City Trees

4 CityTREES President's Message Rachel Habig-Myers Executive Director's Message Leslie Berckes Here we are, a fresh new year. UCFS is one year into its three-year stra- tegic plan. We've accomplished some big and not so big things in that time. Certainly, a new name and brand refresh check the "big" category. Just as important are those seemingly small things like new databases and document organizational strategies (yes, I do nerd out about those kind of things). We have a new slate of officers too, and you're hearing from our new president, Rachel Habig-Myers, for the first time here. UCFS has an amazing, supportive board of directors who keep the interests of the members in mind at all times. One of our strategic plan items that I'm really excited about is our revamped committees. Four new committees—Young and Emerging Professionals, Industry Trends, Professional Development, and Outreach—join several existing committees. Committees provide opportunities for members to get more involved, grow their leadership skills, and set themselves up for potential future board service. I get asked often about what our members think about certain issues; having dedi- cated committees to turn to for their thoughts and opinions on behalf of like-minded professionals is extremely helpful. Further, our strategic plan calls for UCFS to advocate at a high level, both for the profession of urban and community forestry and for the professionals who carry out the work each day. These committees are critical to ensuring this happens. Imagine the Industry Trends committee determining the "gold, silver, and bronze" level of tree ordinances that become the industry standards. Or, the Professional Development com- mittee identifying the knowledge gaps, and needed education, to push our professionals to new heights. Or, just think of the future city forester who will be on the Young and Emerging Professionals committee and who will knock our socks off in the years to come. I don't deem to know what the committees will determine are the top priorities, but I'm eager to find out! If any of this sounds exciting to you, we'd love to have you join a committee that speaks to you. Head over to the website and fill out the Committee Interest Form or feel free to reach out to me. Looking forward to learning more from you soon! He i c th d t b Hello, everyone! I joined the UCFS (formerly SMA) Board in December 2020, during pre-vaccine COVID times. I remember attending a virtual Board retreat soon after, and found myself sitting at my computer with (nearly) all the excitement and (a bit more) anxiety around attending a new conference or new important meeting. I sit at my computer this morning with double the excitement and curiosity about all that is in store for us in 2024. I live and work in a part of the world (Northern Virginia) that has developed at a lightning pace, one that can be dizzying. Our organization has been through big changes in the last few years, ones that have been exciting and yes, at times, dizzying. UCFS has some breathing room now to work on incremental steps toward our ambitious goals. The vision stays big, but the work gets more granular, and through our steady progress, our collegial bonds strengthen. The process by which we refine and grow our organiza- tion requires conversation, information sharing, and a sense of togetherness that is independent of geography. This interaction and involvement of members is both the method and the goal of UCFS: building community as the canopy under which we gather to learn, grow as professionals, and share in a way that seems to be unique to our industry. I suspect this camaraderie is one of the reasons that foresters were reported to be in one of the happiest professions in 2023, and why the energy at our events is so palpable, so full of possibility. We have already made major gains in the administration and execution of important UCFS offerings like MFI, the annual conference, webinars, mentorship program, and more. Change is the only constant, and the best part of our community is our ability to pull together to find solutions and successes in spite of—or propelled by—change. I could find no greater success than leav- ing this organization more vibrant and inclusive than I found it, and my goal is to do that. Here's to foster- ing and growing our UCFS community together. He U f co it t

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