of the founding members of the SMA in 1964.) In
2011 an opportunity presented itself to become
Des Moines, Iowa City Forester. Outside the city of
Des Moines lies some of the best cropping land in
the nation, so in some respects it felt like a home-
coming for this farm kid from Eastern Ontario.
Please tell us about your
position now. What do you
enjoy doing most?
As Des Moines City Forester I oversee the City
Forestry Division staff that includes 1 Project
Manager (tree planting and emerald ash borer
insect management), 1 Forestry Section Chief, 1
Heavy Equipment Operator, and 13 Arborists. The
Arborists prune and remove trees daily, keeping
our city safe and environmentally healthy. In 2019
we contracted with a non-profit, Trees Forever, to
plant all of our new street and park trees. Together
we had pondered for several years—before the
contractual relationship we have now—how we
might include an equity component in the future.
Now the entire planting program at Trees Forever
is built upon hiring youth and college workers from
underserved demographics, with an emphasis on
planting trees in underserved neighborhoods.
I am finishing an assignment of two-plus years
writing our first Des Moines Urban Forest
Master Plan. This has been a great experience,
working with Iowa State Forestry students and
their faculty advisor, Dr. Jan Thompson. The
students were compelled to research and use
local data to make the case for building and
maintaining the urban canopy, so the results are
uniquely ours. I've enjoyed this project as the
capstone achievement of my forestry career.
I have also enjoyed meeting residents who
may or may not appreciate all the benefits of
trees. That's when the educator in me gets to
inform and advocate for trees. Another enjoy-
able task I've had these past nine years is my
involvement with the Iowa Urban Tree Council, a
group formed to advise the Iowa State Forester
on issues and agendas for the urban forest.
How long have you been involved
in SMA and in what capacities?
I joined SMA in 2011, and shortly thereafter
I participated in the 2012 Municipal Forestry
Institute (MFI). This important SMA leader-
ship training program was inspirational and
David (center) leading winter pruning
with Trees Forever volunteers.
12 CityTREES
