CITIZEN PRUNER PROGRAM

VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION

This program is a unique partnership between the City of Ithaca, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County and the Urban Horticulture Institute of Cornell University. Funding is provided by the City of Ithaca. Volunteer recruitment, training, organization and support is provided by Cooperative Extension; the City Forester identifies volunteer projects and supervises the work of volunteers.                                                                         

Purpose: Citizen Pruners are volunteers who have completed a training course sponsored by
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca that certifies them to work on public trees, shrubs and other beautification projects undertaken by the City. The program extends and augments the work of the Department of Public Works and hopes to encourage all citizens to appreciate and enjoy the contribution that trees and other plantings make to the City environment.  All work is carried out under the supervision of and with direction from the City Forester.

Specific Tasks:

•  Trees (working from ground only) :

•  removal of suckers at base of trees

•  weeding, mulching around base of trees

•  pruning damaged, dead, diseased limbs within reach of the ground

•  limbing up, removal of low branches on young trees

•  pruning to shape young trees to ensure proper canopy structure

•  monitor and report tree problems and suggest sites for new trees

•  planting of bare root trees

•  Shrubs (in parks and other City-owned locations) :

•  maintenance pruning

•  rejuvenation as necessary

•  planting of shrubs

•  General Beautification (as time permits) :

•  assist in identification of beautification projects, their development and implementation

•  work with the city crews to plant flowers on the Commons and in other areas

•  Attend volunteer meetings with the City Forester and Cooperative Extension staff to review tasks, receive instruction and participate in training as necessary.

•  Act as ambassadors for the City of Ithaca Street Tree Program – be familiar with tree species, the Street Tree Ordinance and other aspects of the program.

•  Assist in educating the public about trees through workshops, classes or other duties and help promote the Citizen Pruner Program at educational and community events.

Working Relationships

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County staff will coordinate volunteer training and educational support. The Cornell Urban Horticulture Institute faculty and students assist with instruction. The City Forester will provide technical guidance on pruning and maintenance tasks, assign and oversee tasks of pruners. Citizen Pruners will work with City Street Tree Crew in performance of tasks.

Training Program

Basic introductory course: four evening sessions on trees in the urban environment, planting, training and pruning. Volunteers should be present for all training sessions, if possible.

On-going training: based on needs and interests of volunteers (provided on the job and through workshops, meetings, tours).

Volunteer Commitment

After completion of the Training Classes, each volunteer Citizen Pruner is expected to contribute approximately 6-8 hours per month during the season.

Volunteer Schedule

Volunteers work weekly from May – October. Each work session lasts approximately 1 ½-2 hours. Generally at least one morning and late afternoon work session is held per week. Volunteers are expected to be active in the program for a minimum of one season, two seasons preferable.

Qualifications

•  Be able to fulfill the training and volunteer commitment

•  Have an interest in or knowledge of trees, shrubs and other areas of gardening

•  Enthusiasm for acquiring new horticulture skills

•  Ability to communicate with public

•  A concern for plants in the urban environment

•  Interest in community beautification

Note: Volunteers should have the ability to get to work site, work outdoors and have sufficient abilities to carry out pruning tasks with standard pruning tools. Some work could be carried out from a wheelchair.

Application Process

Complete the citizen pruner application and return it to Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850
To learn more about the program, call Monika Roth at 272-2292 or e-mail mr55@cornell.edu.

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