Sophia Rodbell (left) with fellow 2020 MFI Grad Jean Zimmerman (center) and MFI Teaching Cadre Member and
Council Past President Andy Hillman, enjoying the early spring weather in February in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
What was your biggest a-ha moment?
SR: My biggest a-ha moment at MFI was the concept of
AND instead of OR; how we can use AND to fit urban
forestry into nearly every aspect of life. For example, if
a state's governor has a tight budget, we don't have to
fight for funding as if its health/wellness OR the urban
forest, it can be health/wellness AND urban forestry
by showing all of the evidence-based ways the state's
urban forest improves the wellbeing of its residents.
What is one thing you learned that you are
going to apply in practice back in your job?
SR: There are many. Something I am proud to say we
were doing prior to MFI—and with the backing of MFI
hope to continue—is "planning for succession." This
has to do with training and encouraging the new wave
of urban foresters to be skilled, qualified, and certified
to do anything and go anywhere. The hope is that you
have shown folks the kindness that makes them want
to stay. I know our team won't stay the same forever—
people move on to bigger and brighter careers—but
if they move on, I want them to have had the best
training possible in service of our urban forests.
What would you say to people who
are thinking about attending MFI?
SR: I'd say if you are thinking about attending
MFI, just do it. There wasn't a single time during
the week that I thought "Pfft, I'm never going
to use this." I found it all applicable, and I am so
grateful to have had the opportunity to attend.
I would like to thank the NYSUFC for scholarship
funding and to specifically thank Karen Emmerich, Lori
Brockelbank, and Chris Pfeiffer for introducing me
to MFI, and thank MFI Teaching Cadre member and
NYSUFC Past President Andy Hillman for his support and
encouragement. I am thrilled to bring back my leader-
ship training to better assist on the Council Board and
to help continue to improve the relationship between
the citizens of New York and their urban forests.
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