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proactively deal with the media. On our last day, Ivan and Phil recounted how
their experiences as MFI alumni benefited their careers.
As full as the MFI schedule is, in case you got the impression that the week
was all work and no fun, let us fondly recall the late night "swims" in the St.
Lawrence River, the 6 a.m. saunas at the Fitness Centre, the boisterous clos-
ing reception at the Jet Set Pub, woodland walks on the beautiful NAV Centre
grounds, and those amazing sunrises overlooking the river. We saw new friend-
ships blossom and heard stories that MFI changed a life or two—not unexpect-
ed given the intensity of positive emotion that is generated by the program.
During the graduation ceremony on Friday, everyone proudly held their MFI
pin and certificate. Their smiles radiated the message loud and clear: another
group of leaders is heading home with determination to move their urban
forestry program forward. They carry with them increased confidence and a
cherished network of new friends at SMA. The future looks brighter for having
taken the time to invest a week at MFI.
One of the long-lasting benefits of participating in MFI is receiving a one-year
membership in the Society of Municipal Arborists. If the attendee was not a
member of SMA before MFI, they are now! Wonderful opportunities lie ahead
to grow their leadership skills within the Society. Each MFI grad can count on
this: the more you give of yourself to SMA, the more you get back.
On behalf of the teaching cadre, we hope each attendee feels they are now
part of the family of professionals who create and sustain community forests.
We look forward to hearing about the future accomplishments of the members
of the MFI Canada Class of 2017.
