MY DREAM JOB has been
City Forester of Providence, Rhode
Island. I've overseen the planting of
thousands of trees, developed new
programs, grown the tree canopy,
and worked with dedicated City
colleagues, nonprofit partners, and
engaged community members.
Over time, however, reports, con-
tract management, equipment
breakdowns, the constant effort
to protect trees from bad actors,
the email backlog that never goes
away—these necessary things had
become wearying. I was losing
my spark. Then, I found a hidden
tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) grove. >>
Groves: A n Urban Forester's Odyssey
Story and photos by Douglas Still
Providence Rhode Island City Forester
and Owner, This Old Tree Consulting
urban-forestry.com 29
