Urban Forest Blog
From Oil to Trees
by Michelle Werts
Arboriculture was not his first career for this week’s ’s 2012 True Professional of Arboriculture. Texas-based Bruce Kreitler actually toiled on and around oil fields for 25 years before the demands of the job led him to turn his passion for trees into a new career.
Come back next Friday to meet a poet and writer who helps protect historic trees in New York.
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A Hospital Oasis Under Threat
by Michelle Werts
Sometimes — oftentimes — it feels as though nature and development are locked in an eternal battle. Cities and communities are continually running out of space, while trees, flowers and shrubs need lots of precious space to thrive. So what is one to do when more space is needed for infrastructure, but the only way to get it is to destroy a greenspace? That’s the question currently facing Boston Children’s Hospital.
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Tucked between the Wolbach and Farley buildings on the hospital’s campus is the green oasis known as the Prouty Memorial Garden. The garden is the brainchild of Olive Prouty, who set up an endowment for the cr... (Read More)
For the Love of Trees
by Michelle Werts
Earlier this month, the announced the five members of the 2012 class of its “True Professionals of Arboriculture.”
, “The True Professional honor is a celebration of those who reach for and strive to maintain high standards of the arboriculture industry. Their achievements and ideas educate and inspire others. We are proud they play such a leading role in promoting quality tree care.”
Since arborists are on the frontlines every day, protecting and studying trees in our cities, communities and forests, is taking the next five Fridays to recognize this year’s “True Professionals” in celebration of the work of thousands of ... (Read More)
Urban Forests for Healthy Healing
by Melinda Housholder, Urban Forests Program Director
Urban forests are vital to help maintain our emotional, mental and physical well-being.
The evening before I had wrist surgery a few weeks ago, I went for a jog. In a time when I was feeling anxious and just needed some time to think about the road of recovery ahead of me, I found myself jogging along a neighborhood trail within my local urban forest. I couldn't help but notice that my surroundings immediately made me feel much better — more relaxed and encouraged to cope with the challenges ahead. That evening, I ran past the oaks, sycamores, sweetgums and elms of my community, leaving my worries behind me and feeling the peaceful s... (Read More)
Weather and Urban Forests: For Better and Worse
by Melinda Housholder, Urban Forests Program Director
In the last few weeks, many folks, especially on the East Coast, have witnessed the realities of urban forests — for better and for worse.
With temperatures across the country exceeding heat records, urban forests have played a critical role in providing a shade refuge for pedestrians, cyclists and anyone stuck out in the heat. For example, in a rather un-canopied area of Baltimore, with the sun beaming down on a 100-degree day, I witnessed several people huddled under a single street tree as they waited for their bus. — and they can be strategically placed around buildings to help decrease the demand for air conditioning. With su... (Read More)