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/22884
SMA Table Topics at the Albuquerque, New Mexico Conference Street Tree Inventories – Hosted by Elizabeth Lanham, San José, CA Growing Despite Budget Cuts – Hosted by Dave S. Bienemann, Bowling Green, OH Using MFI Techniques to Be a More Effective Manager – Hosted by Eric Krebs, Palo Alto, CA Increasing Species Diversity – Hosted by Dudley Hartel, Athens, GA Using the SMA Network – Hosted by George Gonzalez, Los Angeles, CA Invasive Species Control – Hosted by Gordon Mann, Auburn, CA Advertising Trees – Hosted by Jeff Wooten, Clovis, CA As I sit here reflecting back on the SMA Annual Conference in Albuquerque last month, I have nothing but fond memories of the people and sessions. First just let me say, what a great bunch of tree hugging folks! Everyone made me feel welcome and at home. It was a real pleasure to meet professionals from another field with shared interests and goals. Second, the sessions were very educational and informative from the perspec- tive of this planner with limited knowledge of arborists. Also, it was an honor and a privilege to have the oppor- tunity to attend this conference and represent the plan- ning community in Alabama. For this I have to specifi- cally thank Rachel Barker for asking me to be part of her grant project. If it wasn’t for her, I would never have had this conference on my radar screen. I really enjoyed meeting the other committee members and participat- ing in our meeting and brainstorming session. It was so much better than a conference call! The SMA Conference was definitely beneficial to me, and I look forward to attending another one soon. —Joseph F. Hester, AICP, Director of Planning, North-Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments I cannot say enough how much I look for- ward to the SMA conferences. In times of budget cuts, it can be difficult to justify attending out-of-state confer- ences, but the education and contacts that you make are well worth the cost. This year at Albuquerque was no different. It’s hard to pick only a few highlights. I have to say that networking and making new connections certainly was a highlight. New friendships were made and old ones strengthened. One of the things I appreciate is being able to glean from the wealth of knowledge and experi- ence that these people have to offer. There was fun, too. The Balloon Fiesta was an incredible experience and if you have never been to this, you must put it on your to-do list. How can I forget the Run, Walk, and Climb competition? Oh, did I say competition? It was a dead heat until the end when my competitive nature came out and I am happy to say I won by a nose. If you have read these conference reflections over the past few years you will see themes: excellent topics, networking, making good friends, and having fun. If you have not had the chance to attend an SMA conference, I encourage you do so next year. I am sure Milwaukee will put on a great show. Smokey Bear, with Marla Eddy in foreground • Photo by Bob Benjamin 32 —Peggy Drescher, Village Forester, Glen Ellyn, Illinois City Trees