City Trees

6 CityTREES Our legacies—the urban forest, the municipal streetscape, the neighborhood identities—are blooming and leafing all over. Every spring, I feel ever more proud that I have had a tiny part in creating the legacy. My favorite time to drive in North and South Carolina is during May and June when the trees are leafing and the shades of green are intense and endlessly varied. I like to sing Johnny Cash's "Forty Shades of Green" as I go. It is so easy for municipal arborists to get bogged down in the red tape of our jobs. Managing con- tracts, procuring trees, preparing appropriate plant- ing sites—the list of chores is endless, but let's not forget the reason we all started our green industry journeys: to make the world a more beautiful place. I encourage every municipal arborist to shut down your computer, put on your boots, and go outside. Walk in the world you are creating for the citizens, for their children, and for their children's chil- dren. Smell the blossoms of the trees and other plants you have used in your designs. Take the time to enjoy and be rejuvenated by your life's career choice and by your unfolding legacy. After my walks or long drives, I always come back with a renewed sense of how important my job is, how the decisions that I make today may affect a neighborhood's health for a century, how the trees I plant may be the only forest a child sees, how those trees create a shaded place for children to play and old folk to cool under. The sweat and tears that we put into our ever-evolving work is unbelievably important to the future of our urban environment. Our decisions regarding plant material, soils, design, pruning, and tree health will last decades. Use all of the science-based information available; continue to train yourself and your staff. But for now, in whatever season you find yourself, take moments to look at your green legacy and breathe the fresh air it cre- ates. Enjoy the "Forty Shades of Green"! Sarah's message about leav- ing a legacy really got me to thinking about not only the work each of you do in your day-to-day jobs, but also about your contributions to SMA. So many members serve on committees, attend events, contribute ideas, engage in the listserv, participate in surveys, host interns, recruit sponsors and exhibitors, organize silent auctions, and map out Fun Runs—the list goes on and on. Our members really do want to give back and help train the next generation of municipal arbor- ists. Someone recently told me that SMA is small enough to feel like family, yet big enough to do great things. That made my day. I don't know where you are in your legacy journey. Maybe you haven't even thought about it yet. Maybe you are so busy with your demanding job that you would like to think about it a little more serious- ly—but just don't ever seem to have the time. Either way, I think Sarah's idea about backing away from the computer and getting outside is good advice. It reminds me why we like to do a local tour as part of our conference; why look at pictures of trees when you can go outside and look at trees? I hope you're planning to join us in Irvine at the SMA Annual Conference this year, because you will get a chance to go on a tour with a new twist. At the Irvine conference, you'll also get a chance to recharge your batteries, to learn from your fellow urban foresters, and to spend time sharing expe- riences, challenges, and successes. You'll benefit from the many hours our volunteers put into creat- ing a meaningful event. When you are away from your daily duties and surrounded by your own tribe, you will find yourself thinking differently. It's like a vacation without the hassle of planning it! If you're one of the many members who are active- ly engaged in SMA, many thanks for all you do—but especially for the legacy you are leav- ing to our newer members who are finding their way. You're what makes SMA feel like family. President's Message Sarah Morris Executive Director's Message Jerri J. LaHaie

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