Tree Trooper Training starts September 7 as the educational arm of ReLeaf New Orleans. Neighborhood-based volunteers will learn to properly care for mature and newly planted trees throughout New Orleans and Jefferson Parish. The 12 hour training is FREE and open to the public. Space is limited, so call today to register. Under the guidance of Louisiana Urban Forester Tom Campbell, it is the first time that Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful and Parkway Partners are joining forces to support the urban forest. According to Carey Hammett, recipient of the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Education Award, “It is exciting to offer Tree Troopers to the entire Metropolitan area in a collaborative effort.”

Karen Blackburn from the LSU Ag Center Extension will speak about fall gardens at 11:00 a.m. The sale takes place at Parkway Partners, 1137 Baronne St. corner of Clio St. from 9 a.m. until noon. We will have cool weather herbs, vegetables and flowers for your Fall garden and other special items from our greenhouse.

Save the date! "Feast with the Stars" will take place the first Sunday in November. Our annual jazz brunch includes New Orleans style music, scrumptous cuisine from local hotels and restaurants and a huge silent auction. "New" this year is a WEB ONLY auction which will include unique, high end items. Tickets will go on sale next month.

Prepare your property for high winds by eliminating downed branches that can become projectiles. These and other hints by the Louisiana Urban Forestry Council may be found in -- Prepare Trees For Hurricane Season. For an extensive list of links on your trees and storm recovery, visit the Louisiana Urban Forestry web site and click on “Hurricane Recovery Information.”