Tuesday Speakers

Biography

In 2000 Gathright, founded Japan’s first Technical Tree Climbing School dedicated to helping people of all abilities climb large trees for recreation, rehabilitation and nature education. TCJ, is a Nation Wide organization with over 6,000 Certified TCJ tree climbers 400,000 participants.

He later founded Japan’s first Arborist Training Institute (ATI) with over 7,000 participants and Trainers through out Japan. These organizations lead to the establishment of Japan’s Largest Arborist Gear Import and Manufacturing company in Japan.

Gathright, believes that as an industry we under sell the benefit of our tree care services and our role in society. That we also under value our trees and the enhanced benefits that we can provide society. During this presentation he will share a business discovery that they are pioneering in Japan. It utilizes science based purpose specific tree climbing programs to increase the economical and societal value of the trees. It also increases the financial benefits for the companies that care for them. They have also documented the enhanced health and well-being benefits to employees and arborists who participate in their programs.

Abstract

When most people look up at a tall tree, they see a beautiful living thing, a source of shade, or even an obstacle. When Dr. John Gathright looks up at a tree, he sees hope, freedom and courage. Dr. John Gathright, is a Social Entrepreneur who believes trees are our friends, our teachers and emotional doctors. John’s doctorate is in creating Purpose Specific Tree Climbing Programs that Benefit Trees and Society. He has focused his businesses and organizations on partnering with trees to build healthier communities for Trees and People. By reaching across a diversity of professions and focusing on innovative ways of enhancing the benefits of trees he has transformed the arboriculture industry in Japan.

Abstract

Trees and people have been connected over the many millennia we have been present on this Planet, facilitating our very existence. “Throughout human history, trees have enabled us in a very tangible way... We live in trees via building materials and furniture. We ingest trees – food and medicinal sustenance. We share our thoughts and knowledge using paper made from their pulp. We wear trees’ fiber for clothing. Trees convey us via canoes, wagons, bridges. They warm us in winter and shade us in summer. But these same tangibles have also inspired the intangibles – shelter can also be viewed as protection and sustenance can be of the spirit and the mind as well as for the body.” (Zurcher, N. In review. Connecting Tree with People: Synergistic Strategies for Growing the Urban Forest.

If one analyzes the intangibles – the myths, the art - one can see the effect trees have on our individual and collective psyche. How then do we turn ancestral connections into today’s actionable stewardship? How do we, the professional choir, get back to those basics that Dr. Alex Shigo was so fond of sharing – what makes a tree a tree - biologically, structurally, genetically.? How can the built environment accommodate trees’ needs, enabling all those remarkable capacities, so critical in a changing climate? How do we expand the stakeholder circle to create and include an informed citizenry?

This Urban Forester/Consulting Arborist’s observations from the field will offer insight into innovative strategies for the planning and management of the Urban Forest - strategies that not only provide beneficial outcomes for our urban trees but facilitate community empowerment, cross cultural collaboration and informed advocacy, resulting in a more sustainable urban ecosystem and a healthier, more connected human population.

Biography

Mark Roberts is a former President of the ISA and the New Zealand Arboricultural Association. He has been honoured nationally and internationally for his services to arboriculture and the profession. His relaxed and approachable presenting style has seen him talk on varied topics across the world stage. Mark has written industry articles for over 20 years, he currently writes for various industry organisations, associations and for green industry publications.

Mark is a consulting arborist based in Dunedin New Zealand.

Abstract

What is a Tree? A tree is greater than the sum of its parts, and in this presentation, I don’t plan to talk about any of them.

When someone is hurt or killed by a falling tree there is shock, followed by anger and outrage. The situation becomes emotional, logic goes out the window and the demands start to flow in. Trees are dangerous, trees are bad.

Big trees, small trees, healthy trees, all trees – trees are bad when the community is frightened. As arborist’s we need to calm the waters, we need to manage the outrage and de- catastrophise the situation. But how? In this presentation I shall introduce the concept of outrage management and decatastrophising.

Fear is an emotion and when dealing with frightened clients and members of public using logic, science, and common sense, might not work – in fact often, such things might make matters worse.

Outrage management is about guidance and letting the frightened have their say. As a consulting arborist and tree risk assessor, I shall share what I have learnt over the past 30years. I shall explain what has worked and just as importantly, I shall explain what hasn’t worked. Managing outrage is a skill that I was never taught, but I wish that I had.

Biography

B.S. in forestry, Oklahoma State University 1982.

Worked in traditional forestry in Colorado and California. Self-employed in Oklahoma and Texas as a consultant in urban & community forestry, & arboriculture. Employed at Oklahoma Forestry Services for past 29 years.

Since 1996 Mark and many others in the tree care industry have been involved with the Oklahoma City Memorial and the recovery efforts centering on improving the health the Survivor Tree. This native, American elm is less than a hundred yards from where the bomb was detonated and is the closest living tree that took the full force of the bomb.

Abstract

At the highest point on the grounds of the Oklahoma City National Memorial stands a very special tree in the hearts of the victims’ families, survivors and all those impacted by a senseless act of violence that struck the in heart of Oklahoma City 25 years ago. This native American elm has come to represent hope and healing and stands strong as a symbol for all to reflect upon remembering those lives lost and honoring their memories.

Today the Survivor Tree, like the Oklahoma City community, stands strong honoring those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever from the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building.

In 1996 at the request of the Oklahoma City Memorial Foundation Mark Bays an urban forester with Oklahoma Forestry Services was asked to assist with the care for the Survivor Tree and this has continued ever since. Many in the tree care industry in Oklahoma continue to voluntarily give their time, equipment and supplies whenever it’s needed. The National Memorial also wanted to be sure that the legacy and special meaning of this tree would live on and since 1996 volunteers and staff collect seeds to continue the Survivor Tree Seedling Program to grow new generations of trees.

Mark and others worked closely with the designers, engineers and construction crews in all aspects of the construction relating to the Survivor Tree and many innovative designs were considered and implemented.

“I have worked on many construction projects but the feeling here was different.

Bays said.

“Everybody knew it was much more than any one of us and everyone worked together in a spirit dignity and respect”.

Come learn the special story of the recovery of The Survivor Tree and its ongoing care that began in 1996.

Biography

Undergraduate Degree in Forest Science (Sam Ratulangi University, North Sulawesi, Indonesia 2009); Postgraduate Forest Science & Management (Southern Cross University, NWS, Australia, 2016); Community Forest Management, Jayapura, Papua (2009-2014); Lecturer at Faculty Of Forestry Ottow Geissler University, Jayapura, Papua, (2016-Now); Provincial Commission of Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Papua Province, (2017-2020); Junior Technical Specialist at Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Eastern Indonesia Program, (2017-2019); Validation team of Strategic Environmental Assessment in Department of Environment, Papua Province; Chair at Green Cities For Papua (GCFP) Project, June 2018-Now; Paul has presented at industry conferences including the World Forum on Urban Forestry in Mantova, in 2018; Research Analyst Consultant at World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia for Cities4Forest project in Jayapura City (2020-Now).

Abstract

This presentation will describe the significant role that trees play in the belief system, culture and traditions of people in Biak, Papua. It will outline how people in Biak value the trees in their surrounding areas in terms of conservation, traditional medicine, culture and socio-economic value, based on their local wisdom. This wisdom is significant in promoting Biak as a tourist destination, particularly for eco-tourism. However, even though the surrounding area is green with trees, in terms of management these trees are not currently being managed properly to maximise their full potential to deliver environmental, economic and social benefits for citizens and visitors. A management plan and guidance are needed to develop urban forest management in Biak. In 2018 Paulus Mandibondibo (Ottow Geissler University, Papua) and John Parker (Arboricultural Association, UK) launched Green Cities for Papua, an initiative intended to assist local government in Papua to promote the importance of urban trees and proper urban forest management in the country. The project is also intended to promote Papua and to assist the local government agenda to find nature-based solutions for climate issues. So far activities have included tree planting, particularly with a view to flood mitigation, and political engagement with a view to developing an urban forest management plan for Biak. 

Biography

TBC

Abstract

“Their shapes, their burrs and branch stumps and rootstocks are a living record of what has happened to them historically. In their maturity trees are so etched with experience that they become recognisable not just as species but as individuals and then yet another kind of grain begins to develop – the accumulating layers of myth and affection that gather round ancient trees”

Richard Mabey (1980)

Archaeologists and historians look to documents, old maps, tree ring chronologies and plant remains (e.g. pollen, charcoal, neolithic trackways) but long-lived trees in their own right also have much to tell us. Arboriculturalists are well placed to learn tree language and help other specialists read a tree like a document to enrich an overall understanding of the past.

It is possible to reach far back in time through analysing the location, ecological requirements and the way trees grow, age or have been managed of individual or groups of trees. In some cases, it’s a question of understanding the body language of the tree or how it has been managed. Alternatively, it maybe through understanding different species demand for light and the natural processes needed for their survival. Interpreting their stories may involve circumstantial or tangential information from associated communities of species such as saproxylic invertebrates or associations with famous people and events.

Historical documents inform us about trees but equally trees can help us better interpret historic documents for example the 32 pollard trees on the Bayeux Tapestry may be helping to revise the historic record of this iconic story.

Using different tree species including those that have exceptionally long ancient life-stages, it is possible to start to read a tree like an historic document and give them a voice.

Biography

Reg Harris is a lifelong arborist and is the Director of Urban Forestry (Bury St Edmunds) Ltd. He has specialised in working with veteran and ancient trees for over 25 years, including looking after the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest.

Abstract

A guided tour of postcards (enlarged) of the UK’s most famous tree, the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. The postcards span 125 years and tell a story of the advent of tree tourism, including the people who looked after the tree, early veteran tree management techniques and the long-term effects of compaction on this iconic tree.

Biography

Dr Jennifer Murray is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Jennifer is a subject matter expert on practitioner decision making in risk assessment, having published extensively on this topic and recently published the first generalist book on risk assessment and management practice and process across the public sector. She has gained over £1.5million in research funding, publishing in peer reviewed journals and practitioner focused publications to maximise the reach of the findings and regularly delivers CPD training to organisations on decision making and risk assessment.

Abstract

Despite the increased risk in the likelihood of tree failure, there is a dearth of tree risk assessment methods which are supported by observations. There is some variation in tree risk assessment practice, brought about through differences in experience, training and personal opinions of practitioners. This aligns with the psychological concept of “noise”, which refers to the impact of non-relevant information on decisions and to chance variability of judgements and decisions based on factors outside of the relevant evidence base. However, what is not known is (1) what extraneous variables or “noise” influence practitioner decisions of tree risk? (2) are all of these “noise” factors actually problematic, or might some of this supposed noise actually improve risk decisions? Uncovering whether there is tacit knowledge that can improve risk assessment is an understudied but important consideration within the development of risk assessments for any field. This talk will discuss a research project that aims to explore the effect of “noise” on judgements that underpin tree risk assessment and how these affect decisions. In the study we hope:

1. To understand the judgement and decision making process of practitioners when assessing tree risk.
2. To identify what risk information practitioners use during tree risk assessment, what risk information they don’t use, and why.
3. To identify from the findings of (2) which risk information used is known to be predictive of tree risk, and hence identify the risk information that is used which is ‘not predictive’ and therefore can be considered “noise” within the assessment.
4. Identify whether this “noise” from (3) is actually detrimental or may be beneficial to tree risk assessment.
5. To identify whether there is (a) consistency in the risk information used across practitioners’ risk assessments and (b) consistency in across practitioners’ decisions about risk.

Stephania Gasperini Biography

Stefania Gasperini, agronomist and arborist, owner of AR.ES., an Italian company qualified in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry. Specialized in tree risk, stability assessment and management of veteran trees. Speaker at many conferences and workshops, board member of SIA (Società Italiana di Arboricoltura), 1st Vice-Chairwoman of EAC - European Arboriculture Council, board member of SAG Baumstatik e.V. and member of ISA - International Society of Arboriculture. She is an ISA Certified Arborist and TRAQ Qualified (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification). With Giovanni Morelli, Stefania worked for many years with Pierre Raimbault and she now is one of the leaders of Progetto 400, inspired by Francis Hallé, a project that will be studying trees for the next 400 years.

Giovanni Morelli Biography

Giovanni Morelli, agronomist and arborist, owner of Progetto Verde is a chartered expert professional, specialized in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, Veteran Trees, tree risk, stability assessment and management of ornamental trees. Speaker at many conferences and workshops, board member of SAG Baumstatik e.V., member of SIA (Società Italiana di Arboricoltura) and of ISA - International Society of Arboriculture. He is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, TRAQ Qualified (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) and QTRA expert. With Stefania Gasperini, Giovanni worked for many years with Pierre Raimbault and both apply a morphophysiological approach to trees in their daily work.

Abstract

We will proceed with the analysis of the architecture and morphophysiology of some trees in the park. The different stages of development will be described, especially in relation to different botanical species and genera. This analysis will also be the basis for considerations regarding the correct pruning techniques, which must be different according to the tree's stage of development. Specific attention will be paid to the morphophysiological and stability characteristics of veteran trees.

Keith Sacre Biography

Keith Sacre has a MSc in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, a BSc in Arboriculture, a BSc in Social Science and a post graduate diploma in management studies. He is currently a director at Barcham Trees. He is a co-founder of Treeconomics, a founder member and trustee of the Trees and Design Action Group and a trustee of the UK Arboricultural Association and is a previous chair of the Association.

Keith has over 30 years of experience in the nursery industry and was the lead author of the UK British Standard Trees: From Nursery to Independence in the Landscape published in 2014.

Keith has travelled extensively across the world viewing both nursery practice and urban forestry management with a particular focus on young trees. He has spoken at conferences in the UK, USA, Australia and across mainland Europe and writes extensively for numerous periodicals and journals.

He has also written and published three advisory manuals on young tree production, management and maintenance.

Abstract

There tremendous focus on tree planting from both central and local government coupled with increased community activity and demand. Much of this focus is on planting by numbers trees or percentage increases in tree canopy cover. Targets are set such as ‘we will increase canopy cover by a given percentage in a given number of years’ or we will ‘ plant a given number of trees in a given period.’ Such targets are admirable but the effect on the nursery industry has rarely been considered in any detail particularly when considering advanced nursery stock, street trees. Demand for trees has risen exponentially. This paper will explore the ramifications for the nursery industry and the urban forest. It will look at the impact on the supply chain and consider the wider implications for the urban forest considering questions such as the impacts of high demand on urban forest diversity, the impact on imports and wider biosecurity questions, the implications of increased management and maintenance and whether such volumetric targets for tree planting will deliver a sustainable urban forest which is resilient and capable of delivering the many benefits expected. The paper will also explore the advantages of strategic management and long term planning to both managers of the urban forest and the nursery industry when tree planting targets and programmes are outlined and implemented.