City Trees

Doug Still, Award of Achievement 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. It is for someone who has given generously of their time and talents both to the UCFS and to urban and community forestry. Doug Still was the 2024 recipient of the Award of Achievement. Doug has had a long history with the organization, having served on the Board and as President. For over 20 years, Doug served as Providence, Rhode Island City Forester. Doug's latest project, the award-winning This Old Tree podcast, inspires tree-huggers and non-tree people alike to appreciate trees through the stories and histories that connect us. The podcast is refreshing, informative, approachable, and fun—and it threads Doug's love and knowledge of trees with history and tech- nology, resulting in a superbly produced program that helps spread the joy of meaningful trees in our communities. Ralph Sievert, Award of Merit The Award of Merit is presented to a UCFS member who has contributed in an outstanding way to the advancement of the UCFS's goals, and to advancing the principles, ideals, and practices of munic- ipal arboriculture and urban forestry. The 2024 Award of Merit honoree, Ralph Sievert, epitomizes the qualities that we value. Ralph retired this past summer from Minneapolis Parks and Recreation after a 45-year career in urban forestry, marked by a steadfast commitment to professionalism, inno- vation, and sound principles of arboriculture. Ralph's career began with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1979. In 1986, he became the Cleveland, Ohio City Forester, where his tireless efforts continue to leave an indelible mark on the urban land- scape. Ralph then served with dedication for 30 years as City Forester for the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. His tenure in Minneapolis was characterized by a legacy of innovation and excellence with fiscal diligence and commitment that led to a near doubling of the departmental budget and tripling annual tree planting. Over his impressive career, Ralph served in leadership roles with the Minnesota ISA chapter, ISA Professional Affiliates, and the ISA Board of Directors. His leadership also led to an important step for this organization when he spearheaded the successful merger of the Municipal Arborists and Urban Foresters Society (becoming the Society of Municipal Arborists) in the 1990s. Ralph's legacy extends beyond his professional achieve- ments; his unique and entertaining personality, engaging presentations, and outreach efforts have inspired countless individuals in the field. Ralph's dedication to promoting species diversity, tree preservation, and equitable access to green spaces has laid the ground- work for more resilient and sustainable communities. 18 CityTREES

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