What We Do
Urban Forestry Pathways
Fostering Careers While Growing Baltimore’s Urban Forest
Baltimore Tree Trust’s Urban Forestry Pathways Program changes lives through meaningful work that improves our city’s environmental health.Â
Our Neighborhood Foresters carry out the Urban Canopy Project, working to increase Baltimore’s tree coverage while building sustainable careers in urban forestry. Our job training programs offer career pathways with paid training, professional development, and long-term growth options for Baltimore City residents.
Program Opportunities
Neighborhood Forestry Program
Every participant starts as a Neighborhood Forestry Technician (NFT), earning $18 per hour ($18.50 with a driver’s license). This core pathway supports Baltimore’s Urban Canopy Project, where our NFTs work directly in communities to increase tree coverage across the city and are exposed to essential urban forestry skills.
Through safety training and hands-on experience in tree planting and maintenance, NFTs learn to operate power tools and heavy equipment safely while working alongside experienced crew members who offer mentorship and guidance. As participants advance, options open to move up to Neighborhood Forester II ($19/hour) and III ($21/hour), taking on more responsibility and specialized roles.
The program emphasizes more than just technical skills. BTT provides professional development funding and workshops, builds workplace readiness skills, and supports personal goals like obtaining a driver’s license or earning additional certifications. After completing foundational training, NFTs can continue growing within our organization or explore external opportunities in urban forestry.
Wood Reuse Corps
The Wood Reuse Corps offers our most specialized training, starting with a five-month program created in partnership with Baltimore City Department of Public Works’ Zero Waste Initiative. Based at Camp Small, this pathway builds on the urban forestry experience by teaching Neighborhood Forestry Technicians (NFTs) how to give new life to felled wood.
NFTs learn woodworking skills, processing city trees into products. The program teaches traditional craftsmanship and provides hands-on experience in a high-demand field. This pathway appeals to those interested in environmental care and skilled work, offering career opportunities in woodworking. The Wood Reuse Corps supports Baltimore Tree Trust’s mission by creating green jobs and promoting sustainability.
Chesapeake Climate and Conservation Corps
For those ready to deepen their environmental impact, the Chesapeake Climate and Conservation Corps offers a specialized placement through our partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust. This pathway allows emerging professionals to broaden their skills while contributing to regional conservation efforts.
This pathway is ideal for those interested in advancing their environmental careers, building professional networks within conservation, and creating portfolio pieces to show future employers or schools. At the conclusion of the program, CCCC members showcase the knowledge and skills gained during their time with Baltimore Tree Trust through a capstone program.
Learn more about the program and submit your application for 2026.
Invest in Green Careers for Baltimore
The Baltimore Tree Trust’s career pathways program creates green career pathways for Baltimore City residents, training the next generation in tree care, urban forest management, and sustainable green infrastructure jobs. Your donation invests in both our people and our urban forest, building a more equitable, resilient Baltimore from the roots up.