Over 30 participants attended the recent 4th Annual Vermont Tree Stewards Conference to explore that question and many more on how to keep our trees and communities healthy. Held at the historic Holly Hall in Bristol, this conference provided an educational and networking opportunity for the stewards of Vermont's urban trees and community forests.

Patrick Olstad, Landscape Architect with Landworks, reviewed local redevelopment projects and showed how important trees are as infrastructure in the landscape.

Andy Hillman, Senior Consulting Urban Forester with the Davey Resource Group, was the keynote speaker. Andy delved into the challenges trees face in the urban environment and then explored strategies to get trees to thrive. One case study from Ithaca, NY he delightfully described as “putting the park back in parking lot”. The area was an unmaintained lot, but with the addition of pervious pavement, structural soil, and shade trees, this lot turned from a barren lot to a shaded, beautiful public space.

Lee Krohn, Planner with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and avid photographer, and Elise Schadler of VT Urban & Community Forestry Program wowed folks with their photographs of trees from bud to leaf and in all seasons.

Participants spent the afternoon outside with V.J. Comai, Arborist Representative with Bartlett Tree Expert Company, explored tree health issues. Participants examined trees with healthy root flares, issues with girdling roots, included bark, and learned about what to look for in assessing trees.

Participants left energized and with new knowledge. And as Andy Hilman put it, he may have been preaching to the choir, but that’s how you get them to sing! Stay tuned for next year’s conference!

Article by Gwen Kozlowski, UVM Extension, UCF Program

Photo by Mollie Klepack, UVM Extension