Tree Trooper Program

Clean Water Grows On Trees

Tree Troopers are trained volunteers who are passionate about planting trees in their communities! Their dedication to the mission of RePlant Anne Arundel and RePlant Annapolis is a primary driver of increasing tree canopy throughout the area. The trees they plant will reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay for years to come, which is why we here at RePlant like to say “clean water grows on trees!”

Become a Tree Trooper

This Training is brought to you by The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and the watershed stewards academy

Training Overview:

All of our sessions are pre-recorded and available for viewing for program participants all-year round.

• Session 1: Benefits of Trees, Tree Biology, Right Tree Right Place + Tree Trooper Community Outreach Strategies

• Session 2: Tree Planting, Tree Maintenance

• Session 3: Tree Trooper Project Logistics

• Session 4: Additional Questions, Planning for the Fall

Information on in-person planting sessions will be provided when the course is completed.

Why are we planting trees?

From 2013 to 2017, Anne Arundel County lost over 2,500 acres of forests, the highest rate of forest loss in any urbanized county in Maryland. In response to this loss, WSA, in partnership with Anne Arundel County and with support from the Helena Foundation, created RePlant Anne Arundel. Since 2020, RePlant Anne Arundel has planted over 20,000 trees and engaged over 4,300 residents!

Since 2011, the City of Annapolis has lost over 100 acres of canopy cover. RePlant Annapolis is a city-funded tree planting program that brings trees to City residents! Since 2023, WSA has planted over 280 trees at residences, businesses, community centers, and congregations in the City of Annapolis! You can learn more about the City’s replanting goals here.

Who are the Tree Troopers?

Tree Troopers are the volunteer leaders of the RePlant program. With support from WSA, Tree Troopers lead grassroots community engagement efforts to ensure these low-cost greening resources are available to communities all across the County. Since 2020, WSA’s network of Tree Troopers has identified, planned, and coordinated the installation of over 10,000 trees!

Tree Troopers receive multiple hour-long webinar training videos, culminating in an in-person tree planting session that covers topics such as siting trees in a landscape, proper tree planting techniques, and more! This training is a customized version of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s Tree Stewards Training, specific to Anne Arundel County.

Interested in learning more about a recent Tree Trooper project? See WSA’s blog post about the Bay Ridge Civic Association’s amazing replanting efforts here.

Why do we need trees?

Beyond beautifying our landscapes, trees offer many benefits. Tree canopies reduce stormwater runoff by intercepting and holding rainfall, as well as provide shade to our sidewalks, yards, and other outdoor spaces. Tree roots hold soil in place, prevent it from washing into our waterways, and promote infiltration. Trees are also an integral part of our ecology, giving food and shelter to native animals such as birds.

How Do I Get Trees Planted In My Community?

RePlant Anne Arundel and RePlant Annapolis will plant thousands of native trees and shrubs in communities this year. From the physical or geographic area you call home, to your faith community, school, or even your local library, our communities take many forms.

To ensure trees are properly planted and maintained, communities will need at least one trained Tree Trooper. Take WSA’s free, online training to unlock all the resources you need to plan a low-cost tree planting in your community. This program is open year-round!

While most trees will be planted by community volunteers, some sites may require professional installation. WSA provides both volunteer-planted trees or contractor-planted trees. To learn more about what planning and implementing a Tree Trooper project looks like, please see our FAQs Webpage here.

What happens after i get certified?

After completing the course, you will be prepared to engage your community to coordinate tree planting! You will receive access to WSA’s Tree Trooper Resources webpage to start planning your project. You will identify planting sites in your community and help your friends, neighbors, and associations in choosing the right species for the right spot.

Once trained, you join WSA's family of tree-loving volunteers! You will be able to plan projects for years to come and you will hear about other upcoming volunteer events and tree distribution programs.