What We Do
Introduction
RITree is a non-profit, tax-exempt group dedicated to improving Rhode Island’s tree resources.
We implement programs and activities that educate the public on the benefits and values of trees. A networking and educational organization, we partner with other environmental groups, the RIDEM-Division of Forest Environment, and the United States Forest Service to help meet this environmental challenge.
We’re composed of members, professional consultants, and volunteers. Our financial support comes from various sources, including memberships, private donations, and grants from the U.S. Forest Service, provided through the RIDEM’s Division of Forest Environment. Volunteers effectively administer RITree, serving as Trustees and on its Board of Directors and Advisors. Membership is open to all and anyone can join.
Challenges Facing Rhode Island Urban Forests
Rhode Island’s urban forest faces many difficult challenges. They range from exotic infestations, invasive species, and diseases to wholesale elimination via development. In addition, trees in Rhode Island’s urban forests must beat stresses not found in rural forests. Surrounded by buildings and pavements, trees in urban environments must deal with higher temperatures and higher levels of air and water pollutants, and must tolerate poor or compacted soils, which constrain root growth. Without adequate care, urban street trees survive, on average, only eight years.
Programs
As an educational organization, we provide programs, events, and activities designed to achieve our mission’s goals and generate benefits for the community.
The objectives of our mission include:
- Educating the public on the benefits of trees
- Planting trees to improve landscapes,
- Providing informational lectures and field sessions
- Promoting forest conservation and improvement
- Encouraging the understanding of healthy trees and forests
Key programs RI Tree offers Include:
For more information on any of these programs, contact RI Tree. To become a member of RI Tree, click on the membership link.
Projects
Our projects make significant—but critical—impact on landscapes. From our plant phenology project, which tracks plant development over the annual plant growth season, to our Set-Back Tree Planting projects, which involves planting trees for the common good beyond the public right of way on private property, RITree is involved in a wide variety of projects designed to support Rhode Island’s urban forestry efforts.
Our projects are win-win efforts for the community and the state. Individuals in the community get a chance to contribute to their neighborhoods while the local municipalities as well as the state enjoy the fruits of these projects. Key benefits of our projects include:
- Create more pleasant communities
- Keeps soil in place
- Encourages people to pay attention to trees
- Entices people to learn about trees
- Helps improve natural/infrastructure water
- Serves as a filter for water above/below ground
Here are some of the current projects we have currently have going on
- Growth Degree Days
- Plant Phenology Project This project tracks plant development throughout a plant growing season.
For more information on any of our projects, to volunteer or for help on a local project, contact RITree.
To become a member of RITree, click on the membership link.
Tree Stewards
If you love trees, this course is for you. Whether you are a novice tree caregiver or a seasoned pro, our Tree Stewards course provides an in-depth look at tree care.! You’ll not only increase your knowledge of and appreciation for trees but also learn the latest tips and secrets to keeping plants healthy and growing.
The course includes in-class lectures during the week and hands-on outside workshops held on Saturdays. A course manual is available. The course is $50 for RI Tree members and $75 for non-members.
The course covers the following topics:
- Tree Biology
- Tree Identification
- Tree Health
- Planting & Pruning
- Urban Forestry
- Soil
The course also covers insect and disease diagnosis, common invasives, and plant stressors. Attendees should bring a lunch to the Saturday workshops. The course provides 21.5 ISA CEUs and 20 MG for landscape professionals.
For more information about the course or to register, call Robin Enos at RI Tree 401-764-5885 or go to its website: www.ritree.org. People also can register by emailing the organization at ritree@ritree.org.
“Thank you for the opportunity to take the Tree Stewards Course! I learned a lot and really enjoyed the field day.”
“I took the Tree Stewards Course about ten years ago and loved it. I am so happy to read on your website that the program is still alive and well.”
Tree Stewards Education Program
Backyard Fruit Tree Courses
In addition to our Tree Steward Course, we also offer a Fruit Tree Growing Course. If you’ve ever thought about growing fruit trees in your backyard, this course is for you.
This seven-session course’s popularity continues to grow every year. Attendees need to bring their own tools to the course sessions. They include pruners, loppers, pole pruners, hose, and hose end sprayers.
Topics covered in the course include:
- Tree Selection
- Plant Installation
- Structuring
- Harvesting
“My Fuji and Liberty apple trees have responded nicely to the structural training measures I learned In RI Tree Fruit Tree Course last year. I am looking forward to resuming the classes next spring. Thanks for the help”