|
 What
is the Missouri Forestkeepers Network?
Does
it cost anything to join?
If
I join, what is expected of me?
What
do I get if I join?
How
do I begin?
Do
I have to adopt a site to monitor?
How
much time do I need to spend?
What
happens to the data I submit?
What
activities can I participate in to fulfill my volunteer commitment?
How
can I find volunteer opportunities?
Do
I have to report my activities? How?
I'm
a teacher. How can I use Forestkeepers materials in the classroom?
I'm
a scout leader. What resources are available to help me?
Can
each of my students or each member of my group choose an incentive
when we turn in our data?
I
need help identifying a problem with my tree. Who can help me?
Where
can I get help managing my property?
I
would like the assistance of a more experienced Forestkeeper who lives
near me. Is this available?
How
do I get additional technical information about trees and forests?
I
misplaced some of the materials from my Forestkeepers kit. How can
I obtain new ones?
May
I have a Forestkeepers representative speak at an event I am hosting?
Will
there be a workshop or annual conference in my part of the state anytime
soon?
I
have additional questions. Who can I contact?
What
is the Missouri Forestkeepers Network?
The Missouri
Forestkeepers Network is a forest monitoring program. Its mission
is to develop a network of informed citizens working to conserve,
sustain and enhance Missouri's urban and rural forest resources
through volunteerism, advocacy, and management. The program was
developed and is administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation
in partnership with Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, a not-for-profit
organization. By joining the network, you play an essential role
in the future of Missouri's trees and forests.
Does
it cost anything to join?
Membership
is free and open to any Missourian. Those who reside out of the
state, but who wish to monitor property in Missouri, may also join.
If
I join, what is expected of me?
The program
is entirely self-directed. You determine your level of involvement.
We do ask that members submit at least one tree observation report
each year.
What
do I get if I join?
Once you enroll
in the program, you will receive a free kit to help you get started.
It includes tools and techniques to assist you in assessing the
health of the trees on your selected plot. You will also begin receiving
The Monitor,
a quarterly newsletter, as well as notification of workshops and
programs designed to help you monitor and manage trees and forests.
After you complete
and return a simple one page activity
report or a tree
observation form, you will be eligible to select an incentive
from a broad array of choices, including embroidered t-shirts, binoculars, padfolio, fanny pack, totebag, and
mouse pad.
How
do I begin?
The simplest
task and the most common activity among Forestkeepers is completing
a tree observation form for a site or sites that you have adopted.
This form and the
Field Manual are in
your member kit.
Do
I have to adopt a site to monitor?
Site adoption
is not a requirement; however we do encourage you to choose a forested
site to study. This will provide a focal point for your efforts.
You can choose a site in town or in the woods, depending on your
interests. Here are some tips:
• Choose
a site that is meaningful to you or your group and one that is convenient.
• Select
a small section that is representative, but not too large for you
to be able to
accomplish your goals. The Field Manual provides instructions
on selecting a site and
a plot.
• Feel
free to change sites if you wish. Remember that landowner permission
is required
for projects on private property.
How
much time do I need to spend?
It's up to
you! You decide how much time you want to put into monitoring the
health of the trees on your site and on other activities. It could
be one afternoon a year, a day, or many more. It all depends on
how much time you have and how committed you are to your projects.
What
happens to the data I submit?
All information
submitted on the tree
observation form is entered into a spreadsheet and published
on this website. View the
2007
data.
Resource professionals
use the combined information to spot trends that may affect forest
health. Information submitted in your activity report is used to
identify interests and potential training needs for members. It
is also used to assist members with specific questions, and to document
your involvement in the program. An annual report of Forestkeepers
activities is published in the newsletter each year.
What
activities can I participate in to fulfill my volunteer commitment?
As a Forestkeeper,
you can participate in a wide variety of forestry-related activities.
You are not limited to the ones listed. Be creative!
• Forest
health monitoring- Submit tree observations at least once a year
to track the
health of your forest or selected group of trees.
• Forest
management- Use the Forestkeepers information to help you undertake
activities such as timber stand improvement, tree planting,
and timber harvesting.
Become a member of the American Tree Farm System®.
• Education
and training- Attend Forestkeepers and conservation workshops, use
Forestkeepers materials in your classroom, organize a youth
group project, or help
build or enhance an outdoor classroom.
• Advocacy-
Write news articles, create brochures addressing a local forest
issue, or
contact your legislators regarding forest matters important
to you. You can even work
with your local community to achieve Tree City USA certification
from the National
Arbor Day Foundation.
• Events-
Help with your community's Arbor Day celebration or represent
Forestkeepers at a local fair or special event.
How
can I find volunteer opportunities?
We often get
requests for volunteers from agencies around the state. We post
these opportunities on the Volunteer
Opportunities page of this website.
Do
I have to report my activities? How?
It is very
important that you report your activities so we can track the program's
progress, plan for the future, and give you the credit you deserve
for your work.
We will send
you a Forestkeepers Member Report form in late summer each year. Return this
by the deadline and also return any tree observation forms as soon
as you complete them.
I'm
a teacher. How can I use Forestkeepers materials in the classroom?
Correlations
to the Missouri Show Me Standards
and the Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations
have been identified to help teachers use the program in their classrooms.
You can find this information on our website or request a copy by
calling or e-mailing us. Teacher kits include some extra
supplies so multiple students can use them.
I'm
a scout leader. What resources are available to help me?
Forestkeepers
activities are suitable for a variety of youth groups. The monitoring
activities in the Forestkeepers program fit nicely with many Scout
badge requirements. We will be creating a new scout
patch for members of groups completing at least
one tree
observation form a year.
Can
each of my students or each member of my group choose an incentive
when we turn in our data?
Yes they can.
Participating students who submit tree observations are eligible
for a special student incentive. Please make sure to obtain a
Student Tree Observations form.
I
need help identifying a problem with my tree. Who can help me?
Help is available
at no cost from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Check out
the Ask the Forester
page to find the forester nearest you.
If you need
to send a sample from your tree to your local forester, please follow
these guidelines:
1. Send
branch sample as soon as possible after collection.
2. Keep sample cool until it is mailed.
3. Strive for samples to arrive at their destination on a
weekday.
4. Do not add wet paper towels or other additional moisture
to packages (this can cause
mold).
5. Wrap plant samples in dry paper towels and submit in a
plastic bag clearly marked
with the name of the landowner or public
area where collected.
6. Do not tape sample to paper.
7. Mail in a box or padded envelope if possible.
Where
can I get help managing my property?
On-site assistance
is available at no cost from the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Check out the Ask
the Forester page to find the forester nearest you.
I
would like the assistance of a more experienced Forestkeeper who lives
near me. Is this available?
We just launched
the new Forest Mentor & Apprentice Program. If you would like
to have a mentor, please contact us.
How
do I get additional technical information about trees and forests?
The Forestry
page of the Missouri Department of Conservation's website,
www.mdc.mo.gov,
is an excellent resource for technical information and includes
additional frequently asked questions.
I
misplaced some of the materials from my Forestkeepers kit. How can
I obtain new ones?
You can download
additional tree observation forms and Field Manuals from our website.
You can also request additional materials, including an entirely
new kit, by calling or e-mailing us.
May
I have a Forestkeepers representative speak at an event I am hosting?
Forest ReLeaf
of Missouri, the administrator of the program, has a small staff
based in St. Louis and is usually unable to accommodate the many
requests for speakers. However, if you would like to extend an invitation,
we may be able to find a Conservation Department staff member available
in your area. Please contact us.
Will
there be a workshop or annual conference in my part of the state anytime
soon?
We make every
effort to reach out to members through our workshops and annual
conferences. These events are most often scheduled in locations
that have the highest concentration of members, ensuring that there
will be enough interest to hold a successful event.
I
have additional questions. Who can I contact?
Please call,
write, or e-mail:
The Missouri
Forestkeepers Network
c/o Forest ReLeaf of Missouri
4207 Lindell Boulevard, Suite 301
St. Louis, MO 63108
314/533-5323
1-888-9-FOREST (936-7378) toll-free
information@forestkeepers.org
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