Tree-loving Volunteers Needed for Forest Hill Park Survey

We pass along the following from city arborist Michael Gee:

Do you have a knack for tree identification? Enjoy a walk in the woods and want to learn more about the trees around you?

If so, you can help Forest Hill Park become an accredited arboretum, a partnership initiative of the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities and the Friends of Forest Hill Park.

Whether you are an expert, amateur, or novice we need your assistance in identifying trees within the park that are not yet listed in the City Tree Inventory or the Forest Hill Park RVA Tree Walk .

Project Timeframe:  Volunteers will survey their chosen areas from now until December 12^th.

Project Tasks:  Volunteers will identify and note any trees or stands of trees notable for their size, growth characteristic, or species rarity in the Richmond area. This will include both native and non-native species as well as a limited number of invasive species in order to educate park visitors on their harmful impact to our environment. Volunteers should note observations about trees most burdened by invasive vine cover and possible areas of prioritization for invasive management. Necessary data to collection: common and/or Latin name of species and Latitude/Longitude location point. If you do not have GPS capacity, do not let that discourage you from volunteering. Please e-mail Michael Gee (Michael.Gee@richmondgov.com) if you are interested in partnering with other participants.

Safety Reminder:  Although this project will be conducted outdoors, we ask that you wear a mask if you are working with other participants. Some of these areas may require walking on steep terrain outside of the trail system and pathways.  Please watch your step and obey all trail closed signs that you may come upon.