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Educational Programs

TreeKeepers

This free, six-week course educates citizens about trees, their benefits and care, and provides practical, hands-on learning.

The course includes presentations from local professionals and hands-on training to cover the basics of identifying, planting, and maintaining trees.

Who should attend?  Community members, green career professionals, Forestry/Horticulture students, and anyone in the St. Louis region who is interested in learning about trees and improving our urban tree canopy.

Classes for 2026 meet Wednesday nights, February 25- April 1, from 6-8pm at the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site. Visit our events page for more details. 

Register Here!

Previous participants may log their hours here

Tree Camp

Students will learn basic tree biology and identification as well as the relationship between trees and birds, pollinators, fungus, soil, and water through nature arts, crafts, games, and more. Snacks and lunch will be provided.

Campers will have learn about relationships between trees and living organisms, taking tree measurements, and learning how to take care of and identify trees. The cost for Tree Camp is $100. Thanks to our generous supporters, subsidized registrations are available for $50.

Registration for 2023 is now available

Please email info@moreleaf.org for more information or call 314-533-5323.

Other Educational Opportunities

Forest ReLeaf supports the Forest Keeper Network that engages Missourians in hands-on experiences and citizen science activities. Our staff also frequently teach tree related courses throughout the year at professional conferences, local events, and in partnership with allied industry partners like Great Rivers Greenway,  St. Louis Community College and Missouri Botanical Garden. Training opportunities open to the public will be listed on the EVENTS page.

 

Every volunteer experience includes educational components that connect people with the benefits of trees and boost confident in proper tree stewardship.

 

Classes and schedule vary each year and season and are announced via email when scheduled.

Resources for Teachers

Forest ReLeaf of Missouri’s program, The Missouri Forestkeepers Network, provides free lesson plans for teachers wishing to incorporate tree education in their curriculum. The program provides straightforward opportunities for students at all grade levels to become involved in data collection, identifying Missouri trees, data analysis, and report writing.

Course subjects include:

Forestkeepers
Lesson Plan 1
Leaf Identification

Tree Chronicles 1- American Chestnut

Tree Chronicles 5- Pawpaw

Forestkeepers
Lesson Plan 2
Measuring Trees

Tree Chronicles 2- Maple

Tree Chronicles 6-Persimmons

Forestkeepers
Lesson Plan 3
Recycled and Natural Art

Tree Chronicles 3-Catapla

Tree Chronicles 7-Trees as a Renewable Resource

Forestkeepers
Lesson Plan 4
Leaf Frames

Tree Chronicles 4- Dogwood

Tree Chronicles 8-Best of Bark

De'Nonna Jones

De’Nonna Jones graduated from Knox College in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, driven by a commitment to environmental justice and community-based conservation. Since then, she has gained hands-on experience working across a range of green spaces throughout the St. Louis region, focusing on the care, restoration, and accessibility of urban natural areas. She began her journey at Tower Grove Park, where she developed a deep appreciation for public green spaces as vital community resources, before moving into a stewardship role with the Missouri Botanical Garden in partnership with Great Rivers Greenway. She now serves as the Stewardship Crew Coordinator at Forest ReLeaf. De’Nonna is passionate about creating inclusive pathways into environmental work and empowering tree lovers and emerging conservationists to see themselves as stewards of their communities. Through her work, she strives to strengthen connections between people, trees, and places in urban environments.

Jess Underwood
Finance & Operations Director

After 17 years in the non-profit and public sector, Jess remains committed to mission-driven work that tackles the challenges facing our communities. Their career began with a year of service as an Americorps St. Louis Emergency Response team member, responding to natural disasters and performing conservation projects. That foundation of service led to roles supporting the arts, affordable housing, mental health, and grassroots housing advocacy in St. Louis. During this journey Jess has worked to center the value “nothing about us, without us.” They do their best to ensure that the voices of people who have been marginalized guide the strategy and execution of work that honors their lived experiences. When they aren’t working, Jess is out paddling, hiking, working in their garden, or building something.