The training should consist of a classroom portion to present the PowerPoint presentations, followed by a field exercise to demonstrate the concepts learned in the presentations. Treat the field exercise as a test. Take the participants to previously identified sites to record all data. Make sure that you have a variety of conditions that gauge their knowledge of tree species and data collection abilities. When the field exercise is finished, hotsync the PDA's and review the data collected for accuracy. Inconsistencies and mistakes should be dealt with before beginning the inventory.

Conducting the Inventory

To conduct the inventory send out participants in pairs. One person to ascertain the location and assess the tree size and condition, the other to record the information into the PDA.

Each team should have a detailed map of the municipality with clearly defined rights-of-way. The municipal right-of-way is necessary to distinguish between trees that are "out of bounds". Some communities use the sidewalk as the boundary but this may not apply in all circumstances.

A diameter tape (for measuring tree diameter) and a 50' tape measure should also be carried by each crew. Give each crew specific instructions on which streets to inventory. Duplicate records could be dealt with in the finished inventory but may complicate the data. Have crews scratch-off streets on their map after they've finished.

It may be useful to have data recorders review their entries once in awhile. Suggest at the end of each street.

Finally, announce the project to the community through a press release. This will notify home owners that people will be in their front yard and may prevent many time consuming questions. Outfitting volunteers with orange safety vests also gives the crew an official look and increases the visibility of volunteers standing in streets looking at trees.

Crew tools (items to be carried by each two person crew, one of each)

• PDA (handheld computer)
• Diameter tape (converts circumference to diameter)
• 50' tape measure
• Compass
• Clipboard
• Tree identification guide
• Map of municipality with right-of-way indicated for each street
• Marker to "scratch-off" completed streets
• Notepad and pen for comments or residents questions
• Orange safety vest for each crew member

For documents to help gain support for this project from public officials and for tools to train volunteers go to PR Documents and Training Downloads.