City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/128847
MFI 2013: "One-Week Adrenaline Shot" for Urban Forestry by Owen Croy, MFI Teaching Cadre, Manager of Parks for the City of Surrey, British Columbia MFI takes place in Lied Lodge on Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Photo by Graham Herbst The 2013 Municipal Forestry Institute (MFI) was held February 17-22, 2013 in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Thirty participants gathered at the incomparable Lied Lodge and Conference Center for high-level training that focussed on growing leaders in the profession of municipal forestry. Attendees were challenged to "think outside the bark" as they engaged in this professional development opportunity. Attendees at the 2013 MFI came from towns ranging in population from as small as 4,000 to major metropolitan areas of more than 8 million. Not only did attendees come from across the continental USA and Canada, one intrepid MFIer travelled all the way from Brazil to learn, share and develop more skills in the specialized and challenging field of urban forestry. Among the participants were city foresters, consulting arborists specializing in delivering services to cities, state urban foresters, representatives of non-profit organizations 22 that work with cities, and others involved in municipal forestry operations. The class of 2013 was a very thoughtful group who shared many excellent insights with fellow participants and the instructional team. There was over 400 years of urban forestry experience present between the class and the instructors, so attendees couldn't help but soak up great tips that will help them move their own programs forward. TreePhilly Program Manager Erica Smith said, "I am incredibly inspired by the passion and dedication I've observed in the Cadre and other attendees of MFI. I am new to the field of urban forestry, and being here at MFI has not only solidified my decision to get into the field, but it has also given me the skills and support system to contribute in meaningful ways and have the confidence to do so." City Trees