Launching the Tree Ambassador Program to Grow Community Tree Stewardship
Photo of participants in our July 2025 cohort of TAP at Canoe Run Park. Photo by Meghan McSweeney.
Southside ReLeaf launched its inaugural Tree Ambassador Program (TAP) in 2025 to equip Southside Richmond residents with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to support local tree planting, care, and stewardship efforts. Through free volunteer trainings led by urban forestry professionals and community partners, participants learned about tree biology, planting best practices, maintenance techniques, and the role trees play in climate resilience and environmental justice. The program was designed to build long-term community capacity to sustain and expand Southside Richmond’s urban forest.
Across the program’s first two cohorts, participants engaged in both classroom instruction and field-based learning experiences at green spaces, including Canoe Run Park and Fonticello Food Forest. Following their training, Tree Ambassadors were mobilized to support tree health assessments, maintenance activities, and greening projects throughout Southside Richmond, including work at Ernest Road Park, Hickory Hill, Davee Gardens, Swansboro Playground, Blackwell Community Garden, and Boushall Middle School. In December 2025, Southside ReLeaf honored the first graduating class of Tree Ambassadors during its Rooted in Thanks volunteer appreciation event, recognizing volunteers who completed all program requirements and contributed to ongoing stewardship efforts across the community.
Impact
Trained two inaugural cohorts of Southside Richmond Tree Ambassadors in 2025.
Graduated 16 volunteer ambassadors who completed classroom instruction, field training, and planting participation requirements.
Provided hands-on instruction from urban forestry professionals and environmental partners.
Mobilized ambassadors to support tree health assessments, maintenance, and greening initiatives across South Richmond.
Expanded community capacity for long-term tree stewardship and urban forest care.
Connected residents with environmental leadership opportunities and hands-on climate resilience work.
Strengthened volunteer infrastructure to support future large-scale tree planting and restoration initiatives in Southside Richmond.
Photo of participants in our August 2025 cohort of TAP at Fonticello Food Forest.
TAP trainees tend to a young tree at Fonticello Food Forest during the hands-on portion of training.