Collaboration leads to free tree and trail care workshops

Does your green thumb need a little practice? If so, you’re in luck because this spring Alternatives is teaming up with the Worcester Tree Initiative and the Massachusetts Audubon Society to offer free and inclusive, tree and trail care workshops. Called the Green Jobs Academy, this series of six workshops will take place March 22, 29 and April 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 10 AM – 2PM at Broad Meadow Brook, 414 Massasoit Road in Worcester, MA.

Workshops are hands-on and will cover topics including tree and shrub pruning, proper use of tools, trail maintenance, and environmental awareness. Adults of all ages and abilities are invited to attend, and as topics are non-sequential, participants can enjoy one class or all six. After the workshops are complete, everyone involved will be invited back to Broad Meadow Brook to take part in some additional hands-on learning, widening overgrown trails, building footbridges and replacing split-rail fencing.

“Not only are these classes a great opportunity for people to build or refresh skills, they also offer a chance for people of all abilities to come together to help beautify one of Worcester’s favorite places, Broad Meadow Brook,” says Penny Wood, an Employment and Community Connector with Alternatives.

Alternatives is one of Central Massachusetts leading providers of services to people with psychiatric or developmental disabilities with a network of over 60 different employment, residential, and day services. Alternatives began working with the Worcester Tree Initiative last spring to help prepare individuals served by the organization for jobs in landscaping and tree care.

“We’re so excited to now expand our trainings and offer them to the whole community,” says Ruth Seward, Director of the Worcester Tree Initiative. “This partnership with Alternatives and the Broad Meadow Brook Audubon Society is a natural fit.”

While the workshops are free, registration is required. To learn more about the Green Jobs Academy, or to sign up for a workshop, contact Penny Wood at (508) 799-9432 or Penelope.Wood@AlternativesNet.org. To learn more about Alternatives, visit AlterantiveNet.org and explore the videos.

Alternatives
March 2017