AUGUSTA – Community tree advocates interested in expanding their community forestry horizons may register for the 2006 Project Canopy Tree Steward training course, sponsored by the Maine Forest Service and the Pine Tree State Arboretum.

Designed specifically for individuals interested in starting or getting involved in their community tree program, the class will be held every other Tuesday evening from Feb. 15 through April 26.

Course instructors are urban forestry management professionals representing the Maine Forest Service, Pine Tree State Arboretum, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, USDA Forest Service and private industry. Topics run the gamut from tree identification and biology to proper plant selection for urban sites and community forest program development.

Graduates become certified Project Canopy tree stewards and members of a special volunteer corps trained to care for Maine’s community trees and forests.

Participants agree to complete 40 hours of volunteer service over the course of two years. Certified Project Canopy tree stewards will work closely with Maine Forest Service and Pine Tree State Arboretum staff to develop local community forestry programs.

Enrollment is limited; for more information contact Jan Ames Santerre at 623-2371 or [email protected].

More information is available on the Web at www.projectcanopy.org. Those interested in the program may also contact Michael DeBonis at 287-4987 or [email protected].