A handful of teens in Boulder County are spending their summer learning the ropes of tree care through the innovative Community Forestry Corps program. Youth Embrace Tree Care This year, the pilot teen project, organized by the PLAY Boulder Foundation in collaboration with Cool Boulder, Boulder County, and various organizations, aims to educate teens about city tree maintenance and the significance of urban forests.“I’m very grateful for these young participants joining our program,” said Daniel Hanson, CFC program manager. “We need individuals to look after these trees and guarantee their longevity for years to come.”During the nine-week program, the two crews, each with five teens, work around 28 hours a week at $16 per hour. The crew leads, older teens overseeing the teams, put in closer to 40 hours a week with a starting rate of $20 per hour. Teens Engage in Tree CareThe two teen groups have been busy watering, mulching, and weeding trees across the county in their initial three weeks. They have also engaged in various environmental education activities, from exploring sustainable finance to bird watching. The teens also gather heat data using sensors and monitoring tools to help determine areas for additional tree planting to combat urban heat at the end of the summer.“Understanding the impact of heat on our communities is crucial in addressing it effectively,” Hanson stated.Heather Bearnes-Loza from the city’s Nature-Based Climate Solutions Team expressed her hopes for the teen group to mirror Boulder’s Junior Ranger Program, providing opportunities for young people to get involved in natural spaces they might not have accessed before.“It’s easy to feel disheartened about the climate crisis,” stated Bearnes-Loza. “Seeing opportunities for impactful climate change work is uplifting.” Tree Planting and Data CollectionThe teens recently conducted heat mapping and tree watering activities at Aurora 7 Park in Boulder. Michelle Ferguson, a forester with the City of Boulder, encouraged the participants to continue their forestry work in the future, whether as a profession or a hobby.“Even small actions can greatly impact tree survivability,” Ferguson noted.Josue Hernandez, a crew lead and returning participant, highlighted the enjoyable and educational aspects of the program, following his experiences with the Parks and Rec department last summer. Josue’s brother, Rafael Hernandez, also joined the corps this year, gaining knowledge about various tree species and enhancing his outdoor observation skills.“I’ve learned to identify different trees, which has been fascinating,” shared Rafael Hernandez.Lennon Anson, a future Boulder High freshman, stressed the importance of taking action against climate change, expressing his newfound knowledge and enthusiasm for tree care. A Bright Future for Urban ForestsOverall, the Community Forestry Corps initiative offers teens a valuable hands-on experience in tree care and environmental stewardship, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future for Boulder’s urban forests.