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/128847
We rolled out the first classes in 2009 in six different locations. We discovered that these first students were proud to be the "beta" class. They took pride in providing feedback, and we were delighted that they repeatedly noted that TCA was "unique, useful, enlightening, challenging and empowering." They liked that TCA was custom-made for Ohio, by Ohioans. It addressed their issues, and class time with people from other towns helped Ohio Tree Commission Academy participants are a good-humored bunch. Photo Courtesy students realize that they were not Ohio Department of Natural Resources Graduates had the undivided attention of their elected alone. They exchanged ideas and resources. Many stayed in touch outside of class and officials and decision-makers who were often interested in what their neighboring towns were doing as well. It developed lasting friendships. was neat to see the light bulbs go on in the audience. TCA culminates in a senior graduation ceremony where After TCA, it wasn't long before we began seeing the each community does a short presentation in front of influence of the program revealed in community grant local dignitaries. Although we initially planned this as a applications. They were using urban forestry language way of celebrating all the work the students dedicated and understanding management concepts very well. to their TCA experience (and surviving 40 hours with their Regional Urban Forester!), the ceremony ended up When communities contacted us for management being an amazing Urban Forestry awareness opportunity assistance, they were able to ask more meaningful questions, and we were able to help them address the for our communities. real issues more effectively. Our urban forestry team continues to fine-tune TCA, and we are learning even more along the way. We are in the process of our first major update, which includes editing things that weren't working, fixing grammatical and formatting errors and adding other things we missed. Believe it or not, editing and evaluating the program is almost as challenging as developing it. Most notably, as instructors we were forced to expand outside of our specialties, and as a result, we have become more well-rounded public servants. Teaching on this scale was frightening at first, but it has strengthened our presentation, negotiating and listening skills. TCA also has homework, which gives us some field opportunities with TCA candidates. Forty hours or more in the classroom coupled with time in our students' communities has created strong, trusting relationships that will last a lifetime. Despite all of the time and effort invested in TCA, the relationships we've developed with our community volunteers and staff are the most valuable for the future of Urban Forestry in Ohio. For information about Tree Commission Academy, visit us at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry. Click on "Forestry Assistance" at the top left, then "Urban Forestry," then "Tree Commission Academy" on the left side of the page. www.urban-forestry.com 35