VolunteerMatch

The goals of the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative™ (officially recognized by the U.S. EPA) are to elevate young people into leadership roles by engaging them in environmental stewardship projects, empower youth to rebuild the environmental and social well-being of our communities, and improve local living conditions for both citizens and wildlife. Trees help stop global warming by reducing greenhouse gases, help prevent soil erosion and water pollution, provide habitat for wildlife (including songbirds), produce oxygen, and are good for people and the community. We need your help to Plant Native Trees!

Here's how to become an official Apprentice Ecologist:

1. Plan a native tree planting project* (with help from your family, friends, teachers, or public officials) in your yard, neighborhood, school, park, or other natural area.
   
2. Get permission from any landowners and obtain your native trees**.
3. Plant native trees and take a few high-resolution digital photos*** of your environmental project in action.
4. Register and upload your essay and best project photo to the Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists.

After completing steps 1-3, we will publish your essay in the Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists and provide links to download/print an official Certificate of Achievement and Apprentice Ecologist heat transfer (for T-shirt). A large NWP canvas tote bag (made in the USA with 100% certified organic cotton) will be awarded to the authors of the 10 best essays on an annual basis. A $500 scholarship will be awarded annually to the author of the top Apprentice Ecologist essay.

*Groups and at-risk youth are highly encouraged to participate!
**Do library/internet research to learn what trees are both native to and grow well in your area. Contact your local nursery to verify your selections, obtain native trees, and get planting and maintenance advice for your project. Tip: You can also raise your tree from seeds of a local native tree.
***If you do not have or cannot borrow a digital camera, simply upload any image from your computer and we'll replace it with our logo.

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