City Trees

The Award of Achievement is presented to a member who has shown exceptional commitment to the urban forest resource and/or to the public that we serve. In 2022, the SMA presented the award to Phillip Rodbell, who has given generously of his time and talents to the SMA and to urban and community forestry writ large. Phil currently works out of Washington D.C., where he serves as the U.S. Forest Service National Program Lead for Urban Sustainability Research. He supports a community of more than 50 scientists and technicians studying the social, economic, and ecological impacts of trees and forests where people live, work, and recreate. From fall of 2021 to fall of 2022, Phil served an assignment as the Deputy Director of Forests and Equity on the White House Council on Environmental Quality, sup- porting the Executive Office of the President with a focus on forestry, nature-deprived communities, environmental justice, outdoor recre- ation, historic preservation, and tribal consultation. He has also long been a member of SMA, serving on various committees over the years. Life Membership in the SMA is given to veteran members who have generously devoted their wisdom and time to the SMA and its mission over an extended period of years. Steve Harris is a widely respected professional and community leader. Steve is the City Arborist for Syracuse, New York where he has served for more than 12 years. Steve has overseen an ambitious urban forest manage- ment plan process for Syracuse that involved members of the Onondaga Earth Corps, a youth job skills training organization with whom Steve works closely. Steve also teaches seasonally at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Steve is the current President of the New York State Urban Forestry Council. He has served SMA in various capacities, including as a board member. Most notably, Steve has led the committee and team that organizes the annual SMA conference program for the past seven years. The Award of Merit is presented to an SMA member who has contributed in an outstanding and meritorious way to the advancement of SMA's goals, and to advancing the principles, ideals, and practices of municipal arboriculture and urban forestry. The 2022 Award of Merit honoree, Allison Craig, epitomizes the qualities that SMA values. Allison has a Master of Forest Conservation degree from the University of Toronto. She is the longtime Manager of Urban Forest Health Services for BioForest where she specializes in the detec- tion and management of emerald ash borer, spongy moth, and other invasive species and pests. She is well regarded for her com- munity engagement and outreach skills used in her work. Allison is a Green Youth Mentor through Project Learning Tree and serves as a Director of the Ontario Urban Forest Council. Finally, she has served for three years as the Chair of the City Trees magazine Editorial Review Committee. urban-forestry.com 23

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