Tree rescue event set for March 10

Community members are invited to gather in Sleepy Hollow Park on Sunday, March 10, 12-2 p.m., to learn how to rescue trees being strangled by invasive vines.

Sleepy Hollow Park is located on Sleepy Hollow Road across from the Congressional School. Parking is available on side streets. The event is organized by Sam Butler, the founder of Friends of Tripps Run, the stream that runs through the park.

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Participants will learn how to save trees in their yards and take the first steps toward doing this restorative work in local parks. All are welcome; you don’t need experience.

Wear long sleeves, long plants, and sturdy shoes. Bring gloves and garden tools, such as loppers and hand clippers, if you have them. If not, there will be extra tools and gloves at the park.

An RSVP is helpful; reply to [email protected].

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There will also be information at the event on how to become a certified tree rescuer. Most of that process can be completed online. The first step is signing up as a tree rescuer on the Fairfax County volunteer page.

The next steps involve completing training modules, watching a video on the identification of invasive vines, reviewing the information on tree rescuing from Plant NOVA Trees, and passing quizzes on vines, and rules and safety. Finally, to be certified, tree rescuers must schedule a site visit with a trained expert from Fairfax County’s Invasive Management Area Program.