Vibrant Communities Recommendation #2. Foster urban forestry & natural resources stewardship and volunteerism.

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2 Vibrant Communities Recommendation #2 Foster urban forestry & natural resources stewardship and volunteerism. 2

3 February 28, 2013

4 Our Mission, Our Beliefs Our Mission Engaging individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community s environment Our Beliefs We believe people and places are profoundly interconnected thriving communities are rooted in individual responsibility and action lasting change happens when people work together 4

5 Building and Sustaining Vibrant Communities Community Cleanups Reduce Reuse Recycle Disaster Restoration Urban Renewal Water Cleanups Public Service Announcements Conservation Initiatives Youth Engagement Public Space Recycling Cigarette Litter Prevention Community Education Urban Forestry Tailgate Recycling Environmental Literacy Preservation Initiatives Volunteer Opportunities State Fairs Recycling Community Greening Recycling Symposiums Organics Collection/ Composting 5

6 Our Strong Network with a Shared Purpose 1,200 affiliates and partners Partnerships with nearly 30 state recycling organizations 7 million volunteers KAB State & Local Affiliates (including Hawaii) States With Local Affiliates Only States With Participating Organizations (including Alaska) 6

7 Education & Stewardship 7

8 2013 UPS Community Tree Planting Grants 8

9 National Planting Day (September) Increase participation in planting native species Natives require fewer resources, less maintenance Provide habitat for native wildlife, including important pollinator species USDA People s Garden is official partner Year One Results (2012): Natives Planted: 12,000 trees 15,000 plants and shrubs 9,000 volunteers 23 states involved

10 National Planting Day Goals 18,000 native trees 20,000 native plants and shrubs 2013 Plans Timing (early September) National kickoff event at USDA headquarters (Washington, DC) National sponsors commitment

11 Questions? Corinn Rotter kab.org

12 Vibrant Communities Recommendation 2: Stewardship & Volunteerism Alliance for Community Trees supports grassroots urban forestry organizations ACTrees Programs promote local volunteer action & community stewardship in neighborhoods nationwide

13 Celebrating 20 Years of Greener Communities Founded in 1993 Dedicated to improving the health & livability of cities by planting and caring for trees 200+ member and program partner organizations nationwide ACTrees Network has planted over 15 million trees with help from over 5 million volunteers

14 Stewardship & Volunteerism Educational Resources ACTrees Webcast Series Cultivating Tree Leaders Reaching Bilingual Audiences Partnerships in Education ACTrees Day Publications CTLF Volunteer Management: People Are the Solution NeighborWoods Guide Books

15 Stewardship & Volunteerism ACTrees members work with diverse partners to stage community-driven tree planting events Schools Youth Groups HOAs Corporations Local Government Utilities Tree Care Companies Faith-based groups Developers Tree Planting Program

16 Stewardship & Volunteerism Volunteer action campaign and national celebration of trees in green communities

17 Stewardship & Volunteerism National NeighborWoods Month Began in 2005 with 28 events in 15 cities In October 2012: 23,000 volunteers 45,000 trees 1 million sq. ft. invasives removed 825 events 291 cities 44 states + DC, VI

18 Stewardship & Volunteerism National NeighborWoods Month Supports and promotes local activities Publicity Grants Guidebooks Engagement map Online tools Templates Promo materials

19 Stewardship & Volunteerism Connect with the ACTrees Network Leland Milstein Program Director

20 Vibrant Communities Recommendation #2 Foster urban forestry & natural resources stewardship and volunteerism. 20

21 Vibrant Communities Suggested Action Steps (Directly from VC report) Increase research efforts. Utilize public lands as outdoor classrooms. Encourage and support efforts to further urban natural resources education and stewardship among families. Work with local school systems, principals and teachers. Promote volunteer days for neighborhood residents and local businesses. Ensure that mechanisms exist within communities to offer an entry point into urban forestry and green infrastructure volunteerism. Promote community stewardship by identifying needs with community organizers and devising means to address those needs through green infrastructure solutions. Build stewardship capacity. 21