Lake Michigan public beach overlook
Glencoe, Illinois Village Arborist and Building and Zoning Administrator John Houde comes to urban forestry by way of anthro- pology, urban planning, and business adminis- tration. He has been a certified arborist since 1990 and recently became a certified munici- pal specialist. Under his leadership, Glencoe became an SMA-Accredited municipality.
What were your childhood experiences with trees?
John Houde: When I was 12, my Dad let me use a 15-by-20-foot corner of our Chicago back yard to plant whatever I wanted. I planted silver maple seeds that had fallen from a nearby silver maple tree and watched over them for several years until we moved from Chicago to the suburbs. I observed their growth, staked some, and enjoyed tending them.
From first grade through high school, I walked to school and later, I took public transportation to university and
8
to work. During these walks and commutes I focused on the trees on my route, learning the species, growth problems, insects, diseases, etc., which reinforced an abiding interest in trees.
What was your educational path?
JH: I received a B. A. degree in Anthropology and Political Science then earned a Master's degree in Urban Policy and Planning from the University of Illinois at Chicago. While working, I also obtained a Master's degree in Business Administration.
Tell us about your career path.
JH: I served in internships at two different times in the Housing Department of the Village of Oak Park and with the State of Illinois Bureau of the Budget in Springfield, Illinois. My first professional position was with the City of Waukegan, Illinois for two years as Director of Housing and Health and Health Code Enforcement. For a newly elected mayoral administration, I was charged with form- ing a Housing Code Enforcement Department with five inspectors. In 1979 I went to my current
City Trees
