City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1506882
Alternative Terms To promote diversity and address these issues, adopting more inclusive terminology when referring to community-based scientific endeavours and com- munity-based municipal tree care in urban forestry is crucial. Adopting alternative terminology is in keeping with the shift in terminology in other sectors. Terms such as "community science," "participatory science," or "volunteer tree pruner" can be used as alternatives that emphasize the involvement of diverse communities, irrespective of their citizenship status. Shifting the language to focus on participa- tion rather than citizenship encourages a broader range of individuals to engage in urban forestry ini- tiatives, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and fostering collaborative efforts toward tree care. Here are a few examples: 1. Community Science: This term emphasizes the involvement of com- munities in scientific endeavours, regardless of their citizenship status. It recognizes that science is not limited to professional scien- tists but can be conducted collaboratively by community members, including residents, organizations, and other stakeholders. 2. Community Tree Pruner: This term emphasizes the role of a volunteer tree pruner within the community, caring for the neighbourhood trees. 3. Participatory Science: This term highlights the active participation of individ- uals and communities in scientific research and decision-making processes. It emphasizes the shared ownership of knowledge and encourages a collab- orative approach where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated. 4. Public Science: This term emphasizes the general public's engagement in scientific activities. It recognizes that scientific knowledge and research should be accessible to all members of society, regardless of their back- ground or legal status, and encourages their involvement in scientific inquiry. 5. Community-based Research and Arboriculture: This term emphasizes the collaborative nature of research and tree care in partnership with communities. Community-based research acknowledges the impor- tance of local knowledge, expertise, and perspectives and seeks to empower communities by involving them in the research process from start to finish. Community-based arboriculture acknowledges the role of volunteer tree pruners in shaping the urban forest in their area. By adopting these alternative terms, we can broaden the scope of participation to ensure that individuals from various backgrounds and identities feel welcomed as well as included in scientific endeavours and tree care maintenance, including those related to urban forestry. These terms reflect a more inclusive and equi- table approach that values diverse forms of knowledge and expertise. urban-forestry.com 27