Deadline to register is September 3, 2026.
Meeting Dates
Classes will meet Thursdays, September 10 through October 22, 6:00-8:30 pm, with an optional additional demonstration on Saturday, October 17, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. All classes will take place on the APSU campus. Free parking will be available nearby. A registration fee of $150 covers all materials, includes a Tennessee Urban Forestry Council membership, and is due at the first class meeting.
Who Should Apply for the Course?
If you want to volunteer with Replant Clarksville, the City of Clarksville, Montgomery County, the APSU Arboretum, or other organizations to care for trees, this course will equip you to plant and maintain trees, evaluate tree health, do early pruning of young trees, select the right tree for a site, combat invasive species, and lead volunteer teams. This is a course for those who want to work hands-on with trees to improve our community.
The Tennessee Tree Stewards Program equips volunteers to become effective caretakers and advocates of their local urban forests.
Statewide Program
Replant Clarksville is the sponsoring organization coordinating this chapter, with support from the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC) and the Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF). Together, we’re working to provide high-quality training, meaningful hands-on projects, and a network of peers dedicated to making Montgomery County’s trees and communities stronger.
Instruction for this course is generously provided by volunteers, many of whom are ISA Certified Arborists, urban forestry professionals, and environmental educators. Each of them brings expertise and passion for urban forestry and arboriculture.
By completing the course and volunteer service requirement, you’ll earn the TN Tree Stewards credential, receive a membership in the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council, and join the growing statewide network of Tree Stewards.
Certification
To become a Certified Tennessee Tree Steward participants must:
- attend at least 70% of class hours and miss no more than two of the ten educational units
- complete at least 20 hours of approved volunteer service within 12 months of completing the course
- qualifying volunteer hours include:
- Assisting with community tree plantings
- Supporting tree care/maintenance events
- Participating in outreach or education programs
- document and report volunteer hours to the Replant Clarksville’s program coordinator
What You will Learn
- Understand tree anatomy, physiology and species identification.
- Recognize environmental factors, pests, diseases, and invasive species affecting trees.
- Gain confidence to lead or assist in community tree planting, care, and pruning.
- Be equipped and empowered to support local outreach and advocacy efforts.
- Join a network of volunteers dedicated to strengthening Tennessee’s urban and community forests.
- Be eligible to earn the TN Tree Stewards credential, pending fulfillment of volunteer hours
Participation
Be ready to learn and share to help make sessions interactive. Some classes will include outdoor activities. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Bring a notebook and pencil and a water bottle.
Your Instructors
- Wes Powell, APSU Director of Landscaping and Grounds, and Director of APSU Arboretum
- Karla Gargus, Montgomery County Extension Agent, ISA Certified Arborist
- Kathrine Killebrew, ISA Certified Arborist
- Michelle Rogers, APSU Center of Excellence for Field Biology
- Kathy Lee, Montgomery County Master Gardener
Application and Payment – $150
Complete the online application form. Registration is open August 19-September 3, 2026. You will be contacted on or before September 5 to let you know if your application to the class has been accepted. Class size will be limited to 20 students. Payment of $150 is required at the time of the first class. Your payment includes all course materials and a one-year membership to Tennessee Urban Forestry Council.
Contact: For questions, please email Michelle Rogers at rogersm@apsu.edu