Tree Trust provides work experience for youth and young adults looking for careers in landscaping and tree care (Courtesy of Tree Trust)

For 50 years, the nonprofit has been simultaneously growing urban tree canopies and youth employment, part of a holistic approach to community building

By Erik Suchy

Since 1976, St. Paul-based nonprofit Tree Trust has focused on two important issues: a shortage of urban tree canopies and a lack of work opportunities for young people. 

Fifty years later, the organization continues to pursue both challenges together, growing a greener Twin Cities while building brighter futures for the next generation.

Greener, healthier, more resilient

True to its motto “transforming lives and landscapes,” Tree Trust continues to help young people through paid, hands-on training across various programs, enabling them to build careers in landscaping and tree care. Over the years, volunteers, staff and paid trainees have mentored 57,000 people and planted more than 523,000 trees throughout the Twin Cities, building what Communications/Development Director Anne-Marie Hendrickson calls “greener, healthier and more resilient communities.”

“In practical terms, ‘transforming lives and landscapes’ means creating meaningful change for both people and places through distinct but connected efforts,” said Hendrickson. “Day-to-day, transformation looks like people discovering what they are capable of while leaving behind tangible improvements that communities can use and enjoy for years.”

Tree Trust offers three different programs for those seeking experience in tree planting and landscape services. Summer Youth Employment for ages 14 to 21 provides hands-on experience working on projects in local parks and green spaces.

Those ages 16 to 24 can gain leadership experience through YouthBuild, which combines tree care and construction training with leadership and educational development over a two-year period. The Branches program for those ages 18 to 28 prepares young adults for employment in the environmental industry through training, paid work experience and job placement.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s why having multiple pathways matters,” said Career Pathways Director Tanika Reese. “Each program offers a different entry point, but all are designed to help young people move toward employment, education and long-term economic stability.”

Taking root in Roseville

Beyond its youth-oriented mentorship, Tree Trust also holds a long-standing partnership with the city of Roseville. Since 2023, the two have worked together to remove more than 1,000 infected ash trees across the city, replacing them with healthier, more diverse foliage.

Through this partnership, Roseville maintains what it calls a “master plan” that determines which species to plant to prevent any one type from crowding out another. Roseville typically contacts eligible homeowners directly, who can then decline to have a replacement tree planted.

But it isn’t just the trees being infected that pose a problem for Roseville homeowners; often, they’re also losing trees that shade their yards and provide privacy. To address this issue, the partnership with Tree Trust recently expanded to offer an annual low-cost tree distribution. Residents can select a discounted tree, pick it up locally and learn how to plant and care for it. 

Sales are typically held in Roseville each spring, with dates and times available on the Tree Trust website.

At Roseville Area High School, students are also gaining firsthand woodworking experience using ash logs provided by Tree Trust as part of a pilot program. The organization also recently launched a new Upcycled Mulch initiative through which wood waste generated by projects is ground into mulch and packaged for use at community tree plantings and distributions. The mulch not only helps retain moisture but also protects roots and improves growing conditions for newly planted trees.

A golden anniversary

Tree Trust has consistently adapted while staying true to the idea that people and the environment thrive together.

Tree Trust will host a special 50th-anniversary event dubbed “Tree Trust at 50” on Saturday, Sept. 12. The event will bring together partners, community members and supporters to honor its legacy and discuss the future. Guests also will have the opportunity to learn about the organization’s history and programs through various activities.

“Tree Trust has consistently adapted while staying true to the idea that people and the environment thrive together,” said Hendrickson. “As we look ahead, that same spirit of partnership, resilience and innovation is guiding us toward future-ready green careers and stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.”

Tree Trust at 50 will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at 3500 Kennebec Drive in Eagan. Those interested in attending can register online. To learn more about Tree Trust, including its history and programs, visit their website.