While many aspects of this job are similar to munic-
ipal forestry, there are some striking differences,
like the complex political structures within a uni-
versity, and the community's intimate relationship
with the campus trees. I find great satisfaction
navigating these challenges and connecting the
institution and community with the urban forest.
Another key difference is that our partnership
with the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources
and Environment allows us to employ students,
helping aspiring natural resource professionals earn
valuable experience in the field while providing
our program with valuable service. Our interns
have impressed me beyond my expectations.
You wrote a great article in City Trees
about your participation in MFI 2018.
Five years on, what aspects of MFI still
resonate most for you in your work?
I am happy to say that I am still in contact with
many folks from my MFI class and cadre, and I
always look forward to seeing everyone at the
SMA Conference each year. As we continue to
develop our program here at Virginia Tech, I am
in close touch with our public relations team and
find myself working with internal and external
media on a regular basis. This is great, as I believe
the very best way to build support for the urban
forest is through public outreach and education.
I recently received a compliment from my leader-
ship concerning an interview and I replied, "Well, I
do have formal training in public relations," which
led to me sharing about my MFI public relations
training, which has been of great and lasting value.
What do you like to do
in your free time?
My lovely wife and I have an 11-month-old at
home and I am enjoying every moment getting
to know my new best friend, Jak. In the spare
moments when he is napping, I love working on
our property, where we are planting trees and little
woodland gardens throughout our small forest.
Jamie and Jak King appreciating a large hemlock
(Tsuga canadensis) by the Fiery Gizzard Trail on
the Cumberland Plateau in east Tennessee.
18 CityTREES
