This workshop is full.

This workshop will use Headwaters Sanctuary and Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word campus trees to train participants in the proper methods to measure Big Trees, and how to nominate a Big Tree for the Texas Big Tree Registry. How big are the giant oaks at Headwaters?  How big is your favorite tree?  Two Texas Mountain Laurel trees in Bexar County are listed as state co-champions, but Bexar County is mostly absent from the Big Tree Registry. You can help change that!

If you already love trees, measuring big trees can be fun, because you have to get “up close and personal” with the tree and the land on which it grows. Compared to younger, smaller trees, big trees provide greater ecosystem services such as carbon storage, and water and air filtration. Fortunately, mature trees abound across the Headwaters Sanctuary and the adjacent properties, where they also provide shade and help restore our connection to the Earth. 

The Texas Forest Service keeps the Texas Big Tree Registry that lists over 900 trees across the state, (http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/texasbigtreeregistry). We expect more trees in San Antonio could qualify for the Big Tree Registry, but somebody has to measure the tree and nominate it to the Big Tree Registry.  The intent of this training is to form teams who can measure San Antonio’s Big Trees and nominate them for the Registry.

The instructors will be two Texas Forest Service (TFS) professionals who have measured champion trees around the state. Gretchen Riley, certified arborist, is Partnership Coordinator for the TFS and administers the Big Tree Registry, and Mark Kroeze, certified Forester, is the TFS Community Forester based in San Antonio.

You must be able to physically move safely around the base of a tree and walk on inclines.  All tools will be provided  The workshop is limited to 16. Info: 210-828-2224 x280.

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