American Forests’ National Coaching Network is a community of practice for urban foresters, community advocates, city leaders and allied professionals to connect, learn, inspire and cultivate city commitments to advance Tree Equity.
Trees cool our neighborhoods, protect our cities from extreme weather events and improve public health, but for those tasked with the planning, planting and care of trees, the work can be challenging and isolating. American Forests launched the Coaching Network to connect urban foresters, community advocates, city leaders and allied professionals to collectively address their challenges with better tools and more resources.
Join us to access urban forestry experts from American Forests and our national network of partners, hear case stories from across the country, connect with your peers, and learn how to harness the power of trees to advance Tree Equity in your city.
Each National Coaching Network webinar starts at noon (EST), is free and one hour long: 15 minutes of connection and 45 minutes of interdisciplinary case study presentations focused on the components of Tree Equity commitment and advancement through cross sector collaboration. These dates and titles may change.
| Date | Focus | Participate |
|---|---|---|
| June 24, 2025 | A Special Discussion with Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer: Tree Equity is Reciprocity | Request Recording |
| July 17, 2025 | Tree Equity is Essential Infrastructure | Watch Recording |
| August 21, 2025 | Leverage Data for Environmental Justice | Download Slides |
| September 18, 2025 | Cultivate a Team, Share a Dream | Watch Recording |
| October 9, 2025 | Urban Forestry is a Public Service | Watch Recording, Download Slides |
| November 6, 2025 | Tree Preservation: Compounding Interest | Watch Recording |
| December 4, 2025 | Planning with Intention | Watch Recording |
| January 22, 2026 | Harness Transactions to Cultivate Transformations | Register |
| February 19, 2026 | Futureproof the Workforce | Register |
Contact American Forests’ Field Delivery Team to:
- Learn about opportunities for one-on-one coaching sessions with our experts
- Join deep dive seminars where we focus on strategic planning, team building and program adaptation.
- Connect with our regional team for advice from local experts
- Plug in to the Tree Equity Workforce Network for workforce development assistance
Launch Session – “Reciprocity and Biocultural Restoration” June 24, 2025 noon EST
Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer
Robin Wall Kimmerer is a plant ecologist, educator, and writer articulating a vision of environmental stewardship grounded in scientific and Indigenous knowledge. Trained as a botanist, Kimmerer is an expert in the ecology of mosses and the restoration of ecological communities. She brings to her scientific research and writing her lived experience as a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and the principles of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). TEK refers to the body of knowledge Indigenous peoples cultivate through their relationship with the natural world. It is centered on the interdependency between all living beings and their habitats and on humans’ inherent kinship with the animals and plants around them. As such, humans’ relationship with the natural world must be based in reciprocity, gratitude, and practices that sustain the Earth, just as it sustains us.
Session 1 – “Tree Equity and Essential Infrastructure” July 17, 2025 noon EST
Dr. Ray Yeager
Dr. Yeager is an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Louisville School of Medicine and Christina Lee Brown Environment Institute. Yeager is a lead on the Green Heart Louisville project and has an interdisciplinary background centered on environmental health geography.
Session 2 – “Leverage Data for Environmental Justice” August 21, 2025 noon EST
Breece Roberston
Breece Robertson is a nationally recognized leader in geospatial strategy, climate resilience, and conservation planning. With over 25 years of experience, she has designed and led transformative initiatives that use GIS, data, and Earth observation to advance sustainability, restoration, and environmental justice. From building the pioneering ParkScore®, ParkServe®, and Climate Smart Cities™ programs at The Trust for Public Land, to expanding global reforestation impact at One Tree Planted, Breece blends visionary strategy with grounded implementation. She is the author of “Protecting the Places We Love” (Esri Press, 2021) and has been honored with Esri’s Special Achievement in GIS and “Making a Difference” awards.
Joi Mayo
Joi Mayo is a community engagement leader with a background in education and a passion for environmental equity. As the Community Engagement Manager at TreesCharlotte, she leads the Treesilience Initiative and the TreeAmbassador program, expanding access to urban forestry and increasing participation in underserved communities.
Heather Brent
Heather Brent is the Urban Forest Educator at TreesCharlotte where she’s delighted to pursue her passion and work for the trees. Heather has a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in environmental engineering.
Session 3 – “Cultivate a Team, Share a Dream” September 18, 2025 noon EST
Leslie Berckes
Leslie Berckes is the Executive Director of the Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS), the professional membership home for people who make daily tree planting and care decisions in communities across the world.
Session 4 – “Urban Forestry is a Public Service” October 9, 2025 noon EST
Dr. Eric North
Dr. Eric North is the program manager of urban forestry at the Arbor Day Foundation and leads the Tree City USA recognition program. He is a former university professor, has served on various state and local tree boards, worked with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as an Associate Editor of their journal, and served on various ISA committees.
Session 5 – “Tree Preservation: Compounding Interest” November 6, 2025 noon EST
Kimberly Gilbertson
Kimberly Gilbertson is a Landscape Architect with the City of Austin’s Capital Delivery Services. Gilbertson is in the Engineering Services Division and is the sole landscape architect for four teams of engineers working on Capital Improvement Projects.
Emily King
Emily King is the Urban Forester for the City of Austin and currently serves on the board of directors for the Urban & Community Forestry Society (UCFS).
Session 6 – “Planning with Intention” December 4, 2025 noon EST
Michael Martini
Michael Martini is the Director of Urban and Community Forestry – U.S. for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative., where he is focused on expanding the organization’s urban forestry capacity in the U.S., with an emphasis on outreach to underserved communities and fostering partnerships.
Session 7 – “Harness Transactions to Cultivate Transformations” January 22, 2026 noon EST
Mike Oxendine
Mike Oxendine has worked alongside communities, organizations, and partners to support the health and resilience of urban forests and green spaces for over 20 years. As the Founder and Volunteer Director of OUR Community Forestry, Oxendine has worked with a dedicated team to develop programs centered on community engagement, workforce development, and environmental justice.
Session 8 – “Futureproof the Workforce” February 19, 2026 noon EST
Brigitte Orrick
Brigitte Orrick is a talent professional with 20 years of experience in talent management, workforce development, education and training in public, private, and non-profit sectors. In her current role, Brigitte leads Davey’s talent development team in human resources.
