Volunteers can help inventory trees in Bemidji's parks, along boulevards

BEMIDJI – Volunteers are needed to help complete a tree survey along Bemidji’s boulevards and in city parks.

The Emerald Ash Borer Rapid Response Community Inventory, a project organized by the University of Minnesota, will be used to manage the city’s urban forest and assist in applying for future funding.

According to a news release, the inventory began in 2011 and hopes to be completed by the fall of 2012, but in order to complete the inventory, more volunteers are needed.

“This is a great opportunity to learn and practice new skills, meet fellow community members and help the city manage the urban forest,” the release said.

Volunteers do not need to be an expert at tree identification as training and materials will be provided.

Volunteers are required to attend nine hours of training, which will be conducted by U of M staff.

The release said those who want to help with the inventory but can’t attend the training can be matched with at least two other trained volunteers to work on the inventory.

Volunteers completing the training will receive a T-shirt and materials needed for the inventory.

Both of the following training times are required:

- 6-9 p.m. Sept. 7

- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 8

Training will be at the City Park Multipurpose Building.

The deadline to sign up for the training 4 p.m. Thursday.

To sign up or for more information, call 333-1850 or email parks.recreation@ci.bemidji.mn.us.