In partnership with Rain Shadow Consulting, the San Juan County Economic Development Council will offer a free six-week training in tree work and arboriculture, beginning Dec. 5. This course is sponsored by Walt Corbin and the Kiwanis Club of Orcas Island.

The course will be taught at the Rain Shadow Consulting office by Carson Sprenger, who has over 20 years of experience working in the forests of the San Juan Islands. This program is intended to benefit participating students as well as local companies in need of skilled employees.

The hands-on curriculum has been designed for students and career changers interested in working in the tree care or tree service and landscaping trades. The class will have at least two guest speakers from local tree care companies and will end with a Saturday field day for some hands-on learning and equipment demonstrations. No tree felling or chainsaw use will be part of this class. The course will prepare students for an entry-level arborist position and is not intended for D.I.Y. home repairs. This six-week course will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Dec. 5 – Jan. 23 with one on-site day on Saturday, Feb. 1. There is no cost for the training; pre-registration and a $10 filing fee is required. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Nov. 21.

To apply, visit the EDC’s website atwww.sanjuansedc.org/trades. For more information call 360-378-2906 or email glenn@sanjuansedc.org.