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/871307
www.urban-forestry.com 23 Utilizing cutting-edge technology, we analyze data and turn it into information clients can use to make prudent tree management decisions. Let us co-develop creative solutions and provide support for your next landscape project. • Tree canopy assessments • Tree inventories • Tree risk assessments • Tree preservation services For more information about the unique expertise offered by the SavATree Consulting Group, visit www.savatree.com/consulting. savatree.com Trees | Shrubs | Lawn | Deer | Ticks | Consulting Actionable Tree Intelligence Call today (888) 750-7977 MEMBER Tree Inventory Map and spring tree planting projects, and participating with the City's street tree advisory board, Tree Watertown. I'm not always locked away in the office as I get to spend some time in the field conducting hazardous tree inspections and meeting with our in-house tree maintenance crew as needed. How did you get turned on to MFI? MD: I found out about MFI through my student internship with SMA in 2012. Within the past year there were a few peo- ple that asked if I was planning on attending MFI and then the seed was officially planted AND watered! After reading about MFI and running it by my Director, we knew that this opportunity would be a fantastic step in helping to improve the City's urban forestry program. What was the most surprising thing to you about MFI? MD: After reading some of the bios and introductions, I went to MFI feel- ing a bit intimidated, but within two minutes of meeting my classmates, those thoughts were washed away as I realized that we are all just trying to learn and be better humans. What was your biggest "aha" moment? MD: I think for me, the biggest "aha" moment helped me to discover a new overlapping personal and professional goal. It can be easy at times to feel held back by resistance within the organizational structure. My "aha" moment was finding the pressure release valve in accepting that I can't change or fix everything that is broken. However, I can commit to finding ways to help create "pockets of greatness" and to make them as meaningful as possible. What is one thing you learned that you are going to apply in practice back in your job? MD: The idea of incorporating lateral leadership has been powerful in the way that I look at my current position. It shows me that with practice and patience I can help to facilitate positive change in the work environment through empowering others to think creatively. What would you say to people who are thinking about attending MFI? MD: For those of you that are on the fence about attending MFI, I say GO FOR IT! The time and resources that it costs to attend MFI are vastly outweighed by the benefits that you will gain. DeMarco says, "I would like to give a big shout out and thank you to the New York State Urban Forestry Council and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Without the support and positive push from members of these organizations, I would not have been able to take part in MFI 2017." Registration Now Open! February 18-23, 2018 Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center in Litchfield, Connecticut See www.urban-forestry.com for more information and to register