With TreeKeepers off and running, David and I saw
that there was a need for consistent care of newly
planted trees in order for all Des Moines neighbor-
hoods to benefit from tree plantings. We realized that
the maintenance had to be built in both so that the
trees would have a better chance at survival and for
the residents to feel good about accepting the trees.
At PCF I learned about the Youth Tree Team program
from Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and thought it was
wonderfully innovative and just the thing we needed in
Iowa. I saw that Trees Forever could provide job oppor-
tunities for teenagers to plant and maintain trees and
that we could provide professional development for the
participants. We called the program Growing Futures
and it is funded by a multi-year contract with the City
of Des Moines and by grants from organizations like
Microsoft and Wright Service Corp. Developing and
launching it with David, and perfecting it with the new
Des Moines City Forester Shane McQuillan, was one of
the most gratifying work experiences of my career.
It was also incredibly rewarding to be part of a One
Million Trees planning process for the Des Moines Metro.
Taking a cue from Trees Atlanta, we met repeatedly with
partners and supporters to strategize a plan for planting
or preserving one million trees by 2032. This initiative is
in its infancy and I look forward to learning lessons from
SMA peers to help my local community grow more trees.
At Trees Forever, beyond the program work, I really
enjoyed working for a 501(c)3 and learning all the
ins and outs that make for a good organization, from
good financial management to tapping into vol-
unteers to help the organization run, to engaging
the talents of board members. I enjoy the big-pic-
ture thinking around all the moving parts that help
an organization meet its mission. I learned a lot
from the wonderful people at Trees Forever. >>
Leslie (at lower left) with the Growing Futures teen employees on their first day on the job and the official launch of the program.
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