City Trees

As I write this, the Municipal Forestry Institute teaching cadre is preparing for the MFI Class of 2017. The cadre is a group of dedicated professionals who volunteer their time, talent, and energy to create a unique immer- sion experience for urban forestry professionals. The 2017 MFI future grad- uates come from diverse countries and backgrounds. They are in for a week of challenges, surprises, thoughtful dialogue, and learning. They will explore the ways in which municipal forestry is as much or more about leadership, people, and relationships than it is about technical knowledge of trees and their care. The MFI experience is enlightening and ener- gizing and, true to SMA's mission, builds confidence, compe- tence, and camaraderie. MFI Canada is in the works for later this year, and the cadre is contemplating an advanced-level MFI component. SMA's primary objective is to promote and improve the prac- tice of professional municipal arboriculture. Along with MFI, SMA offers many other opportunities to engage members and highlight the importance of our unique role in managing city forests. The Municipal Arborist Exchange has allowed cross-cultural experiences all over the world. The Internship Program has been thoughtfully revised to allow a customized approach for individual agencies to craft a program unique to their individual circumstances for specific projects. SMA's Accredited Urban and Community Forestry Program recog- nizes high-quality management practices and continues to expand, with accredited programs across the United States and Canada. SMA's digital publication, City Trees, is without equal in delivering top quality content to members. SMA's non-profit Urban Forest Foundation is expanding funding and sponsorship opportunities to reach other allied professionals and partners to further SMA's mission and goals. The SMA Listserve allows members to explore specific topics, ask ques- tions, and post items to share with other professionals. There are many fine membership organizations that address urban forestry, tree advocacy, arboricultural practices, sus- tainability, and other subjects germane to us as tree care professionals. SMA alone focuses specifically on the unique task of managing urban forests within the complexities of local demographics, politics, budgets, and boards. Our mem- bership makes it work, as members readily share their energy, expertise, insight, and experience. I am fortunate and proud to be among you. Thank you. As Joe mentions, the week we are writing these messag- es, MFI is in full swing at Lake Arrowhead, CA, the site of the very first MFI back in 2006. There are 58 participants and 7 teaching cadre members here who, along with several guest instructors, will explore many leadership ideas and concepts during the week. This is my 12th MFI and I totally understand why our grad- uates want to return and go through the program second time. I learn something every single year, even though the material doesn't much change, and many of the presenta- tions look very similar from year to year. Leadership is a big topic; there have been many books, TED talks, YouTube videos, etc. devoted to the topic. I guess it's a lot like diet and nutrition—there are many ways to achieve your desired results, but it's really up to each of us to decide which path we will follow. And, I might add, it's not always easy. Having the time away from work to focus on your personal and professional growth is a real luxury and, I believe, a necessary step in the leadership journey. Being a leader isn't just about learning concepts and the skills necessary to man- age people and ideas—it takes practice, practice, practice. Having a vision for the change you want to create is just the first step. Articulating it so that others can understand and join in is just as important. Sharing your ideas, inviting input by others, and being willing to adapt and revise as you go along is imperative. I don't think urban forestry is unique in the need for collaboration with other people and organiza- tions. Progress happens faster when everyone is on the same page and works together, no matter the field. Being in the moment, not looking at our cell phones every few minutes, focusing on a common goal with the passion and energy to create change … now that's what I call a lead- ership journey and one we can all benefit from, regardless of our job title, budget, or other constraints. President's Message Joe Benassini Executive Director's Message Jerri J. LaHaie 6 City Trees

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