"Trees for Tomorrow Start Today" Master Gardener Program Application for San Bernardino County Residents

Applications Now Being Accepted for the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program “Trees for Tomorrow Start Today” Project.

University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) San Bernardino County is currently recruiting adults (18 and over) who are interested in becoming volunteers for our "Trees for Tomorrow" project. Complete training is provided online through a 50-hour Master Gardener training class taught by subject matter experts. Master Gardener volunteers will provide research-based information on the selection and care of heat, drought, and pest resistant trees and help our non-profit partners and community leaders enhance tree canopy cover in our most vulnerable neighborhoods. (To date, we are proud to have partnered with the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District, CA Climate Action Fellows and many non-profit organizations, communities, ESRI, and others to give away over 600 trees in the last year!)

Applications to become a UCCE Master Gardener volunteer for this project are open through August 31, 2022. UCCE Master Gardener “Trees for Tomorrow” Volunteer Application link: http://ucanr.edu/u.cfm?id=287

Questions about the application process or the volunteer opportunity? Contact UCCE Area Environmental Horticulturist Janet Hartin at jshartin@ucanr.edu

Bubba Desert Willow is a great heat, drought, and pest resistant tree

Why volunteer for this project? We are facing unprecedented times due to climate change and urban heat islands increasing temperatures in our communities. One of the solutions to a "cooler, greener, tomorrow" is through tree planting and proper selection and long-term care of heat, drought, and pest resistant trees.

Why trees? Shade produced by a single tree can reduce surface temperatures of asphalt and other impervious surfaces by up to 65 degrees F. Trees also lower air temperatures; enhance pollinator and wildlife habitat; absorb pollutants; reduce energy use and related costs (homes, offices, vehicles); beautify neighborhoods; absorb and store carbon dioxide; and provide many other ecosystem and societal benefits.

You can make a difference like never before enhancing tree canopy cover in our neighborhoods. Do you want to learn more about what UCCE Master Gardeners do for San Bernardino County residents and communities, find out what upcoming events they are hosting, or have them answer your horticulture questions Here's your pot of gold: https://mgsb.ucanr.edu/

We are looking forward to hearing from you!