WRWC Celebrates First Arboleros Training Program Graduation
The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) recently celebrated the graduation of the first-ever Arboleros Training Program cohort, recognizing 15 community members who completed the bilingual urban forestry and tree stewardship course.
The graduation event brought together participants, friends, families, WRWC staff, and community supporters for an evening of reflection, celebration, and community connection. The Arboleros Training Program was created to help Providence residents build environmental knowledge, strengthen neighborhood ties, and become active stewards of the urban forest.
Over the course of the 10-week paid program, participants explored urban forestry through both classroom learning and hands-on field experience. The bilingual (Spanish/English) training focused on tree identification, tree care, ecosystem health, and the important role trees play in reducing heat, managing stormwater, improving air quality, and creating healthier neighborhoods.
Participants also learned how urban tree planting differs from planting in forest environments, helping them better understand the unique challenges and opportunities of caring for trees in city spaces.
The program is part of the growing Nuestros Bosques movement, which works to expand access to urban forestry education while addressing long-standing environmental inequities in Providence communities.
The graduation ceremony began with a reflection portion where participants shared their experiences from the program and celebrated the relationships built throughout the course. Certificates were presented to all 15 graduates, alongside recognition of volunteers Chachy and Taliq, whose dedication reflected the spirit and mission of the program.
During the event, Program Coordinator Layla Farahbakhsh reflected on the experience of launching the first Arboleros cohort.
“Launching a first class was new for all of us. I appreciate the class’s enthusiasm to learn, adapt, and give us grace when we faced challenges,” said Farahbakhsh. “We are very excited to get more people involved in the urban forestry community, amend historical inequities, and provide a better future for generations who call this place home. We hope this model can be shared and replicated in other communities.”
Farahbakhsh also recognized the many people and organizations that helped make the program possible, including WRWC, the Hispanic Access Foundation, and the influence of programs like Nuevas Voces and Community Action.
Participants shared powerful reflections on how the program changed their relationship with nature, community, and the city around them.
“This class helped me connect and care for my community. It changed the way I see places that I pass by every day.”
“There is a culture that is built here that I haven’t come across often. I call it the ‘spirit to serve,’ and this class helps us understand how to serve trees, nature, and ecology better.”
“Hearing everyone’s unique ties to trees and plants from their native countries makes me want to engage more with nature and get others to learn too. Trees matter so much.”
“I moved to Providence about 10 months ago. I’m from Texas, and I had never been exposed to such an educational and enriching community like the one I became a part of in Arboleros. I know I’ll continue trying to learn about trees and ecosystems.”
As WRWC celebrates the success of its first graduating class, the organization hopes the Arboleros model can continue growing—building community leadership, expanding urban forestry knowledge, and creating healthier, greener neighborhoods across Providence.