In the past few newsletters, we've highlighted the 250 youth and young adults who are working outside this summer improving parks and public spaces in your communities. But did you know Tree Trust employs an additional 124 youth and young adults working at paid internships in schools, nonprofits, and businesses this summer too? 

Tree Trust offers independent internships year round, but the bulk of our placements happen in the summer - when youth are most available for work! About one-third of these youth work independently under the supervision of host site supervisors on the job site. The other two-thirds are enrolled in our Enclave program for youth with special needs, and they work under the direction of a job coach. You can learn more about these internships on our website. If you are interested in signing up for a nine-week internship with Tree Trust this fall, please fill out this interest form. If you are interested in your business serving as a host site for one of our interns, please contact Shanna Slice, Youth and Young Adult Services Manager. 

We're still adding photos to our Facebook and Instagram pages to show off the awesome accomplishments of our summer participants. Whether they're working indoors or outside, our participants are building workplace skills that will help them take their next steps toward their unique education and employment goals!

Beginning July 10th, residents of Mound and Minnetrista were able to purchase trees for their property for just  $30 each. And purchase trees they did! The 90 trees designated for Minnetrista sold out in just one week! 

There are just a few trees left for residents of Mound. If you are a resident of Mound and are planning to order a tree, be sure to do it soon or you may find there aren't any trees left!  Trees can be purchased online or by mail . Trees will be available for pick-up in the fall. Learn more and purchase  here .

The Farmers Market: A Skill Building Workshop

Last week, six Tree Trust participants attended a skill-building workshop at the Maple Grove Farmer's Market.  Only one of the participants had ever been to a farmer's market before, so this workshop provided a lot of new experiences and learning opportunities!

Participants learned they could use EBT/SNAP at local farmer's markets, took a healthy food quiz, practiced comparing prices between the market and a standard grocery store, discussed the value of shopping locally, and shopped for healthy snacks among the 20 booths at the market. 

Tree Trust offers workshops like these to broaden participants' understanding of issues that are important to them, like financial literacy; emotional, physical, and mental health; and other self-sufficiency skills. It is also a great time for participants to socialize with others in the program and experience something new. 

When you donate to Tree Trust, you positively impact environmental health and the lives of thousands of people in your own community. It is through the essential support of our donors and volunteers that Tree Trust has been able to transform lives and landscapes for more than 40 years.