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/65193
Author Sarah Gracey speaks about an urban forestry project in Madisonville, Kentucky. Photo by Tom Wortham the bottom line, so be prepared to discuss the cost of benefits or savings when you come to ask for that bud- get increase. If you are giving a presentation to a group, know who will be in attendance. You wouldn't approach a class of Master Gardeners with the same presenta- tion that you would for your arboriculture colleagues. Engage. Don't write off people who you think are inca- pable of understanding your message. In our field, we've seen unfortunate attempts at tree maintenance or misguided beliefs about tree care. I'm talking about trees with metal sheets over large holes, broken branches tied with twine, and the person who expounds on the benefits of topping. It might be tempting and less frustrating to simply say, "You're wrong," and walk away. Yet, think about the homeowner taking the time and concern to take that action or have that opinion. At least they made the effort to care. That person could be your next great tree board advocate. By taking the time to engage people and make the most out of a teachable moment, you are taking advantage of an opportunity to educate the public. Listen. Perhaps one of the best tools to communicate more effectively with a person or group is to first listen. Actively listen when you are engaged in a conversation. If your mind is racing towards the conclusion that you think the other person is drawing or anxiously waiting for when you can interject, or your mind is wandering off to tonight's dinner plans, then you sure are not engaged in the conversation. Listen first, establish facts, don't assume anything, and ask questions. Don't Miss Opportunities. Interacting with the public, www.urban-forestry.com Kentucky State Forester Leah W. MacSwords speaks at a state Arbor Day ceremony. Photo by Lynn True presenting at City Council—this probably isn't the stuff that you would rather be doing. Yes, you are a person of the trees and you would prefer to have your hands dirty and brow sweaty. We can't be everywhere at once, but don't shy away from chances to discuss your job, professional organizations that you are affiliated with, or opportunities for professional advancement. Think about your elevator speech for your job and don't hesi- tate to use it. If you cannot effectively speak about your career and why it is important, how can you expect oth- ers to care about it and buy into it? Respect. We should all follow the Golden Rule and do unto others as we would have done to us. I have attended meetings where I have left feeling uncomfort- able about the behavior of fellow board members. Be respectful of the opinions of others and take the time to engage in conversation. Put down that cell phone, too—there is no need to Google, Facebook, or text dur- ing meetings. I promise you, you aren't being sly sneak- ing your phone under the table and checking it every few minutes. The message that this behavior sends is that your current conversation is unimportant. Other peoples' time is every bit as valuable to them as your time is to you. I hope that you will consider getting out of your comfort zone and improving your communication skills. It may not be what we are most comfortable doing, but we owe it to our communities to build advocacy for urban forestry programs. If we can communicate more effec- tively about trees, then we can continue to build support for both the urban forestry profession and community forestry resources. 19