City Trees

July/August 2015

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!

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SMA Board Member Profile: Nathan Slack Please tell us about your education and career trajectory. Nathan Slack: I received a BS in Urban Forestry from The Ohio State University (OSU). My professional career began at a wholesale tree nursery while in college. I worked with customers filling orders, over- seeing production, and monitoring inventory. It pro- vided me with an intimate knowledge of young trees, their development, and care. Shortly after graduating college, I took a position as a research technician with OSU. I was responsible for providing training, outreach, and data analysis to state and local urban foresters for the program known at that time as STRATUM, which is now known as i-Tree Streets. I was only in the position for a short time before accepting my current position of urban forestry coordinator with the City of Ventura, California. In my current position, I am responsible for all short- term and long-range planning for the City's urban forestry program, including programming and ensuring compliance of all tree-related maintenance activities. I serve as staff expert for all activities involving public trees, such as risk assessments, plan reviews, and most administrative duties, and I am the staff liaison for the City's Tree Advisory Committee. How long have you been involved in SMA and in what capacities? NS: I have been involved with the SMA for over eight years now. I became a member shortly after accepting my position with the City of Ventura and have been a devoted member ever since. In 2012, I had the oppor- tunity to attend the Municipal Forestry Institute (MFI); it was an amazing experience and a huge reason why I decided to take the opportunity to be on the exec- utive board. My experience at MFI taught me to be a better leader and to not be afraid to step outside of my comfort zone. Being on the SMA Executive Board is about as far outside of my comfort zone as I could possibly imagine. What has your involvement in SMA meant to you? NS: My involvement in the SMA has been an invalu- able part of my development as a municipal forester. The access to the network of like-minded colleagues has been a huge help to my individual professional development. The ability to meet and communicate— whether it be at an annual conference, through MFI, or on the listserve—and discuss anything from tree cul- tivars to ordinance issues to even the most ridiculous situation involving the general public helps you to not feel alone out there. What aspects of municipal arboriculture interest/ excite you most? NS: There are so many aspects of municipal arboricul- ture that fascinate me. I love how much of an impact we as municipal foresters can have on the health and livability of the communities in which we work. Green infrastructure and specifically urban trees mean so much to communities and leave such a lasting impres- sion on both residents and visitors. I am also just simply fascinated by trees. The ability to constantly work with and learn from them, all while becoming a better arborist—I think that is the most exciting aspect of the profession to me. What aspects of municipal arboriculture do you find most challenging? NS: I find negative public interactions to be the most challenging aspect of municipal arboriculture. Public perceptions and their receptiveness towards trees, and especially towards public trees, can vary signifi- cantly. Trying to take a step back, remain in a neutral space, and turn every conversation into a "teachable moment" to garner more support for the trees in my community is the most challenging part. What do you like to do in your free time? NS: In my free time I like to hang with my family, garden, and enjoy the great Southern California outdoors run- ning, biking, camping, playing soccer, and surfing. 10 City Trees

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