OLMSTED CENTER FOR LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION (Charlestown, MA) - Branching Out: An Exploration in Arboriculture for Boston Youth

(Parks Practices)OLMSTED CENTER FOR LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

Charlestown, MA

In This Profile: Program Description • Program Goals • Timeframe • Budget • Funding/Support • Results Achieved • Lessons Learned • Ask The Expert • Contact Information

Introduction

The Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation strengthens the capacity of parks and historic properties to manage cultural landscapes as part of our national heritage. Working in partnership with national parks, universities, government agencies and non-profit organizations, the Olmsted Center provides a full range of technical assistance in cultural landscape research, planning, stewardship and education. Founded at the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site, the Olmsted Center perpetuates the traditions of the Olmsted Offices and Frederick Law Olmsted Sr.'s lifelong commitment to people, parks and public spaces.

Program Title - Branching Out: An Exploration in Arboriculture for Boston Youth

Program Description

In collaboration with Thompson Island Outward Bound’s Green Corps Program and Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area,  the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation is offering a multi-year educational program in tree care for Boston youth. The program provides young people (ages 14 – 18) with an introduction to tree care, hands-on field experience with professional arborists, and opportunities to learn about educational scholarships and career paths in the fields of arboriculture, park management and the environment. Working under the guidance of skilled arborists and experienced resource managers, participants progress through a sequence of workshops and field projects to learn about tree biology and management techniques.  

Level I participants learn about tree identification from Instructor Goodell on Thompson Island.

Initially, students participate in an introductory three-day workshop on tree care basics. As they build knowledge and skills, students have the opportunity to participate in additional training on broader arboricultural topics and techniques. After successfully completing the program, students are provided with further educational and career development opportunities such as internships with the National Park Service.

Below is a brief overview of the program:

Level I introduces participants to basic tree biology, tree care safety, rope use and knots, climbing equipment and techniques, and hand pruning. Professional certified arborists teach participants the concepts and fundamental practices of tree care.

Level II builds on the fundamentals that students acquire in Level I and challenges them to apply those skills and abilities in the field. During the first week of training, participants work alongside professional arborists to accomplish tree maintenance in a Boston-area park. Following the field experience, participants assist with instructing and mentoring Level I students.

On Georges Island, Level II participant, Leona, secures knots for Level I participant, Jonathan, before climbing. 

Level III engages participants in applying skills and techniques to a variety of tree maintenance projects. During the first two weeks of training, participants mentor Level I and II students. The concluding experience involves traveling to a national park and completing an arboriculture related project.

Internship in Arboriculture is a culminating experience that offers graduating participants an opportunity to gain additional field experience. Interns are also provided with opportunities for pursuing educational scholarships and employment in the field of arboriculture and park management. 

In addition to the summer workshops, students are invited to participate in several arboricultural related field study experiences throughout the year.

The following organizations are involved in this program:

• Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area, National Park Service
• Boston African American National Historic Site, National Park Service
• Boston Environmental Ambassadors to the National Parks
• Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Goodell Tree Service
• Massachusetts Arborists Association
• Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, National Park Service
• Shelter Tree Company
• Thompson Island Outward Bound
• Wind River Tree Care
• Youth Conservation Corps/Public Land Corps, National Park Service

Program goals/issues addressed:   

• Introduce young adults from Boston to the field of arboriculture; 
• Generate interest in and enthusiasm for arboriculture;
• Cultivate a relationship with plants and the environment;
• Provide opportunities for employment or further education in the field of arboriculture; and
• Expose participants to the National Park Service and National Park Service sites in the region.

Instructor McGuane coaches Level II participant, Suki Jo, up an 80-foot tulip tree during a day of climbing at Boston National Historical Park. 

Timeframe (planning/execution):

An introductory three-day workshop in tree care has been offered for five years. In 2005, youth engaged in the program were interviewed to begin the process of shaping the future of the program. At that time, it was determined that a multi-year educational program in tree care be created so returning participants could gain advanced knowledge and skills, as well as mentor those entering the program. Program development began in the fall of 2005. The first Branching Out internship began in June 2006 and the tiered training was offered to returning participants in the summer of 2006.

Annual program budget:

The program is made possible through contributions of staff time and resources from several for profit and non-profit organizations in the public and private sectors. Participating organizations and individuals provide technical expertise, equipment, logistical support, etc., to make the program possible. Approximately $5,000 is provided annually from public and private sources to acquire educational resources and safety supplies.

Funding sources/partnerships and type of support provided:

See above.

Results achieved/impact:

• Established, coordinated and completed 17-week, pilot internship
• Arranged professional employment interview for intern; resulted in job offer with commercial tree care company in Boston
• Developed and conducted Level II field training at Adams National Historical Park in partnership with Outward Bound/Green Corps, Adams National Historical Park, Wind River Tree Company and Goodell Tree Company
• Created mentoring program in which returning students instructed first year participants
• Strengthened existing program partnerships with Boston Harbor National Park Area, Thompson Island Outward Bound, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the commercial tree care industry
• Initiated program collaboration with Boston National Historical Park, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site and Adams National Historical Park

Lessons learned:

1. It is critical to have a point person who is enthusiastic about the program. Working in partnership with several private and public organizations takes a great deal of coordination, attention to sharing information and ensuring effective communication. Find someone who is good at it!

2. Start small. Initiate programs slowly, expand them as you make accomplishments.

3. Use experiences, successes and failures, to reshape the program as it moves forward.

4. Think of ways to actively engage partners to share ownership and successes in the program.

5. Keep it fun for yourselves and the participants!

Ask the Expert Name: Celena Illuzzi
Title: Education Specialist
E-mail: celena_illuzzi@nps.gov

Contact Information:

Organization: Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation
Address: Building 265, Quarters C
Charlestown Navy Yard
Charlestown, MA 02129

Tel: 617-241-6954
Fax: 617-241-3952
E-mail: Charlie_Pepper@nps.gov
Web site address: http://www.nps.gov/oclp

Photos courtesy of the National Park Service     Print Friendly

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