Tree Commission Academy

The Ohio Division of Forestry has created Tree Commission Academy (TCA) to provide formal training for the volunteer positions in Tree Commissions throughout Ohio’s communities. TCA is a training/educational delivery method based on a series of 4 educational classes or "grade levels" that will help Tree Commission volunteers understand the basics of urban forestry and their role in the public management of the resources. *

Community trees and the urban forest they comprise are valuable assets for every Ohioan. Healthy urban forests improve the livability of our cities, villages, and townships by cleaning air and water, conserving energy, enhancing property values, making our neighborhoods safer, abating noise, attracting business and customers, and enriching aesthetics.

Regardless of a community’s size or capacity, Tree Commissions are vital in supporting the public employees who care for and expand their urban tree canopy. These citizen-based groups are the enthusiastic cheerleaders, advisors, and sounding boards that keep their professional staff energized and connected to its public.

Urban forests must be properly managed by dedicated and knowledgeable staff members so that communities can enjoy and sustain the benefits of trees. TCA’s objective is to produce comfortable, confident, and knowledgeable "graduates" capable of helping their community effectively meet its urban forestry mission.

In the tradition of bringing Urban Forestry Assistance to Ohio communities, TCA is designed to travel. Watch for TCA near your community, visit our website often for updates, and contact your Regional Urban Forester for upcoming TCA dates.

*While designed for volunteer tree commissioners, professional foresters and public staff have found TCA extremely valuable.