(Left to Right)Denise Coykendaal, Laura Casaletto, Dotti Clune, Ben Oliver, Amanda St. Amour, and Ric Maycroft.

Friends of Grand Rapids Parks Urban Forest Project reported, “We’ve been growing advocates and neighborhood leaders as well. The first session of training opportunities wrapped up on July 24th with Urban Forestry and Tree Advocacy at LINC. At this training, a full six (6) program participants graduated as Grand Rapids’ first Citizen Foresters.

These six outstanding individuals not only attended the four courses to become a Citizen Forester, but have participated in additional workshops offered during the year and continue to express interest in attending more. 

These well -trained and educated advocates of the urban forest have led projects and continue to act as sources of information in their communities. As Citizen Foresters, these individuals can confidently engage and educate the community on tree concerns as representatives of the Urban Forest Project.”