March 16, 2011
I am a trained Tree Amigo volunteer with Our City Forest. Since December 2010, I have participated in their weekly tree plantings and also worked at their two exisiting tree banks. On an interpersonal level, I have had such overwhelmingly positive experiences with OCF staff, Americorps members, other Tree Amigos, and general volunteers. It is truly a team and community effort in which everyone works, sweats, and laughs together. Experience is not necessary just enthusiasm and the volunteers never fail to provide that in spades. The tree plantings and other events are organized and can accomodate almost all ages groups. It is not an understatement to say that Saturday morning plantings are one of the highlights of my week. OCF has been and will continue to be an invaluable community resource and a wonderful opportunity for all folks, young and old, to learn about trees and their importance to our urban forest.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Several plantings including...Guadeloupe River trail, Saratoga El Quito Park, and countless other parks, schools, and neighborhoods. And I also attended their Tree Amigo course in order to become a trained volunteer for these events.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would hope that the Americorps members remain a part of the OCF staff, because they are a pivotal aspect of OCF that makes everything possible especially to accomodate the large San Jose metropolitan area.
MY ROLE:
Volunteer & I trained as a Tree Amigo to help out at tree plantings and tree bank days.