Characteristics of a Successful Project
Characteristics of a Successful Project
Begin with a well defined goal with expert input and detailed planning.
- Create a positive environmental change
- Advanced Planning
- A comprehensive planning effort by a cross section of the community. Develop a short and long term master plan.
- Continuous Committed Leadership
- Person/s committed to completing the grant writing process. The leader is an excellent communicator, networks with the community, has good listening skills and delegates responsibly.
- Volunteer Commitment
- Volunteer commitment needs to long-term and includes maintaining the trees. Long term may include paid experts.
- Volunteer Involvement on Planting Day
- Refreshments are provided for volunteers.
- Volunteers are trained beforehand and assigned specific responsibilities.
- Adequate equipment is provided for volunteers.
- Prep work is done prior to planting (clean area of weeds, dig holes)
- Volunteers consider the planting stewardship.
- Community Building
- The community is informed via announcements or other advertising methods.
- Inter-agency Partnership
- Potential partners are provided a clear vision of the project which is clearly defined and supported by a dedicated group of volunteers.
- Appropriate Plant Selection
- Appropriate plants are selected for the planting area.
- Qualified experts are asked for information and guidance.
- Maintenance requirements are clearly defined.
- Considerations are given to what the plant will look like at maturity.
- Utility line clearance above and below ground is considered.
- Proper Horticultural Procedures on Planting Day
- A qualified arborist is present on planting day to supervise activities, and assists with plant selection at nursery.
- One trained supervisor oversees 5-10 volunteers.
- Adequate mulch is provided.
- Short Term Maintenance
- Well defined, technically correct plan
- Adequate mulch to provide moisture/weed control
- Pest control
- Involvement of technically qualified individual
- Adequate resources – tools, time and training materials
- Water – monitor and trouble shooting
- Long Term Maintenance – More Than One Year
- Adequate mulch, weed and pest control, pruning with arborist.
- Trees Alive or Flourishing After Two Years and Five Years
- Trees are structurally sound, healthy, with proper form and shape.