24 City Trees 24 City Trees
"MFI has really helped me
see myself and my program in a
new light and to see the possibilities
where I did not even know to look.
The shared experience of MFI has
been really powerful. I am excited to
have the network of peers from my
MFI class, and also to be part of the
greater network of MFI and SMA."
—Mollie Freilicher, Urban
Forester, Massachusetts
Department of Recreation and
Conservation
(from left) City of Knoxville, Tennessee Urban Forester Kasey Krouse, Eugene, Oregon
Urban Forestry Management Analyst Scott Altenhoff, and NYC Parks Forestry Permits &
Plan Review Manager Erin Lawhorn. Photo by Owen Croy
"For a decade and a half,
I've been carrying around a little
glowing coal (my desire to make
positive contributions to the realm
of urban forestry). Over time, it has
held steady, but it has developed
a little coating of ash. This week of
MFI has been amazing; it has gently
prodded that little coal, knocked off
the ash, provided a decade's worth
of kindling, and applied a strong jet
of air to fan the fire. I am ablaze with
inspiration and completely fired up!"
—Scott Altenhoff, Urban Forestry
Management Analyst,
Eugene, Oregon
MFI class of 2016 with SMA Executive Director Jerri LaHaie at orientation. Hold onto
your seats, this will be a fast ride! Photo by Paul Ries
"Thank you for the opportunity
to meet and learn leadership skills
from other urban forestry profes-
sionals and advocates from across
the US and Canada. It was an amaz-
ing experience that I will treasure for
the rest of my life."
—Karen Emmerich, New York
State Urban Forestry Council
Board Member
The Peer Learning Group is an important component of MFI. NCTC provided many com-
fortable and inspirational nooks for breakout sessions. Photo by Paul Ries
