Plus you’ll find out about tree walks, planting events, and much more!