The Missouri Forestkeepers Network was launched in 1996 to develop a group of dedicated and informed volunteers working to protect, sustain and enhance Missouri’s forest resources through monitoring, advocacy, and education.

The free program helps forest landowners, educators, students, parks and recreation professionals, scout troops and other interested individuals monitor forest health and learn more about this critically important resource.

The Missouri Forestkeepers Network is coordinated by Forest ReLeaf of Missouri and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Today, there are more than 1,800 members enrolled in the statewide network, representing both urban and rural areas, as well as public and private lands. Forestkeepers observe and report on the condition of forested areas, along with trees in lawns, parks, and along city streets.

• You will receive valuable information about Missouri’s trees and learn about forest health
   
• You will be part of a statewide group and national effort that monitors forest health
   
• You will be one of the first to receive forest health reports and pest alerts
   
• You will be invited to attend special Forestkeeper activities, including workshops and networking events.
   
• You will receive a member kit, which includes a field guide, member certificate, window cling, pencil, and membership pin
   
• You will receive your choice of great Forestkeepers “gifts” as our way of saying “thank you” when you report on your activities
   
• You will take pride in knowing that future generations will have healthier forests because you volunteered your time as a Forestkeeper

• Forest Landowners
   
• Homeowners and Neighborhood Associations
   
• Families
   
• Parks and Recreation Staff Members
   
• Students
   
• Teachers
   
• Environmental Professionals
   
• Community Volunteers
   

• Public resources to monitor the condition of trees and forest areas are limited
   
• 85% of Missouri’s forest land is privately owned and little is known about the health of the trees in these forests
   
• Help is needed to spot trends that may affect forest health
   

• Choose the site you want to study
   
• Decide how much time you want to spend monitoring the health of the trees on the site – one afternoon a year, a day or several days
   
• Use the field manual and reference materials in your free kit, sent to you after enrollment
   
• Report back at least once a year, either in the spring or the fall, with the easy-to-use annual Forestkeepers Reporting Kit
   
• Participate in optional activities, such as attending workshops and classes, tree planting and care, and encouraging others to join the network
   

Your report will be summarized yearly by region, forest type, species or noted damage.
Forestkeepers and other resource agencies use the combined information to spot trends that may affect forest health.

It’s easy! Membership is free to any interested citizen, family or organization. You can adopt any site you want. It could have one tree on it or many trees. You choose. Simply complete the application form by clicking on this button:

Educators!  Please click the button below to enroll your classroom or group:

Or contact:

The Missouri Forestkeepers Network
c/o Forest ReLeaf of Missouri
4207 Lindell Boulevard, Suite 301
St. Louis, MO 63108
1-888-9-FOREST toll-free
(1-888-936-7378)
information@forestkeepers.org

Once you sign up, it’s easy. You decide what you can do to improve “your piece” of Missouri’s forest. We’ll help you with ideas, support, materials and training.