(NJDEP) Urban and Community Forestry (UCF)
program, then took my first full-time job in 2018 at
the Delaware Forest Service in their UCF program.
After about a year and half there I ended up back in
my home state as the Assistant Regional Forester for
the NJDEP UCF program. I've recently started a posi-
tion as an Urban Forestry Consultant for PlanIT Geo.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am usually doing something outside, like hiking,
kayaking, biking, or backpacking in national parks or
other expansive lands. My last trip was to the Grand
Canyon where I backpacked for five days in the
Canyon with a group of friends. I have hiked in some
extreme conditions and have never regretted it for
a moment. One of my favorite hikes was when I got
caught in a lightning storm where it was pouring so
heavily I could barely see in front of my face. Luckily, I
had a poncho that I rigged into a small tent so I could
hunker down in the woods until the storm passed.
During college, I ran the Rutgers University Outdoor
Club for several years. I loved planning the trips and
taking my fellow students all over to experience
nature. One of the best trips we took was whitewater
rafting in West Virginia in the New River Gorge. We
hadn't capsized during several runs and felt invin-
cible, but then a large wave turned us over after
bouncing us off a rock. I remember being upright
and then suddenly being in the water, which was
a little jarring, but the guide got the raft back over
quickly and all of us back aboard. Our group broke
out in laughter—the whitewater had finally got us.
Anything else you would like to share?
I believe it is our duty as leaders in urban forestry to
not only assist but recruit younger arborists, foresters,
and other green industry professionals. We were all in
their shoes once, and starting a career can be intim-
idating. Going to tell high school or college students
this industry exists and showing them the pathway
should be a frequent activity for us. This is why SMA
is so important to our industry; we are here to build
these networks and future leaders, make these con-
nections, and rely on one another for support.
Mike visiting with Rutgers Urban Forestry students at a New Jersey Arborists
Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture conference.
www.urban-forestry.com 23
