informative for me. I learned how to prepare
for public media interviews; how to have
tough conversations with employees, col-
leagues in forestry, or the general public; and
how to focus on the real task of leading.
In 2017, I was able to bring a forestry intern on
board using U.S. Forest Service funds managed
by SMA. That November, both the intern and
I attended the SMA Annual Conference in
Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was my first SMA confer-
ence, but I found it to be so helpful I made my
way back to the next two conferences in Irvine
and Cleveland. In 2018 I became a member
of the SMA Membership Working Group.
Now that I'm an SMA Board Member, I serve
as a Champion to that membership group.
I have found that by dedicating a little time
I am able to provide advice and encourage-
ment to present and future SMA members.
My next project? I'm looking forward to
updating the History of the SMA, a work
that was last undertaken in 2014 to com-
memorate the SMA 50-Year Anniversary.
What has your involvement
in SMA meant to you?
SMA represents a group of urban forestry leaders
who are committed to sharing their collective
wisdom and experience with all other urban tree
advocates regardless of present station in life or
career trajectory. Meeting each other, exchanging
ideas, and recognizing and celebrating each other's
strengths is invaluable. I've benefitted from
reading the world-class City Trees, perhaps most
notably its thematic roundtables, where municipal
arborists provide insight on topics such as storm-
water management, conifers, or inventorying.
What do you like to do
in your free time?
In my leisure time I enjoy reading, triking
on my recumbent 3-wheeler, and tennis. I
enjoy seeing new places, both natural and
built, and I enjoy meeting new people.
David Jahn enjoying his recumbent bike.
David teaching volunteers about how a
tree responds to urban stressors.
urban-forestry.com 13
