Eco-Steward Classes and Trainings
Click here for more info and to register
Eco-Steward classes provide in-depth training on forest health and ecology, trees, native and invasive species, birds, wildlife, and how to restore our native ecosystems — from parks to backyards.
Volunteer sessions help neighbors and municipalities achieve high value, low cost greenspace restoration without damage to native ecosystems.
Eco-Steward Walks and Trainings
provide inspiring educational experiences in Atlanta’s unique urban forest. Topics include: how to identify and understand the role of our trees, rare plants, birds, wildlife, and how to safely remove invasive species from our ecosystems. We include an intro to edible and medicinal plants, forest intelligence and how to select trees and plants for planting in different locations, and how urban forests improve human health and the green infrastructure of our cities. Participants become greenspace experts and are trained to lead other volunteers and work with greenspace managers in regional parks and greenspaces.
For more info or to join our current or upcoming Eco-Steward programs, see these links:
Eco-Stewards, Brookhaven – join current classes / new classes begin Oct/Nov, 2025
Eco-Stewards, Sandy Springs – join current classes / new classes begin Feb/March, 2026
Eco-Stewards, Sweetwater Creek State Park – new classes begin Sept 13, 2025
Greenspace Restoration Corps – new classes begin Feb/March 2026
Eco-Steward Program Structure:
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Our basic Stewardship Program offers 12 sessions per year in each greenspace. We can also adjust for more, or fewer, sessions as desired by each neighborhood group.
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Each walk/volunteer event focuses on a different nature theme. Class topics include basic urban forest dynamics, how to ID trees and indicator species, invasive and native species, birds, wildlife and wildlife signs, intro to edible and medicinal plants, planning for invasive species removal, basic geology, forest intelligence, forests and human health, tree health and fall risk, and other themes. We often invite guest experts to co-host classes with us. Species ID and removal training will be re-visited in most sessions, to ensure each participant will feel confident in their knowledge and in leading other volunteers.
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Sessions are 2.5 hours each.
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All learning takes place outdoors.
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All participants are given free access to our on-line Eco-Literacy class on metro-Atlanta urban forests, which includes detailed species ID and profiles for over 30 key native and invasive species everyone should know.
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Stewardship classes are designed for adults, families and interested young people ages 10 and up.
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Participants may choose to attain different levels of naturalist/stewardship certification.
