One thing I've found especially helpful was Robert [Corletta] showing
me how data drives the Washington, DC urban forestry program,
including maps of DC's heat islands that allow his department to pin-
point the greatest need for tree planting. Here in Westmont we have
been using the Chicago Region Tree Initiatives (CRTI) website for
similar data. Using this tool—and Robert's guidance—has given me
the confidence to apply for a CRTI grant for tree planting to mitigate
our Village's worst heat islands. We also have talked a lot about ways
to achieve the optimum safety culture in our departments. Robert
shared a great resource from TCIA, the Tailgate Safety program. We now
have Tailgate Tuesdays in our department and it's been going well.
— David De Cicco (mentee)
Village of Westmont, Illinois Forestry
and Grounds Foreman
One conversation I had with David [De Cicco] that was impactful for
me was not even about our professional work. It was a reminder
of the importance of life/work balance, an often forgotten key
to progress at all phases of one's career. When we are pas-
sionate about our work it can be easy to forget what's important
in other parts of our lives. In talking with David, I appreciated the
fact that much of what we do is so scalable. Whatever the size or
capacity of your program, you can always learn from fellow prac-
titioners. Our challenges are universal and there is a camaraderie
that is forged from shared experiences as solutions emerge.
—Robert Corletta (mentor)
Supervisory Urban Forester, District Department
of Transportation, Washington, D.C.
38 CityTREES
