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: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1163463
A well-functioning urban forestry program can ensure that community trees are properly maintained, and residents reap the benefits. But when you notice a correlation between strong urban forestry departments and large cities in your state, what can you do to ensure smaller communities receive the same environmental benefits? This was the question ReLeaf Michigan (RM), Davey Resource Group, Inc. (DRG) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Urban and Community Forestry program sought to answer. The solution came in 2015, through funding from the U.S. Forest Service's, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Landscape Scale Restoration programs. Through these opportunities, the partnership developed a program aimed to build a community's awareness and capacity, allowing them to better manage the trees and forests across the watershed, maximizing the forests' potential benefits. "As a state-wide tree planting non-profit organization, we receive a large number of requests from smaller communities that consider themselves to be under the radar and do not have the staff with technical expertise," Melinda Jones, RM's executive director, says. The program starts with DRG's urban tree canopy assessment of several target communities within a regional watershed. After the assessment, RM, DRG, and DNR meet with community stakeholders to give an overview of the reports and maps, how they are generated, and how it can be used to move the urban forestry program forward. RM then organizes meetings, conducts site assessments, and recommends the most appropriate and beneficial tree species for the community. This culminates in local volunteer-led tree plantings in each community. "Communities are hesitant at first. They are intrigued, receptive, know there's a need, but really don't know what to do," Jones says. "We work with them, and with Davey and the Department of Natural Resources, and [the community] develops more of a comfort level." So far, DRG, RM, and DNR have helped 11 communities across three major Michigan watersheds with a program that Jones calls "easily replicable." "Communities gain a sense of comfort and confidence when they recognize these organizations are committed to supporting their communities and local plans," Kevin Sayers, urban forestry program coordinator for the DNR, says. "We're bringing new tools and resources to help them achieve their local goals, as well as larger state and national priorities." "WE'RE BRINGING NEW TOOLS AND RESOURCES TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR LOCAL GOALS, AS WELL AS LARGER STATE AND NATIONAL PRIORITIES." Kevin Sayers, Urban Forestry Program Coordinator, DNR CONNECTING THE DOTS DAVEY RESOURCE GROUP, INC. PARTNERED WITH RELEAF MICHIGAN AND THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO TARGET MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES WITH LIMITED URBAN FORESTRY CAPACITY AND USE THEIR EXPERTISE TO CREATE URBAN FORESTRY PROGRAMS. The group is continuing to seek opportunities for the program in Michigan and beyond. If you're interested in learning more about this partnership and how it can be implemented in your area, contact your local Davey Resource Group office. ADVERTORIAL