Shade Brigade/Tree Stewards

The city of Valparaiso encourages residents to get involved with its tree program by joining the Shade Brigade. Residents can attend tree-related lectures and workshops (including Tree Steward training), volunteer to help plant and mulch, or make a contribution to the Tree Fund. Shade Brigade offers many opportunities to learn and give back to our community forest!

For more information on Shade Brigade activities, contact Matt McBain at 462-4612 ext. 4022 or

Tree Stewards
Indiana DNR's Community and Urban Forestry division provides Tree Steward training for anyone who wants to learn more about trees and get involved with their community's tree program. This curriculum offers participants a primer in many tree topics including identification, soil types, tree biology, and proper pruning and planting techniques. Classes include "hands-on" training as well as lectures and are presented by certified arborists, foresters, Purdue Extension agents, district conservationists and other natural resource and landscape professionals.

For more information on Tree Stewards including upcoming sessions, please contact Carrie Tauscher/Indiana DNR at 1-317-234-4386 or