Tree Trust Transformation Story

At Tree Trust, planting trees is only part of the story. Through our Career Pathways programs, we also equip the next generation of green industry and skilled trades professionals with hands-on experience and essential job skills, from tool use to team leadership. For Jon Matel, a former Crew Leader with the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), the experience proved just as transformative for him as it was for the youth he guided. His journey highlights how Tree Trust fosters personal and professional growth, on and off the worksite.

More Than a Job

“Tree Trust gave me my first real chance to lead,” Jon reflects. “I knew I wanted to work outdoors, and I felt drawn to working with youth. But what really pulled me in was the mission. Helping young people build skills while doing something positive for the environment? That combination felt powerful.”

Jon’s journey with Tree Trust began at age twenty-two, when he stepped into the pivotal role of SYEP Crew Leader, a position that would shape both his career and character. Leading a crew of eight youth, Jon was responsible for completing high-quality projects while mentoring the next generation of workers. But the impact went both ways. Looking back, Jon sees Tree Trust as much more than a job training program. “Yeah, it’s obviously for youth getting into the workforce,” he says, “but the Crew Leader role is huge. It helps young adults grow into themselves, build leadership skills, and truly prepare for their futures. It’s a multifaceted program that supports growth at every level.”

What I Learned Leading a Crew

One leadership lesson left a lasting impression—one Jon still carries today in his career as a special education teacher. This transformative moment came from a mistake, though Jon doesn’t even remember exactly what it was. What stuck with him was how he handled it. “I didn’t own it,” he admits. “I tried to brush it off like it didn’t happen. And that just didn’t sit right.” That moment became a turning point. Jon realized that true leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest, taking responsibility, and leading by example. “The next time I messed up, I owned it. And the difference in how my crew responded was night and day. They respected it. It brought us closer.” This is a lesson he still carries with him and teaches to his current students.

Landscapes Revisited

Nearly 14 years after completing his time with Tree Trust, Jon returned to visit some projects he helped complete, this time with his family by his side. “We built a timber staircase at Lake Elmo. We also built a boardwalk bridge out there. That was a big Tree Trust project I really remember. And the rain garden at Square Lake—that is still there.” Walking through those trails again, Jon could see that the work he did as a younger person had truly lasted, not just in the landscape, but in his personal growth.

Jon’s story is just one example of how Tree Trust shapes young people’s futures, confidence, and character. The lessons learned—both on the job and beyond—last a lifetime. Today, Jon continues to work with youth as an education professional and is also a proud Tree Trust donor. “Giving back feels natural,” he says. “Tree Trust gave me a shot and a skill set. It is where I learned that I could be a leader.” For Jon, Tree Trust’s mission resonates deeply. “You don’t often get to make an environmental impact and support workforce development at the same time,” he reflects. “Tree Trust does both. That is real power!”

Don’t miss a single success story. Subscribe to Trees and Trades—Tree Trust’s newly expanded email newsletter, and stay in the loop!