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/677172
28 City Trees Westerville, Ohio's heritage, natural beauty, and careful planning make it a special place to call home. Money magazine agrees, having twice recognized Westerville as one of America's "Best Places to Live." Located just 10 miles (16 km) from the state capital of Columbus, Westerville is a bustling city of more than 37,000 residents, a leader in job creation, and home to an award-winning parks and recreation department. With more than 40 community parks and open spaces, 30 miles (48 km) of recreational trails, and 13,000 street trees, it's easy to see why residents refer to Westerville as "a city within a park." Westerville has continued its tradition of excellence in their Urban Forestry Division with Society of Municipal Arborists Accreditation. Westerville Parks and Urban Forest Manager Matt Ulrey discusses the recent SMA accreditation and the division. Can you tell us about your educational and career background leading to your current position? Matt Ulrey: I received an Associate's Degree in Recreation and Wildlife Management from Hocking College. I'm also an ISA Certified Arborist and Municipal Specialist and a Certified Nursery Technician Master with the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association. After college, I began working as an arborist with Trugreen Chemlawn. A few years later, I was hired as a tree trimmer for the City of Westerville and after five years, I was promoted to Parks and Urban Forest Manager. I've now been in this position for nine years. What is your focus as the Westerville Urban Forest Manager? MU: I am responsible for the short- and long-term goals of the division, including the Westerville City Tree Master Plan, which involves all of our services and our vision for the tree canopy for decades to come. A large part of my position includes responding to resident requests. I follow the process from the initial inquiry to inspection and final completion of the task. I also work with urban forestry staff to prioritize department needs. Our team consists of myself, an arborist specialist, arborist worker, and one part-time arborist. They do the majority of our cycle pruning and daily work requests like tree removal. We also contract some services including tree planting. How has the division grown to where it is now, an A Changing Landscape Westerville, Ohio's Urban Forest Growth and SMA Accreditation with Matt Ulrey, Parks and Urban Forest Manager for the City of Westerville, Ohio Photos Courtesy of the City of Westerville, Ohio Westerville City Hall anchors the historic Uptown District which marries new-generation shopping, dining, and entertainment.